id be gobsmacked if the green welly shop in tyndrum didnt have it? http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/forum/gear/smidge-insect-repellant/38399.html suggests it would? does anythign *really* work apart from white clothes and moving fast ? :-)~

however, if smidge deters clegs im all ears. i hate those fkrs.

Yeah. Possible. Very unlikely in hills, as in super unlikely. However if nearer urban areas possible. I went with uv as it is quick to do good volumes and it is very unlikely you won't pass- clear flowing stream within an hour or two of needing some, so it seemed sensible. It does all pathogens, but they can feasibly re activate if the water is stored for long term. Zap and drink.

I probably ought too! I'll try and find out. I'd be surprised if we didn't in some ways, as far as I understand it viral contamination is only common in urban areas. Will check!

Cash. Water from fast flowing water generally ok with no treatment tabs will be fine! I'm using uv cos I'm paranoid.

i think bike24 does giro shoes if that helps?

well as far as shoes, i'm on old pair of shimano m162 for the most part...they were a pain until my extra wide feet stretched them out, and the tongues tend to split, but i can walk all day in them. otherwise i use giro privateers...which have a more flexible sole than most xc type shoes...if the terraduro is similar to the wide/high volume giro last id be interested...but i reckon it got the standard last....

in terms of kit issues, my main one is whether to bring coffee making stuff or not!....without that, i can ditch stove, cup and a bag of grounds, but man, i *love* a good cup of coffee.... :-)~

i was out riding on part of the course on sunday - from fort augustus over to cannich then instead of following the out route further, i rejoined the back part from tomich back up the 'power line' climb then up the drove road back to fort augustus.

of note there are currently 2 detours in the great glen due to zip line forest works, but these should be long gone by the end of may. which is good, as the reroutes are a bit of a pain.

the other thing that is occurring is the scottish 6 day motor bike trial race is passing through the forest that the drove road passes through on the 6th of may. I'm hoping they dont use any softer trails we will use as they tend to make a heck of a mess of any trail they use….

http://www.ssdt.org/downloads/2010/SSDT%20Information%20%28Compressed%29.pdf

I'd suggest something with decent sidewall protection... Maxxis have Eco versions that would be ideal.

Oops! Missed Steve's reply! Agree!

hmm! anyone any strong opinions on the ioffer stuff? there appear to be some cautionary advice on the web about using ioffer...thats a heck of a good price (£200 or so usually)

Alasdair, thanks for being so generous!...PM sent....

hello!....sorry for slow reply, been a while since i was back on the forum!...yep, ti bikes. from vertigo cycles...amazing machines - im lucky!...the bags are xpac vx21 iirc - a mid weight one that is pretty abrasion resistant. they have held up really well actually, apart from getting grubby!. the white is one of only a couple colours available in the e.u. i did get some sent over from rocky err rocky woods? rocky roads? the us shop. oit cost me a lot to get it, but when i get the time to start sewing again, black will be better!.... cheers!

great! and thanks for the hard work alan! better watch there arent too many hip flasks this year... :-)~

i am a) hoping to do this race as well, and being b) being based in glasgow would be very surprised if you can find a rental bike that will be up to it. Alpine is probably the best lead. its not far from glasgow to tyndrum...you could always follow the west highland way to the start....hey! its only another 60 miles or so....but realistically the train is probably best.

thanks! ive had a bit of a hiatus on the sewing machine, but plans are afoot for more soon! good fun!

http://drj0nswanderings.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/learning/

i have real square, wide feet and like the wide option giro's....i only really fit sidi mega otherwise, though with perseverance and pain have stretched out a shimano 162 until its comfy...

interesting points all. thanks. i have now made 2 feedbag type things and a saddle bag. very early days indeed! but id recommend having a go if you are interested... i'm having a lot of fun trying this, but -  it is becoming increasingly clear that the Revelate bags i have are in a different galaxy to what i will ever achieve, and in fairness are not what i am aiming at! when i need to carry overnight or more stuff, i will reach for my sweet roll etc!...what i am interested in making is bags that are small, can be dotted around the bike and will allow me to carry stuff i need for sub-overnight rides with a bare minimum or ideally nothing on my back. What i hope is that because the packs themselves will be so small, they will not carry the weight that will call into question (too much!) my domestic machine and newbie sewing skills.

anyway, thanks again! i am learning a lot from everyone's advice!

http://drj0nswanderings.wordpress.com/2013/07/21/m-y-o-g/

http://drj0nswanderings.wordpress.com/2013/07/30/forming/

im not usually a big fan of negativity on the internet, but i have had a significant deposit with CDW for some years and have given up hope of ever seeing any return or product after numerous failed attempts to contact and a few vague promises of timescales. This is a simialar situation to several friends who have had dealings with jeff boatman. regardless of WHY this is happening, it is not acceptable and i would strongly discourage anyone from trusting him.

shaggy is going so well. he had precious little time to get used to altitude, so i suspect starting at the speed he did was ideal - despite being a 'lowlander' he thinks things through extremely well...

i've ridden some of the trail in the area myself and above 8000ft i was sucking hard to get any oxygen...its humbling to see how strong all these guys and gals are...

ive been enjoying cordillera 2 - recommendo :-)~