Highland Fling 1000 from Darlington, - now Friday 29/04/2022

[Deano]

Yup, open for entries again from midnight on Monday 21st February.

[IanDG]

I've no idea. I'm just hoping that the callouses on my butt from previous seasons will see me through. I'm sure that half the ride is downhill too, so it's only really 500km. Reluctantly heading out for a 200 tomorrow and hoping against hope that I enjoy it.

Part of it is certainly Downhill

Some of the Old Military Road to Castle Douglas is downhill - some of it isn't 

[Deano]

Hush, they'll be fine. I'll be happy for a hill or two after the Solway Coast bit.

[IanDG]

Hush, they'll be fine. I'll be happy for a hill or two after the Solway Coast bit.

After the windy bit?

[Deano]

Yep, a bit of shelter from the wind

[Graeme]

6 weeks to go.

[Deano]

Six and a half, G.

I was surprised to get a few more entries in over the weekend while I was out checking the route. It is still open, but I can't sneak many more in, based on the controls and how many of you I can be arsed to feed.

Top tip - make sure your waterproofs are still waterproof before the ride

[oggy]

The idea of the route check/helpers ride is to get all the bad weather so the event has sunny clear blue warm skies

[FifeingEejit]

The idea of the route check/helpers ride is to get all the bad weather so the event has sunny clear blue warm skies

I disproved this theory in December, even the forecast said I was getting the worse day (it was the day before).
The riders very definitely got the worst day, "I've never been so wet and cold on a bike" was one comment.
One rider arrived later than intended at the start, the one and only to look at the forecast and have a complete kit change.

[Deano]

Ha, well, we'll find out. I doubt I used up all the rain the west coast has. And I've a helper's ride pencilled in for next weekend, but a solo 1000 is always going to be a bit chancy.

Meanwhile, I just emailed the final (probably) info out to riders - you should all have it, but let me know if not.

PS bought a new jacket and gloves off the back of that - jacket is awesome, gloves less so.

[hippy]

I was gonna have an early snooze after Castle Douglas somewhere but then read "The garage at Dalmellington (255 km) opens at 6 am, though really you’ll want to be through there before that" so now I wonder if my planned start w/ sleep was a bit too relaxed? You expect most people to just push on through the first night? It's not like it's something I'm unfamiliar with but I wanted to maximise my sightseeing, given I rarely get to venture up north.

[Deano]

It's up to you and we'll be covering the max time limit so anything you do within that is fine by me, but the Ayr to Ardrossan stretch is a bit urban, I'd want to do that while it's quiet.

[Deano]

Well it's been a busy couple of weeks here at Fling Central. I rode the route myself last weekend, all riders should have the minor updates by email now. Might write up something a bit more at some point, but I've definitely put the support in the right places, as there's fuck all open between 10 pm and 6 am between Comrie and Crieff. Unless you can convince the contractor renovating a derelict hotel to let you in for the night, but that's a different story.

There is a lot of riding next to water, which is only one of the things I like about the route.

And this weekend has been the other side of ride prep, with the oven on full burn, and sorting out all the other background things.

Ready for you all in Darlo on Friday, or elsewhere on the route

[mattc]

So I guess this is actually happening, right? <gulp>

Great pics!

I liked the hills info note. In at least 3 places; "this may be the hardest longest bastard hill on the ride".
Thanks for that.

[oggy]

Rain Saturday but time to improve yet

http://www.weatherbagel.com/f/fedd8427-d7d7-48ff-ae1b-13a9f3fb33f6

good news it will keep those pesky midges down

[Deano]

Bit early to go checking weather forecasts, Steve.

But if that's right you'd have a tailwind all the way round

[Peter]

That reminds me, Dean: that halva you brought down the other week was lovely!  The riders are lucky; not only are you a route master but a caterer of class - like John Perrin!

I liked the severally-punned "fixed" picture, too.

Have a lovely time, everyone.

[Graeme]

There's no way we're getting a tailwind the whole way round. I wondered what the Daily Express would be forecasting for the weekend and I was delighted to see that they're predicting snow-mageddon. I never feel let down by the Express' weather forecasts: if I want end of the world, I know where to look.

Started on my packing list. It's looking like "bring everything"
Day 1: 570km Afternoon - Night - Day - Night
Day 2: ~300km Early to Late
Day 3: 130km Early to Lunch

Deano's food, hills and shelter guidance is brilliant. Combined with the photos I'm really looking forward to the ride and immersing myself in it for four 'daytimes'.

My prep has been dreadful. A few 200s, one 300, plus two instances of Covid and a hurty Achilles. Thankfully fully recovered from all of that now. However, I feel like I'm heading out into the cold and wet woefully unready. I'm sort of hoping we'll just encourage each other through this. There'll be highs and lows for all of us but together we'll be alright. I hope.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Friday.

[Deano]

Blame Matt, he did ask if there'd be snow on the tops

[Graeme]

Deano,
I've had a ride out on the folding bike... working perfectly and ready for the event.
 

[FifeingEejit]

I have forgotten how to pack a Carradice for a long ride.
That is however the least of my worries pre-wise, if I pack wrong my fellow train carriage occupants will jsut have to suffer...

[Deano]

That reminds me, Dean: that halva you brought down the other week was lovely!  The riders are lucky; not only are you a route master but a caterer of class - like John Perrin!

I liked the severally-punned "fixed" picture, too.

Have a lovely time, everyone.

Ah thanks Pete, the halva is a hard sell at times so I only make it for those who appreciate it!

[Deano]

Deano,
I've had a ride out on the folding bike... working perfectly and ready for the event.
 

Great stuff, thanks G, I'll have the jacket ready too.

[mr ben]

Wow, this is looking epic on all fronts.  I'll see you all in Castle Douglas.

If the Express is predicting POLAR VORTEX it'll probably turn out nice.

[john jackson]

From the routesheet:-
BOLDON COLLIERY control – McD’s, Asda,cinema etc

I can imagine the snoring in the cimema as riders have a nap in the dark.