Author Topic: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018  (Read 50388 times)

IanDG

  • The p*** artist formerly known as 'Windy'
    • the_dandg_rouleur
Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #75 on: 06 January, 2018, 03:50:04 pm »
What SPF suncream is everyone thinking?
Very optimistic, what MPF midge repellent is everyone thinking?

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #76 on: 06 January, 2018, 04:07:38 pm »
What SPF suncream is everyone thinking?

There's a special type of cream you buy when on the west coast, When you go into shops etc look for factor weegie, offers the best protection for peelywally skin  :thumbsup:
Mind of a cyclist, body of a dart player.

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #77 on: 06 January, 2018, 05:55:29 pm »
More to the point, Smidge or Skin-So-Soft ... ?
mibbes aye, mibbes naw

IanDG

  • The p*** artist formerly known as 'Windy'
    • the_dandg_rouleur
Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #78 on: 06 January, 2018, 06:16:31 pm »
IIRC the effective ingredient has been removed from 'Skin So Soft'

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #79 on: 06 January, 2018, 06:24:13 pm »
IIRC the effective ingredient has been removed from 'Skin So Soft'
Smidge it is then. At least that's an easy one.
mibbes aye, mibbes naw

Bairn Again

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #80 on: 09 January, 2018, 09:38:51 am »
My agent in the West Highlands (Fort William based mother in law) tells me that its generally 50/50 for midgies end May/start June.  Depends on what kind of winter weve had apparently.  Dry and cold keeps them away for longer Im assured but by mid/late June there is no escape.       

That said, if I were riding I would definitely bring a midgie net.    I recall one very unpleasant puncture repair near Connel on the Twilight a few years ago.

<goes off to update guidance for riders>
 

CrazyEnglishTriathlete

  • Miles eaten don't satisfy hunger
  • Chartered accountant in 5 different decades
    • CET Ride Reports and Blogs
Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #81 on: 09 January, 2018, 05:18:03 pm »
I had an 8 day hiking holiday in Inchnadamph in the far northwest in July last year and midges were not a major problem.  Having said that there are three things midges don't like - heavy rain, bright sun, and strong winds, and we generally had at least one of these - and the winds on one of the days were sufficient that you'd prefer the midges.  I also don't recall midges being a problem on the Mille Alba a few years back (but then we also had either rain or wind for most of that ride too....)
Eddington Numbers 130 (imperial), 182 (metric) 571 (furlongs)  114 (nautical miles)

Lee Killestein

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #82 on: 11 January, 2018, 11:35:28 am »
15+ entries will cover the cost of van hire for abag drop....c £200 for a Thu-Mon transit van.

I'm in. Has the threshold been reached where a bag drop is possible/likely?

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #83 on: 11 January, 2018, 12:31:22 pm »
15+ entries will cover the cost of van hire for abag drop....c £200 for a Thu-Mon transit van.

I'm in. Has the threshold been reached where a bag drop is possible/likely?

Yes it has Lee, when Graeme emailed me 3 days ago he had 69 entries from a limit of 100. He has confirmed that there will be an Oban bag drop.

Lee Killestein

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #84 on: 11 January, 2018, 01:13:18 pm »
15+ entries will cover the cost of van hire for abag drop....c £200 for a Thu-Mon transit van.

I'm in. Has the threshold been reached where a bag drop is possible/likely?

Yes it has Lee, when Graeme emailed me 3 days ago he had 69 entries from a limit of 100. He has confirmed that there will be an Oban bag drop.

That's good news Bertie. 69? Better make my mind up over whether to book in somewhere in Oban or just bivvy soon then!

**Edit** Just found the email from Graeme in my Junk Folder!  :facepalm:

cgg

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #85 on: 14 January, 2018, 11:09:43 am »
Signed up :)

Andy Corless

  • Doesn't take the p***, says it as it is!
Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #86 on: 15 January, 2018, 06:08:56 pm »
"Booked into Corran House Guest House & Hostel"

Just to advise if you don't know already of the check-in/out policies for this hotel.

"Hostel Policies:

Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3 PM

Check-in time ends at 10 PM

Minimum check-in age is 18

Special check-in instructions:

The front desk is open daily from 3 PM until 10 PM
To make arrangements for check-in, please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation.
"

Andy Corless

cgg

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #87 on: 15 January, 2018, 08:40:47 pm »
Looking at trains now. I see a cheap one arriving at 20:21 at Haymarket. Will the organizer hang around for a bit at the start?

Edit: I actually haven't received any confirmation about my entry, except the paypal receipt. Should I worry?

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #88 on: 31 January, 2018, 11:48:42 am »
I'm in and have booked a bed for two nights at the Oban SYHA. Very much looking forward to it. Kennacraig CalMac Ferries terminal (open 6am to 6pm) is within 300m of the route at the 264 km and 368km points, and has a warm waiting room. There are 0700, 1000 and 1800 departures which I 'might be waiting for'. Also on Kintyre, half way between Claonaig and Cambeltown, the Carradale post office and shop (opens at 9am) is on the route (with 20 hilly km to go to Cambeltown). Better info control site than Claonaig?

JonB

  • Granny Ring ... Yes Please!
Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #89 on: 31 January, 2018, 02:03:32 pm »
Looking at trains now. I see a cheap one arriving at 20:21 at Haymarket. Will the organizer hang around for a bit at the start?

Edit: I actually haven't received any confirmation about my entry, except the paypal receipt. Should I worry?

