[Closed] Sick as a dog so, show me you Bivi / Bikepacking / Adventure racing gear.....

Congrats on the 1600th post, now Cmon get plotting!!! just plotted all 15 and thats a lot of climbing!!!!!!!

Looks fine john, the dpm is only on one side so you can always use it the other way up if you dont like the colour. Its just polythene rather than a coated nylon hence the low price. It's a good weight for its size and price. Have fun rigging it up:)

Do I take it the wrt grid refs are out in time for the 4 day weekend?

Ha, are you lot too busy plotting WRT routes to notice 1600 posts.
Nothing useful to add though.

I can't believe you were lurking to catch the 1600th post 😉

Off to get the maps to start my planning tonight for WRT 😀

i'm not able to make it to this year's wrt. but love to know where it's all going, so can I be cheeky and ask for the grid refs so I can take a look?

email in profile..... thanks!

🙂

Wasn't lurking, in fact I thought I'd miss it due to the slowness of my iPhone.

Think i have my route now (no one else in the office), just need to calculate distances and food stops.

*Wonders who has the same route* 😯

Route provisionally planned: all 15 in a day & a half then 24 hours in the pub at Llanbrynmair 😉

Im not sure how you chaps have done it already I've sent most to the day looking at it, Im sure its going to take me about a week before I come up with anything like a route..

Memory map makes it easier - you can zoom right out and get an idea of the overall 'shape' of the grid refs.

I've got some other stuff to do tomorrow and Saturday, so needed to get it out of my system today.

There'll be tinkering in the next foew weeks, not least because my leadout man will come up with a completely different route by the end of the weekend (eh Chris?). 😉

I wouldnt worry about the route too much, as conditions on the ground are very different to the maps. The route I planned for last years WRT and the route I completed were totally different. Part of the fun is making it up as you go along. You'll probably get lost at some point, so its good to be able to think on your feet.

If you know the 'shape' of the grid references you can see which check points are easy to link up, and from there a route will slowly develop. After that its a question of tweaking. I'm not planning on drawing my final route until the week before.

There are plenty of resources on the internet to make your life abit easier, but i'll leave you to discover them yourself, otherwise i'll end up spoiling half of your fun. 😉

Is it wrong to do some pre-WRT scouting?

Hmm.. my competitive instinct is tempted to beat you all with my own ultra-minimal setup...

The route I planned for last years WRT and the route I completed were totally different.

OS map augmented with a Garmin Etrex on the bars with your 'perfect' route loaded means when you diverge from the line you can at least see where you're supposed to be, and use the map to find the quickest/shortest alternative back on. Has worked for me for 2 1/2 years since I got the Garmin.

Is it wrong to do some pre-WRT scouting?

Do you go and scout your other holiday destinations?

From someone who did the WRT ast year.

We spent days/hours plotting a great route, after the third check points in the rain, we chose to cut the bottom few out, then when knackered we missed out the last couple as well.

Don't get het up with the grid refs as they don't get checked and are filed away in the bin as soon as you hand them over (should I have said that?)

Just plot a great ride in the area and if one or two grid ref's are nearby then go for them. Don't go out of your way and get stressed if you don't do them.

Just go for the ride and adventure. But most of all enjoy it.

<sensible>
Chaps, I think WRT route discussion would be better on the WRT thread?
</sensible>

Anyone fancy givin me a cheeky look at there route, working on mine but changed me mind about 5 times so far?h

Good Luck Bigface..... You've no chance

Just got delivery of my new bags so loaded up and ready for some testing..

[IMG] [/IMG]

Revelate Tangle bag
Cleaveland Mountaineering Saddle bag and Harness
Mountain Feed bag

Heading out tonight for a little tester and start the refining process before Grenzstein Trophy in June.. and of course hopefully the WRT 🙂

Paul that all looks lovely and streamline. The Singular still looks remarkably fast even fully loaded!

