MacRetro chat and rides thread

[The Ken]

If the East Highland way is the Great Glen Way then yes, if it is the old General Wade road and the Corrieyairack Challenge route then I'm not the one to ask but I have heard it is pretty tough going.

I also know that the upper loch lomond side section of the West highland way is pretty unrideable in sections - a huge hike a bike rocky challenge so travel light

 

[Rumble]

V - I didn't say it doesn't phase me, just that I want to do it! I'm far from superfit, it's just that my main (only) attribute as far as fitness goes is an ability to suffer and keep going, I'm more stubborn than fit! Having said that, there's every chance this could all turn out to be hot air and put away in the "future adventures" file.

Ken - I'm prepared for there to be an amount of hike-a-bike, I know the WHW in particular calls for it. I'm going to do some research on the EHW tonight but the rest of it should be relatively tame. I'll probably get one of those seatpost mounted racks to put the tent on (ideally I'd bivvy but I doubt that's a good idea at this time of year) and get the rest in a medium sized pack.

 

[velomaniac]

I've got a goretex bivvy tent which is basically like sleeping in a sarcophagus but has a loop over your head that your free to borrow if you want to do the ultra light thing, its coped easily with torrential rain etc

 

[The Ken]

Just found the east highland way, nice route - let me know how it is for bikes that could make a good pub jaunt.
http://www.easthighlandway.com

I don't know how fit you are but 7 days does sound tight, If I was doing the west highland way I'd want 3 days for comfort, but I have seen folk set off to do it in a day north to south.

 

[Rumble]

I had been thinking 2 days for the WHW, or maybe 2 and a bit getting the first section done after the canals on day 1. Like I say, I'm off for 2 weeks so have plenty of time - just need to make sure I get a pass for all of that!

 

[The Ken]

you should join us on the glen nevis pub crawl....
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... sc&start=0

 

[Rumble]

It had crossed my mind to link that in...

 

[Dr S]

Right guys... I need a favour.

Does any of you lot have a small-ish GT RTS or LTS in period spec? And would you be available sometime in the next three months to bring it down to Yorkshire?
I'm trying to put a feature together for a magazine. Its all a little vague at the moment but its in the early planning stages only. If it works out it will be a good day out for you. It has to be quite a small bike because the guy who will be riding it is on the small side. I can't say any more at this stage as things still need to be sorted.

Cheers
Si

 

[The Ken]

Mikee has a few but I think they're all pretty big.

 

[Rumble]

Some progress with the Garden Leave Tour of Scotland itinerary, looks like I'm aiming for 8 days now, and of course all still weather dependant:

Day 1: Edinburgh -> Glasgow -> Loch Lomond(ish) (Canals, WHW; wild camp)
Day 2: Loch Lomond (ish) -> ?? (half-ish remaining WHW distance; wild camp)
Day 3: ?? - Fort William (WHW; Youth Hostel)
Day 4: Fort William -> Feagour (EHW; wild camp)
Day 5: Feagour -> Aviemore (EHW; Youth Hostel/mates place)
Day 6: Aviemore -> Pitlochry (National Cycle Route; unsure on accomodation)
Day 7: Pitlochry -> Dundee (National Cycle Route; Youth Hostel?)
Day 8: Dundee -> Edinburgh (Fife Coastal Path)