I had ruled out this race a few weeks ago, but it keeps sneaking into my mind. I am not really sure why. The challenge? The scenery? I am not sure, but it certainly is tempting.

way_downsouth wrote:I had ruled out this race a few weeks ago, but it keeps sneaking into my mind. I am not really sure why. The challenge? The scenery? I am not sure, but it certainly is tempting.

I feel somewhat the same. Ruled it out from the getgo but keep coming back to it.

While I certainly don't have the time (or the ability for that matter) for any serious attempt I'm fairly sure I could struggle through it. I do have a bike that would be perfect for it too

That bike would be?

Zoom wrote:That bike would be?

Niner EMD.

Personally I think a 29er would be the ideal bike. Durable enough for the offroad stuff but a bit faster (with the right tire selection) for the road. While others have mentioned cyclocross bikes I wouldn't want to ride one (and especially not mine) over that kind of distance.

Nick_K wrote:

Zoom wrote:That bike would be?

Niner EMD.

Personally I think a 29er would be the ideal bike. Durable enough for the offroad stuff but a bit faster (with the right tire selection) for the road. While others have mentioned cyclocross bikes I wouldn't want to ride one (and especially not mine) over that kind of distance.

I'm thinking 29er hard hail (now I'm sounding like I am seriously considering this!). I have a 29er fully that is quite heavy....but with "slicker" tyres it might be ok.

This event seems to have som mystical appeal

Whats all this about it not being a race?. is that for legal reasons.

Cos you know 1 person riding is a training, 2 people is a race.

What about Maps - can you use a GPS or do you need to carry topo maps?

ThingOne wrote:Cos you know 1 person riding is a training, 2 people is a race.

*sigh*

Boys!!

sifter wrote:

Nick_K wrote:Cheers Simon, was thinking commercial accomodation which I interpret from the above as being fine.

HELL YEAH!!!!

Theres quite a few options for accomodation along the route. Had roughly planned out a few different ways you could ride the brevet and get a decent sleep each night.

The Heritage in Hamner would be tempting

I'm tempted to carry a tent as it will keep the costs down for me and I'm not limited to going from hotel/motel etc, thou it does mean I will be carrying a bit more weight.

I've been wondering what bike to do the Brevet on, too. Was thinking I'd go for my 26" hardtail with a rigid fork ( I'm not comfortable on dropped bars, and comfort will be worth a LOT on day five). But now I hear Worralls are bringing these 29'ers http://www3.cannondale.com/bikes/10/cusa/model-0FS291.html into the country. Sweet! With a set of aero bars on for the road section, it'd be pretty close to perfect (without being super pricing, like the carbon version that Matthew Lee used to win Tour Divide this year. In fact, it's probably about the same as the aluminium version he used to win last year.)

Can't wait to see one in the flesh and work out how to strap a bunch of camping gear onto it. For that matter, I'm really looking forward to seeing the set-ups everyone else will have. Should be a very interesting mix of MTBs, CX bikes, touring rigs, and maybe even the odd commuter bike. Wonder if any single-speeders will have a go? Hope so.

It will be cool to see the different setups used.

I've got a tent and sleeping bag sorted at a shade over 2.5kg. Still debating on bike though - I reckon a 29er hardtail with some carbon forks would be primo, but something like a 5" travel trailbike could also be good with the right tyres etc...

Monolith wrote:It will be cool to see the different setups used.

I've got a tent and sleeping bag sorted at a shade over 2.5kg. Still debating on bike though - I reckon a 29er hardtail with some carbon forks would be primo, but something like a 5" travel trailbike could also be good with the right tyres etc...

What tent/sleeping bag do you have as togther they seem really light , as my tent alone weighs about 2.1kg