My 40yr old Bernina sewing-machine has been out again 🙂 This time a bar-harness, again made from recycled bits and pieces I had knocking around.

[IMG] [/IMG]

It's designed to hold 2 seperate 3L drybags as I found this to the best use of storage space and it allows the cables to pass nicely between the two. It also includes some stabiliser straps underneath to stop it bouncing around.

[IMG] [/IMG]

[IMG] [/IMG]

You've too much time on your hands Anthony!! Marvelous 🙂

that looks a great idea Anthony, I like the idea of using 2x 3l drybags too.

Yes that Swift does look good, makes me want one even more, shame they are currently out of stock 🙁

Evening all,

This is probably going to incur maximum abuse for 'wild' camping so close to civilization, but here are a few photos from this weeks first bivvy trip at Gisburn:

Bivvy location, trig point at Whelpstone Crag

[img] [/img]

With the top of Giburn forest trail in sight (from the trail you could only see the bivvy if you knew what you were looking for)

[img] [/img]
[img] [/img]

Coleman Solo pot with F1 Lite Stove

[img] [/img]

Cooking some chorizo to add to my pasta and sauce

[img] [/img]

View from in the bivvy

[img] [/img]

I'm loving the little cave you have created that's ace. I'm bored having been stuck at home this weekend; what's your full kit list?

Nice little bivvy! Part hobbit are we? *grin*.

Seriosuly though, good skills. It looks like the weather held out for you, but that looks like it would have been dry in even the heaviest downpour.

Dinner with a view...

[IMG] [/IMG]

Nice little spot at Rookhope.. just off the Sustrans C2C route.

Anthony, one thing you should add to your harness is an additional strap with buckle for strapping jackets etc to ... wish I had thought of it before I had mine made but made sense today

Heads up folks - Someone's selling an Alpkit Rig 7 on Bushcraftuk.com for £30

some more great pics there fellas 😀

Was in the garden today building brownie points for the next adventure 😀

Cheers Paul, yup I had thought of that but because of my design it's kept as a loose strap to thread underneath after. It couldn't be sewn on or it meant taking the stem faceplate off in order to feed the main straps round the bars. I'm tempted to add on a small camera type pouch to the front for quick access kit, like sweets 🙂

Anthony - Member
Here is my different take on the Siltarp set-up. Rain coverage is excellent and provides a nice shape from head to toe. One side goes to the floor for wind protection, the other is raised about a foot for greater coverage and a better view of the surroundings. The fabric is nice and taught which creates a very stable shape.

and with 6 pegs and guy ropes I had kicking around brought the weight in at 0.97lbs including the bag.
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5025/5688161698_f7dc3a569f_z.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5025/5688161698_f7dc3a569f_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
Thanks

Looks great John and a respectable weight all up. Photo looks ace, if you hadn't put the neoair in there I would have struggled to get a sense of scale with those mahoosive wheels!

Surely the pack size will be huge? even if it's light?

Could do with a bit of feed on the lawn too...

Tiger6791 - Member
Surely the pack size will be huge? even if it's light?

No, it folds down to about 6" x 4" x 2"

Posted 2 hours ago # willard - Member
Could do with a bit of feed on the lawn too...

I've just been laid and needs the rain as we're on a water meter [tightarseicon]

I've just been laid

[Tightarseicon]

😯

eds the rain as we

Have decided to sell my Rab Quantum 200 sleeping bag. Anyone interested in a lightweight bag (520g) rated down to about 5 degrees?

anyone looking for a BOB style trailer these look ok

also lots of small frame bags etc

http://media1.roseversand.de/catalog/de/katalog_2011/index.html?startpage=652

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/rose-luggage-trailer---single-track--/aid:342354

[url= http://twitpic.com/4v54cu ]bikey[/url]

Home made bags

off for 5 days around knoydart tomorrow. I've got 5kg of food and I'm scared 150km 4500-5000m of up,

I hope I don't catch fire as half the west seems to on fire.

