Finally started writing my blog posts for the race ..

http://shoestring-racing.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/holyland-bikepacking-challenge-part-1.html

http://shoestring-racing.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/holyland-bikepacking-challenge-part-2.html

Will et the 3rd and final part written this week.

Hi Micheal

As a non Israeli travelling to this event I went with absolutely no idea of what to expect and left totally blown away by the riding and the people.

As you witnessed through watching the blue dots the event is tough ... plan to ride 160km a day isn at best but some days there just won't be enough hours to get it done ... however every km covered is done so on fantastic trails with ever changing terrain and views ... you will never be bored on the HLC route.

The heat can be an issue, we witnessed up to 40 degrees while riding .. resupply issues never really arose as we were given POI files for gps indicating where we could go ... Dogs were good ( I rescued a puppy mid ride so I am biased).

There are some images here ... http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=3516&sid=405489da68188689be6ade1f018e7e88.

I am currently writing my blog posts for the Salsa Cycles website so when I have them done will link here as they go up.

I challenge anyone not to be amazed, impressed, challenged and inspired by the HLC

hikernks (Matt),

If you are coming from Emporia then I owe your town a debt of gratitude after looking after me at the DK200 ... message me and I will help as much as I can with a bike and logistics

Also worth checking out K Lite in Australia (http://www.klite.com.au/)

These guys are producing some top quality dynamo light products and also can custom make any additional extras you like.

Good examples of their work on their facebook page ... https://www.facebook.com/kLite.com.au?fref=ts

I have a nice switch made by K Lite that switches between my Exposure Revo and a battery pack or USB.  Will be switching to a K lite light soon too.

I will be travelling up from Newcastle on the Friday late afternoon if anyone is looking for a lift share.

paul.e

hikernks, yeah was pretty lucky to score a loaner at DK200 this year ... awesome race and awesome people

Looking forward to catching up with people at Trans Iowa

I'm also making the trip from the UK for Trans Iowa ... I did Dirty Kanza this year.

My training is gonna be much the same as above and same as it was for DK200 ... a century pretty much every weekend and turbo sessions mid week ... will try to get in at least a few double centuries and one ride of race distance or more... other than that will make sure my nutrition is dialled and so is my bike set up.

Its gonna be awesome !!!

Yeah .. Luckily I was contacted by an awesome guy here in the UK who kindly sent me his very own prototype for a similar product .. huge thanks Rick.

Spoke to Siren Cycles and looks like there will be a new version of the fred bar coming but in the mean time they aren't making any of the older version.

Has anyone got one they wanna part with ??

Must be able to ship to the UK

Anyone got a SPOT they want to sell ??

Would require shipping to the UK

thanks

How much ?

Obviously first refusal to those doing the TD

 A UK/European forum ??

I love reading about the races and rides in the US but at most could only manage one of them every few years ... would be great for us guys in the UK/Europe to have a forum discussing meets, routes, races, rides etc

There is a current bikepacking thread on a well frequented forum in the UK.. its seen over 100 posters and near 1600 posts ... the UK wants to Bikepack

Alternatively pick your bivi spot to minimise their numbers and get a head net ... slightly cheaper option and one thats worked well for me

I've contacted the organiser... Think i'm gonna do this

He is a fat lad

Heard from him this morning... broke 4 spokes so is camping outside bike shop till he can get it repaired then he's back in the game

trail717 , James Leavsley also from the UK... he'll be his usually super cheery self.. rain,sleet or snow he'll be loving it out there

Can't argue with love for Alpkit... i've got one of those mugs and never knew that.

Not ridden the powerstraps yet... bought them just so i could have the option of using them.. now thinking i will try and use my spd pedals or just flats and fox boots...

Got a trip to Ecrins in France soon to test sleeping bag etc so i'll decide after that.

This is my semi fat build for the 2010 Arrowhead... hopefully won't be the only non-pugsley rider..