Highland Trail Race

[AlanG]

The extended route for 2014 is now on the Highland Trail website. In addition to the 120 mile extra loop there are a few tweaks to the original route including a new descent in Torridon, a 99% "rideable" route into Shenavall, singletrack into Ullapool and an easier start to the Fisherfield prologue (just for you Greg!).
The 2014 group start will be on Saturday 24th May.

[wunnspeed]

Cool! I'm looking forward to it.

[GregMay]

Thanks Alan I really don't think I'll miss the 'path' up through the sheep field

Hopefully I'll make it up for the start and get the first day or so in. May work out as good prep for the Divide a few weeks later!

For anyone thinking about doing this, be prepared to suffer, but be prepared for some amazing memories and wonderful scenery. It is just beautiful.

[wunnspeed]

Hey Greg.... I have no idea whether you know or not but how does the Highland compare to the TDR or Grenzstein? I found the TDR to be not so tough (after I got out of Montana) but the Grenzstein was a bitch! Just curious. I was in Scotland for singlespeed World Championships a few years ago and loved the country and the people.... oh, the Scotch too... can't forget that.

If only it weren't so incredibly expensive to do anything. I'll never forget getting 'left over' Fish n Chips (the place was closing) in Aviemore, which cost about 40 Euros for two people at the exchange rate then.

[GregMay]

Sorry, not going to be much use comparing as I've done neither race. However, Aiden who won HTR said it was far harder then TD or Grenzstien trophy. I for one, very much believe Aiden

[richpips]

Hi Alan,
If there has been rain at Fisherfield is it possible to cross the river just before Achneigie and skirt round to meet the track at Larachintivore?
Ta Rich

[AlanG]

Perhaps but the area in between those crossing points will be a trackless swamp! The safest place to cross is always going to be at the mouth of the loch as it is very wide there, it could appear intimidating there due to this but it will be shallower.

This year as we approached Shenavall we heard stories that the river was over waist deep but when we came to cross by the loch it was knee deep. The people that found waist deep water were crossing further upsteam where the water will always be faster flowing and deeper.

The trail from Shenavall to the loch is a bit boggy but once you cross the river there is a good track to Larachintivore.

[richpips]

Thanks Alan,

I won't mind getting my feet wet just as long as there is no swimming.

[GregMay]

Unless you're a bit on the short side you'll be fine. As Alan said, right up near the Loch entrance is the shallowest..even if it looks like it's not.

[AlasdairMc]

An extra 130 miles onto the original route? Oh, go on then 

I have unfinished business on this route, i.e. getting to the end of it, assuming I'm allowed back for another attempt...

[hikernks]

Vacation request has been put in.  Couple questions - 1) I'm looking to rent a FS bike in Glasgow.  Anyone have any good leads on where to do that?  2) getting from Glasgow to the start.  Take the train, or is there a better way to get there?  Also, I MAY leave a day or two early, to maximize vacation time (read- I'm really slow), any foreseeable problems there?  Thanks,

Matt

[AlanG]

I don't think that attempting this route on a rental bike is a great idea. I'm not even sure I have seen a rental bike that would survive the ride! Can't say what is available in Glasgow though, maybe locals can comment.
There is a train from Glasgow but if you are coming near the group start date there's a good chance of getting a ride with another rider. Advertise here nearer the time.
You are free to start an ITT of the route whenever you like.

[AlasdairMc]

I personally think you'll end up spending quite a bit of money to get a rental bike that will survive. However, Alpine Bikes might have something in their demo fleet, but for a week you would be looking at £350 (about $550). http://www.alpinebikes.com/help-advice/demo/

You could try to PM djessee as he came over from the US with his bike last year, so might be able to offer up his experience. You should be able to find someone who will look after your bike box while racing, either at the airport or in the race area.

Transport-wise, the train from Glasgow is a pleasant enough route, taking a few hours. I came up the night before and camped in Tyndrum, and the trains will take four bikes officially, but often more if you plead ignorance.

[wunnspeed]

Good to know about the train as I obviously don't want to ride up that far and renting a car only to leave it for the length of the race is also not prudent. Thanks for the info. I'll also be looking for a place to stash my bike case either close to the airport or close to the start/finish.

[drjon]

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.

[paul78]

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

[alpinum]

Here's how I did it, flying from Switzerland:
- Easyjet
- B&B in Edinburgh (one of the nicest cities in GB, take your time), left bike bag and other gear (hiking and casual clothing) there.
- Train to Pitlochry to visit the Blair Athol whisky distillery. Translated the tour for german group to get double dram  
- Rode from Pitlochry along south side of Loch Tummel and Loch Rannoch to Rannoch station.
- Rode across Rannoch moor to Kings House (had a long sun bathe).
- Rode down to Tyndrum - this is actually part of the WHW and HT route. Lots of hikers from 10:00 to about 17:00.
- Camped in Tyndrum.

I left Edinburgh two days before the HT start and really enjoyed getting some tame miles in and psyched up for touring in scotland. Coming from mainland Europe or USA you'll need to get comfy in riding roads on the wrong side aswel  

After the HT I went back to Edinburgh, changed into hiking gear, met my girlfriend and wandered off. On the way back home I came through Edinburgh again to pick up my bike. I was very glad I could deposit my bike bag in Edinburgh. Train travel in Scotland is dead easy and comes very handy. I guess it's easier to unpack, make the bike ready and deposit the bag instead of traveling towards Tyndrum with the bag. I also took real tools and rag with me and left them with the bag, making bike preparation much easier.

edit: the ford just past Shenavall was dead easy when I did it. Thigh high, slow flowing, I even took a picture mid way (which is rather uncommon during the river crossing I usually do). I talked to a Cape Wrath Trail hiker at Shenavall, he told a story of a group crossing the river higher up and having problems. I guess Alan has picked the right place to ford. Remember things can change with heavy rain and yet I consider the ford still feasible should the water level be more than waist high.

[wunnspeed]

Great info alpinum. Thanks for sharing. I'd be coming from either Munich or Zurich (if life develops in one of the current possibilities) so it'd be quite similar for me. A distillery trip is mandatory! We hit Aberlour when we were up there a few years ago. Man, I love their Scotch!

[alpinum]

Great info alpinum. Thanks for sharing. I'd be coming from either Munich or Zurich (if life develops in one of the current possibilities) so it'd be quite similar for me. A distillery trip is mandatory! We hit Aberlour when we were up there a few years ago. Man, I love their Scotch!

You might swell consider Basel-Mulhouse.

For the drinks it's also well worth asking for local beers. Best electrolyte ever.

[Chew]

Vacation request has been put in.  Couple questions - 1) I'm looking to rent a FS bike in Glasgow.  Anyone have any good leads on where to do that?  2) getting from Glasgow to the start.  Take the train, or is there a better way to get there?  Also, I MAY leave a day or two early, to maximize vacation time (read- I'm really slow), any foreseeable problems there?  Thanks,

Matt

I'm be surprised if anyone would rent you a bike for the HRT. The ride will put a lot of wear on the bike and you may end up taking in back in more than one piece.
The trains than run from Glasgow to Tyndrum are very bike friendly. If anyone is coming from overseas post up on here as there will be plenty of people willing to sort out transfers/accomodation/bike box storage.