Nice set up AJ have a good trip and don't forget to post some pics when you get back 😉

AJ, you're something else. Are we the same species or are you just insane? Damn, I'd like to be able to follow your lead.

AJ, Can you post the pics I cant get on Twitter at work...!!!RUBBISH

Quick question if I may. 🙂

Interested in a very small frame bag thingy, is Ian/SO actually making these please? If so, contact details would be appreciated.

Thank you so much. 🙂

Some of you might be interested - Photoset of me the missus and a couple of pals doing a weekends trek. Given the amount of rain I am glad of full tents on this one, Forgot the bikes tho
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25846484@N04/sets/72157626556328381/show/

TJ - some nice pics there.

CG - drop [url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/members/wildcat/profile/ ]Beth[/url] an email and we'll try and sort you out with something 😀

It was a rainy night on Saturday but MarkEnduro who is preparing for WRT and Martin and myself preparing for the Tour Divide braved the conditions in the Peak.

Here is a group shot, mine in foreground, Mark's tarp at the back, Martin in the middle in Alpkit bivvy bag:

[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5702823021_06586e4eee.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5702823021_06586e4eee.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/12617230@N03/5702823021/ ]P5080620[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/12617230@N03/ ]blackhound59[/url], on Flickr

Close up of Mark's set up - it's a Decathlon tarp,not been through for a few years but always enjoy it in either direction:

[url= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/5702824629_45fd438b79.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/5702824629_45fd438b79.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/12617230@N03/5702824629/ ]P5080622[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/12617230@N03/ ]blackhound59[/url], on Flickr

Riding home through Silly Dale:

[url= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/5702828101_3e56782a7c.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/5702828101_3e56782a7c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/12617230@N03/5702828101/ ]P5080626[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/12617230@N03/ ]blackhound59[/url], on Flickr

CG - there are cheap small frame bags here

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/products/accessoires/bags/bike-bags/frame-bags/

I don't know what the quality is like but seem ok for the price.

Looks like a nice spot Kev ... hailing from the Peak District I feel I ought to know it but can't place it.

Very impressed with Marks super long guy / booby trap in the second pic 😉

Stuart, yes you will, but would rather not say on a public forum. Sure Mark will tell you later this month

IanB - thank you, e-mail sent. 🙂

valleydaddy - thanks but look a wee bit small for my clutter!

Well a rather nice Wildcat handlebar harness arrived today 🙂

Pics to follow

Tiger6791 - Member

Well a rather nice Wildcat handlebar harness arrived today

Mine arrived on saturday. (cheers Ian/Beth)

[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5695793274_7ff9f8c20b_z.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5695793274_7ff9f8c20b_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/stu-b/5695793274/ ]2011_0507wildcat0001[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/stu-b/ ]singlespeedstu[/url], on Flickr

[url= http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/5695794498_bc8db71bb4_z.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/5695794498_bc8db71bb4_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/stu-b/5695794498/ ]2011_0507wildcat0002[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/stu-b/ ]singlespeedstu[/url], on Flickr

very nice I am jealous

You never know Pete you might win one at the WRT ... thanks to Beth and Ian 😀

I do hope so Stu that would be awesome then I could order a frame bag to match 😉

These handlebar harnesses look nice, but just wondering what advantages they offer over a couple of straps or bungees around an Alpkit Airlock?

Harness makes the load much more stable (that should perhaps read, the right harness makes the load much more stable).

Thank you for the positive comments 🙂

Nick - the main issue we wanted to address with the harness was avoiding contact with the frame, which risks rubbing a hole in your dry bag or wearing the paint off the frame while also potentially interfering/ restricting your steering.

[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5662189297_4c32151808.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5662189297_4c32151808.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildcatgear/5662189297/ ]Mountain Lion 1[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/wildcatgear/ ]WildcatGear[/url], on Flickr

In developing this concept, we also designed a strap assembly that won't work loose and holds the loads much more securely than some bungees would. Besides frame clearance and stability, other plus points include space to easily route your cables down between the harness and the stem, as shown above.

