As we continue to plan LEL2025, a small challenge for riders is beginning to emerge.
In previous editions, many riders stopped at either Brampton or Moffat on night 2, allowing themselves the day to enjoy a loop of Scotland. However our new route throws a bit of a spanner in the works. Our new control in Hawick, effectively displacing Moffat some 75km, is rather smaller than we'd like it to be. I reckon we can squeeze 150 beds into the venue, but only if we first clear out the space of tables and chairs for use during the day.
This will put even more pressure on Brampton as a result. So to mitigate this we've put a few things in place.
- Removing the 100 hour group will free up some 250 highly desirable start slots from 05:00. This should encourage more of you to not only press on to Malton on night 1, but beyond Brampton on night 2.
- We're maxing out the space for beds in Brampton. We've hired some high-quality marquees with flooring and heating, as well as bringing in two more halls at the school as dormitories.
- We've arranged a pop-up dormitory at Newcastleton, between Brampton and Hawick. This will be first-come-first served, and will have few facilities other than loos and a light breakfast in the morning. There are public showers available over the road. The Olive Tree, just round the corner, will be open during the event.
- The bag drop rules have changed a little. You can now choose one control in England and one in Scotland for your bag drops. This should make Brampton a less attractive option for honeypotting.