Bear Bones 200

[normg002]

Hi guys. Thought some of you may be interested in something I got up to earlier this month.

The Bear Bones 200 is a 200km, self supported, off road, mountain bike race and individual time trial in the mountains of central Wales, with over 13000 ft of climbing.

To register a time you must be able to complete the route in under 36 hours, without any outside assistance, hence self supported. You must also carry some kit, at a minimum, a sleeping bag, bivvy bag, tent or tarp, F & R lights and a mobile phone.

The course record currently sits at just over 15 hours, which is impressive to say the least. I came in at 30 hours, and that was 110% effort for me.

I had intended to stop over for 6 hours sleep and a hot meal, but after seeing how wet the ground was and spending several hours pushing through a bog, I realised I would not make it to the finish line in under 36 hours if I did, so I continued on through the night. Was pretty disappointed as I'd just acquired a 4 season Cuben Hammock Tarp from Hammock Gear and wanted to try it out!

I was surprised at the difficulty of the route, I expected more forest road and track etc. The bogs were what really made it tough. I didn't think there would be a need for winter a cycling shoes, as I was wearing seal skinz socks. This was a mistake as they just filled up with bog water within the first hour, and my feet just got progressively colder. During the night I was forced to push for long periods, my feet just got so cold I had to walk just to get some warmth back not them.

It might not sound like it from what I've written above, but I really enjoyed the challenge, learnt masses, and definitely think I will be back next year!

There is a little video here - http://youtu.be/GA5jFGcghv0

Geoff

[Blackhound]

Geoff, this year was a lot harder than 2011 - much wetter.  I fell in the second river crossing getting a soaking! Nice video, thats my red van next to Stuart's house at the finish.  Rumour is that route will be reversed in 2013.

[Dusza]

Nice vid norm, thanks for posting - 2:30 looks like regular Welsh fun Did you have a lot of those en route or was it mainly service roads?

[Blackhound]

I recall 3 river crossings plus a 4th one with a little bridge near the finish - some riders missed the bridge though.

Not all service roads, this is the track across Carnau back into the Elan valley:


PA141029 by blackhound59, on Flickr

But a lot of smiles:


PA141030 by blackhound59, on Flickr

[Dusza]

Lovely, looks like a place for fat tires 

Btw. I didn't know that BB200 is a ITT, I thought the route changes every year?

[intheways]

That's awesome! Looks like an MTB randonneuring event.  We need more of those!

[Blackhound]

Dusza - The same route has been used for 2 years but I saw a post on a form from Stuart the organiser that the route is to be reversed next year.
As the route is public rights of way it can be done by anyone at any anytime, there is however a once a year Grand Depart.
Stuart has also said in the past he was going to stick with the route for 3 years and then consider changing it.