Incidentally, the WRT prize harness will be red, as pictured above. Standard colour is black, but we wanted to make the WRT one a bit special 🙂

The harnesses look great Ian, even better in the flesh too, I like the way it's mounted away from the frame as my Revelate one has rubbed my frame already, tape now in place.

I am hoping the tombola delivers my WRT raffle ticket on the day as red would match my dry bags 😀

Right so water bottles....

Since getting my new Wildcat Framebag I now have the problem of water. Don't like it on my back so onto cages it will go.

Now I've got the universal mounts but the question is where?

under the downtube?
on the forks?
under the seat?

Forks I reckon.

Bladder in the top of the framebag?

@wildcat Yeah I can see the benefit now, although my 456 already has a hole in it's headtube sticker 🙂

When will you be taking orders, do you have a price in mind?

http://wildcatgear.co.uk/products/handlebar-harness/

Got mine already 🙂

Some reading material here which might interest you folks. If you can't ride the Tour Divide a chance to read about the efforts of those who have.

[url] http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/the-cordillera/15659154?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/1 [/url]

Available in paperback or for download.

All profits to the family of Dave Blumenthal who tragically died in last years race.

Looks like the STW chaps are out bivvy'ing tonight.

Cheers for that Kev. I've got volume 1 so here's hoping volume 2 is just as good 😀

Right so water bottles....

I'll probably use a camelbak but I also have a handlebar mount for a waterbottle that I may try like this

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/raleigh-handlebar-mounted-cycling-bottle-cage-p137149
or you could use this to adapt one you have

http://www.swinnertoncycles.co.uk/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=260677

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/topeak-bottle-cage-item161310.html#info

(picture upside down)

Is it? look again 🙂

you saw nothing there carry on! 😉

Just thought I'd pop in this thread and see if people had any comments on my kit ideas. Live in cheltenham so was going to ride out into the wilds of the cotswolds friday (40km) camp out somewhere, 60km ride, camp out sat, 60km home again.

Vango helium 200 tent (1.3kg) - ex-demo £67
Lifeventure 660 sleeping bag (600g) - borrow my dads
Pacific outdoor peak oyl lite mat (540g) - hopefully £25

all three to go on a topeak mtx seatpost rack

then,
primus gas stove, some mess tin thing, couple of pieces of spare clothing, dakine 3L bladder, "add water pasta and sauce" packs for dinner, cereal bars in the morning. all in a 22L osprey talon bag?

Probably pub lunch. Only thing i'm thinking about is water, streams be alright for that though i guess?

Taking it easy for the first trip, then thinking about heading elsewhere in the country.

dirtbiker100 - looks like you are sorted with that lot 😉

as you may know you could save a bit of weight using a bivvy bag and maybe a tarp set up but each to their own.

Post some pics of your adventure 😉

All above sounds spot on, I found that I wanted to change my (refine it) kit after trying stuff.

What you've got will work

Right so water bottles....

I had a thought about them recently and you saying a chalk bag wasn't sturdy enough, what about a lens case?

Sounds a bit odd but I bought a peg bag that will (easily) convert into a bar feed bag type thing, like this one

http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/sol/shop/home_and_garden/laundry/pegspegbags/120128228_brabantia_clothes_peg_bag.html?CAWELAID=867855423

Not very heavy, drawcord top and not expensive for when it all goes wrong.

Before I got my mountain feedbag I used an insulated bottle holder... I used this for arrowhead race to hold my trail mix..

... only has one velcro strap on bars but I looped a little strap round the head tube and round bottle holder to hold it steady.. worked a treat

http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/water_bottle_parka.html

sorry can't find a UK site for it but I bought mine from Wildtrak in Newcastle.

good shout there Stu 😀

In order to keep this thread alive, here is last Thursday nights trip out into the Dark Peak. The grouse were very vocal overnight!

[IMG] [/IMG]

someone was camera shy 😀