I had an email on Jan 7 from the organiser, it might be worth contacting him and/or checking any spam folders

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #90 on: 31 January, 2018, 03:52:03 pm »
Graeme has said (on the calendar page): "Depending on the number of entries, I may have to limit places. These will be confirmed separately from the entry process and by email. I suggest that you only make travel and accommodation plans once your place has been confirmed. Submitting an entry along with payment does not confirm your place."
I look forward to his confirmation e-mail which will come in due course (no hurry - the relevant train advance tickets do not go on sale till end February).
Looking forward to the method he employs to "ensure that event starters will receive value for money on the event". Are we passing any distilleries?

cgg

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #91 on: 31 January, 2018, 04:22:37 pm »
Looking at trains now. I see a cheap one arriving at 20:21 at Haymarket. Will the organizer hang around for a bit at the start?

Edit: I actually haven't received any confirmation about my entry, except the paypal receipt. Should I worry?

I had an email on Jan 7 from the organiser, it might be worth contacting him and/or checking any spam folders

All settled :)

Bairn Again

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #92 on: 01 February, 2018, 02:25:34 pm »
Graeme has said (on the calendar page): "Depending on the number of entries, I may have to limit places. These will be confirmed separately from the entry process and by email. I suggest that you only make travel and accommodation plans once your place has been confirmed. Submitting an entry along with payment does not confirm your place."
I look forward to his confirmation e-mail which will come in due course (no hurry - the relevant train advance tickets do not go on sale till end February).
Looking forward to the method he employs to "ensure that event starters will receive value for money on the event". Are we passing any distilleries?
This was my get out clause in case there were hundreds of entries in the first few days.

im pleased to say that we are currently (as of 23-00 last night) sitting at 82 entries, so that means that everybody who has entered by 11pm last night is in. 

I think there are only a handful of entries (those submitted in the last few days) that haven't yet been acknowledged. 

A big van has been hired.  i'll have to have a think about the best start / finish location vis a vis bag drop.  Not sure network rail will take too kindly to us using their station concourse, perhaps theres a cycle friendly hostelry nearby that will accommodate us.   

18 spaces left, then the door closes.   

Bairn Again

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #93 on: 01 February, 2018, 07:00:05 pm »
Thats everybody emailed up to and including those who entered up to 12 noon today.

Email me if youre in any doubt.

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #94 on: 26 February, 2018, 03:16:31 pm »
This will be my first full overnight ride and I am just looking for some advice.

From approx 60km to 240km, 22:30 to 08:00 there are no 24hr garages etc.
I can carry an extra water bottle, 3 in total, and drop it off at the bag drop so I am not too worried about fluids.
I have been considering a very small meths bivi type burner and mug, so that I can have a hot drink or even hot food during this part of the ride. 
Again leaving it with my drop bag when I get to Oban.

Is this a sensible idea or any other suggestions?

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #95 on: 12 March, 2018, 10:29:51 pm »
Advance Single tickets for West Coast trains on 31 May) seem to have been 'released' today (Monday).
"Journey: Birmingham Stations to Edinburgh
Ticket type: ADVANCE
Route: Virgin West Coast & connections
Outward journey: 31 May 2018
departs Birmingham New Street at 12:15 travel by Train service provider Virgin Trains to station Edinburgh arrives 16:20 ( seats reserved: and space for 1 bicycle )"

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #96 on: 14 March, 2018, 03:58:09 pm »
Mighyt have done better to wait 3 days (precising MSE note):

Virgin Trains is having an up to 52% off sale across selected peak and off-peak trains for routes on its West Coast network – stations between London Euston and Glasgow Central, see https://www.virgintrains.co.uk/stations-destinations.
For 4 days from 00.01am on Thu 15 Mar until 11.59pm on Mon 19 Mar booked via the Virgin Trains site. But if you're on O2, you can get access now via its Priority app. The sale will include one-way standard advance tickets between London and Birmingham for £5 each way, between London and Manchester for £11 each way, and between Glasgow and London for £18 each way. You can also get some cracking first class fares (see below). Tickets are for travel from Tue 3 Apr to Fri 1 Jun (so going north only)

For 'Smoke' dwellers, Euston (ie west coast taking 80 minutes longer) to Edinburgh is £18 (0843 or 1043 ex Euston, arr Ed 1419/1620). Otherwise it's £40 (selected trains ex KGX).

Bairn Again

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #97 on: 16 March, 2018, 01:08:06 pm »
public service announcement.....

Given the lack of overnight facilities between Dunblane (60km) and possibly as far as Lochgilphead (234km) Ive booked the Church hall in Comrie (96km) so folk can get indoors and fill up the tanks.  Ive updated the blurb on the AUK site. 


Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #98 on: 16 March, 2018, 01:48:08 pm »
Thank you - that is good news.
Using Streetview on Google I had spotted a tap at the back of the garage at Tyndrum.
Also the Pine Trees Holiday Park @ 150km looks to have a few easily accessible taps - not sure how they would feel about then being used in the early hours of the morning though.

citoyen

  • Occasionally rides a bike
Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #99 on: 20 March, 2018, 02:44:27 pm »
Foolishly, I didn't book a room at the Oban SYHA when I had the chance in January and now they're full up.  :facepalm:

Looking at the Backpackers as a possible alternative. Does anyone know if they are OK with late check-ins? I suspect I'm unlikely to arrive before 10pm on the Friday.

Still also contemplating the bivvy bag option but I'm quite keen on the idea of a proper bed.

On the plus side, I've got cheap train tickets to and from Edinburgh booked, and bike places reserved on both.  :thumbsup:
"The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles."