Race Preview

The clock has started ticking

The first 12 hours

While we were snoozin'

Into the second night

Here comes the rain

To Fisherfield and beyond

Hello Day 3

Liam Glen wins the 2021 HT550!

Podium complete! 🥈🥉

Welcome everyone to the 2021 HT550 - did you miss the event last year? I think we all did! Short introduction: I’m Grace and I’m your commentator for the duration of this year’s Highland Trail 550. Some of you may know me from when I was at DotWatcher, others may know nothing about me whatsoever. While I haven’t ridden the event myself, I love nothing more than dotwatching it. It’s one of, if not the, best and most prestigious UK bikepacking events in my opinion.

Alan Goldsmith is the organiser of the event, taking care of entries, the website and the route. A sign of a good race is if the organiser races it as well and we've a sneaky suspicion Alan is raring to go!

## The Route
The Highland Trail is a fixed (bar any diversions due to flooding, poor trail conditions etc.) route beginning in Tyndrum at the world famous Real Food Cafe, who are supporting the event once again this year.

This year’s route is the same as the 2020 route (which was never ridden in the end) with a couple of changes: in and out of Fisherfield. Veterans among you will remember (fondly or otherwise) the Coffin Trail and Postman’s Path but say goodbye to them this year and hello to technical singletrack and the infamous Tollie Path after Poolewe. I’ve highlighted this change in pink on the route map below.

Resupply is possible and encouraged since shops in these remote parts of Scotland will have suffered dearly during the last 12-18 months through lack of tourism. A few key points you can expect riders to pause if they get their timings right are highlighted on the map. There are of course many other places to stop for some scran. I’ve also marked the bothies on the map too, as these will provide valuable shelter if the weather turns sour.

An important rule to note: __bothies are banned!__ That's right - riders will have to take their own shelter because the Mountain Bothy Association (MBA) has closed all its bothies on the route. This will mean more luggage for riders and more vulnerability to the weather.

![HT550 Screenshot Route 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7xjLYklstYCwhBO4VeBgLw/f6549e1578398c24e9ab0874081fa5ad/HT550_Screenshot_Route_2021.jpg)

## The Riders
Riders will set off in five-minute intervals on Saturday 22nd May starting at 8:05.
- 8:05: Crispin Hoult, Iain Cormack, Chris Johnstone, Nick Carter, David Murray
- 8:10: Annie Le, Iwona Szmyd, Andrea Rodgers, Emma Holgate, Dawn Anderson, Ruth Crewe, Sally Ozanne, Beccy Waters
- 8:15: Karl Booth, Martin Brown, Mike Dennison, Chris Moorhouse, Andy Jefferies, Steve Chapman, James McIntosh
- 8:25: Tom Robinson, Pete Crawforth, Andy Lawrence, Ian Macnab, Jorne Bluekens, Mike Sheldrake, Russel Jones, Jonathan Edwards
- 8:35: Mike Toyn, Rob Wallers, John Fettis, Tom Vincent, Martyn Scottlaw, Phil Clarke, Mike Debernado, Nick Bubb
- 8:45: Jim Higgins, Chris Sleight, Ben Anderson, Matt Symonds, Steve Waters, Lars Henning, Gary Davies, Robbie Lyall
- 8:55: Rich Rothwell, Liam Glen, James Hayden, Huw Oliver, Josh Ibbett, Andrew Hutcheson, Chris Pitblado, James Craven
- 9:00: Alan Goldsmith,  Johnny Baker

We have a few returning riders including Mike Toyn who commentated the race for DotWatcher a couple of years ago. Former winner Liam Glen has been busy both on his feet and on his bike training for HT550 - more on that in the coming days. After he scratched in 2019 due to health reasons, we dare say his dot will be worth following closely. Liam’s wave of riders is a star-studded one: James Hayden (TCR & Italy divide winner, 2nd in the 2020 Atlas Mountain Race), Josh Ibbett (GBDURO & TCR winner, 6th in the 2019 Tour Divide), Rich Rothwell (3rd in the 2017 HT550), Huw Oliver (Winner of the Arizona Trail Race 300 in 2019 and 5th in the 2017 HT550), Andrew Hutcheson (2nd place in the 2014 HT550) and Chris Pitblado (winner of the 2019 Pan Celtic Race). Will one of these riders take the crown or will it be the year of the underdog?

You may recognise some of the names here from the [Dales Divide](https://dotwatcher.cc/race/dales-divide-2021) which was just a few weeks ago. Sally Ozanne (also part of the aforementioned wave of race favourites) took the victory for the women (and fourth overall) and it seems she’s not content with basking in that glory. She wants a slice of HT550 and we’re very much looking forward to seeing her at the pointy end.

A last-minute addition to the start list was this year’s Dales Divide male winner, James Craven. As someone who looks to be in fine form at the moment, how will he fare on Scottish terrain?

Look out for Andrea Rodgers. She’s no stranger to the route having scratched a couple of years ago. She’s a TransAtlantic Way finisher and bursting with MTB experience, so we’re confident we’ll see her arrive at the finish line this year.

An ultra-distance bike race with Mike Sheldrake (Shell, as he’s affectionately known) on the startlist can’t go without mentioning. He’s an absolute legend! He’s a regular on road and off-road events and we can’t wait to see how he gets on.

## In memoriam...
This year’s race is dedicated to French rider Yann Thomas, who sadly passed away earlier this year of a heart attack. He visited the Highlands with his family some years back and he was due to make an appearance in the 2020 race on board his handbuilt fatbike. We’ll be keeping him in our thoughts throughout the race and race number 35 has been reserved for him.

![Yann Tyndrum HT550](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/58ACSyxcSCZlXS2WOnMKL/6796daa8b8cc0b7146b5303e20f279f3/Yann_Tyndrum.png)

Good evening everyone and welcome to HT550 Eve!

It's been great watching the flurry of social media posts the last few days of riders confirming their intentions to line up tomorrow morning. I wanted to share a few in case you're not across them all. Tip: follow the #ht550 hashtag on Instagram.

[Tom Vincent](https://www.instagram.com/_slart1bartfast_/) has been preparing the only way he's been allowed to: in the wet. Not a bad setup from the man from Gloucestershire.

![185945778 2976196686001982 1988192047909016010 n](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/wLrJaGVuxI2G80P1oUGep/2c075b202af38b8c3d42872e8ca9b95b/185945778_2976196686001982_1988192047909016010_n.jpg)

On the subject of bikes, make sure you check out the [Bikes of HT550 2021](https://dotwatcher.cc/feature/bikes-of-the-highland-trail-550-2021) (there's a goat in one of the pictures, so I highly recommend reading!).

We're pretty envious of [Huw Oliver](https://www.instagram.com/topofests/)'s recent training photos from the route itself. Do you think the riders can expect similar conditions tomorrow? More on that later.

![180779859 1125578641256746 1869492192297792937 n](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1iOuZ9k4BCM6WobcnouPQ0/1b4b57f3886b840d911c737a5dfec9f6/180779859_1125578641256746_1869492192297792937_n.jpg)

Our leader, [Alan Goldsmith](https://www.instagram.com/ht550alan/), has rather cheekily used #hikeabike which is a subtle hint to his fellow riders. As the Rough Stuff Fellowships say, "you should never go for a walk without your bike."

![188341210 198395775462097 4853623295622680329 n](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/42rbfmdgdN0uCeBdnhRHio/6c2d30921681d182e914f0e9f97afe8e/188341210_198395775462097_4853623295622680329_n.jpg)

[Nick Bubb](https://www.instagram.com/nickjohnbubb/) has made his intentions known: he's after a sub 8-day finish to better his 2019 time.

![Nick Bubb HT550 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/piN4btCgHpqCamMMcxQbW/1159a4ee6b474861c72495719a5996c3/188136764_2911188552531395_6735441749249798690_n.jpg)

Johnny Baker (photo courtesy of his friend Matt) has been busy brushing up his skills for the week ahead...

![188556052 594208095295910 3302300053992715018 n](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3hxkVSHe1eWzcSJFeO25tY/6577ecbcd7fd5c948250ac4f41e91e81/188556052_594208095295910_3302300053992715018_n.jpg)

[Mike Sheldrake](https://www.instagram.com/shellonthewrongsideofthehill/) has been reflecting on his 2019 HT550 and shared an extract from his diary in the comments of his most recent instagram post. We've shared it here too for ease. If it doesn't tempt you to sign up for 2022, we don't know what will.

![188217231 841598330071228 5434882881677463611 n](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4jUmEnEcMiVZy1fFqN222A/fc6dd7d4824bd20b699350f999d9506b/188217231_841598330071228_5434882881677463611_n.jpg)

*"The water a spewing mess, rust brown and spinning, climbing over itself, an urgent shambles, rushing headlong, its incessant roar overwhelming my thinking as I explore up and downstream, seeking a stepping stone miracle. Once ttall proud boulders are swarmed by rapid dancing lines of streaking, slippery light. So I abandon thought and plunge in, hurried and determined. Then I wobble and slow as the Lilliputian waters grab my thighs and demand I join the rush. My bike is my crutch but I am wrestling it’s buoyancy so I glance downstream, charting my course should the immense forces overwhelm. Moon step by moon step I contemplate the choice between the foaming hints of shallow or the dark forces of more orderly deep, until I rise from the terrifying grasp, popping the suction, clawing the heather with a dropped hand, stones rolling beneath me as I scrabble the bank and turn triumphant but awed by the unimagined force I have just prised my freedom from. I rush on, like a schoolboy fleeing the class bully, hoping I never bump into him again but of course I do. Three more times that day he finds me and each time I punch and drag my dripping bones from his clawed grip.”*

We're really hoping [Andrea Rodgers](https://www.instagram.com/trepidexplorer/) remembered her bike too. Can someone check please?

![Andrea Rodgers](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7z3YcgYuwq0OgKt86mM2Wo/a3772286c3b9d44c73e2229e22b66b3a/188912083_497091228380313_2544578533468569804_n.jpg)

Right, enough of everyone's antics the last few days. Let's take a look ahead.

## Braving the Scottish elements

![Weather forecast first 200km HT550](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6Ga2ao1qHtNESQqvIpLDDx/1856a49e8c91178a55e5d048ce2f7511/IMG_8457.JPG)

Based on the 2019 HT550, I reckon we can expect the front runners to complete around 130 miles in 12 hours... *weather and legs permitting*.

Given it's been raining for quite some time in the UK this month. It's profoundly wet right now with Scotland receiving almost 75% of it's annual rainfall for May in the first two weeks of the month. This can only mean wet trails despite the relatively easy start along the West Highland Way.

It's looking like riders will be *enjoying* a headwind for much of tomorrow with some drizzle and I hasten to say it's the sort that will soak most people to the bone so I hope they've packed their waterproofs and spare kit.

Remember, bothies are off-limits so they're bound to nature and whatever they're carrying for shelter.

## Support John Muir Trust
Alan uses the route of the HT550 to raise money for the John Muir Trust which does vital conservation work across and beyond the ground on which riders will find themselves on during the event.

If you would like to support this cause, you can donate on [their website](https://www.johnmuirtrust.org/).

## See you in the morning (8:00 sharp)!

I'm so excited to bring you commentary of the HT550 this year. If you come across anything I've missed, feel free to tweet me at [@thisisgrace](https://twitter.com/thisisgrace). I'm doing my best but I'm aware there are riders from years gone by watching the dots too, so I'd love to have your input too.

Twas the night before HT550...

I imagine this is what it feels like to wave goodbye to your first borns isn't it? They're off into the wilderness to explore their capabilities in the world. Look at all the little dots bobbing along the trail...I might make another coffee.

![women's field ht550 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3ThvUbDJGYXEiRV5cknDNd/d1619605aaf21e5ba831ec89a095c2f5/189216036_813589639263457_9146538432145027462_n.jpg)
(Left to right: Iwona Szmyd, Annie Le, Sally Ozanne, Emma Holgate, Dawn Anderson, Ruth Crewe, Andrea Rodgers)

As I'm sure you're aware, riders are starting in waves - see my Race Preview for info there. There's an absolutely *amazing* field of women riders (see above pic from Alan just before they took to the trail) taking part this year and I'm really excited to see how they get on. I reckon you'll see a pink dot leading the way for much of the day today since they start 45 minutes before (8:10) the "elite" wave (8:55). I'll do a separate post about this over the weekend - I'm beside myself with excitement 😂

## Breakfast of champions?

[https://www.instagram.com/p/CPKj-07lR1i/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CPKj-07lR1i/)

Chris Johnstone must have set his alarm early this morning. He's chowing down what could well be the definition of a breakfast of champions. They don't call it the Real Food Cafe for nothin'!

## A look ahead

Right then, the first section of the route is a gentle introduction of what's to come. Straight out of Tyndrum, riders are thrust on to the West Highland Way which is a classic long-distance trail which starts in Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow all the way to Fort William. It's a well-maintained gravel track and will get the legs warmed up nicely.

<p style="font-size: 0.9rem;font-style: italic;"><img style="display: block;" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/8022/7261185460_a7706b8381_b.jpg" alt="Le Jour ni l’Heure 0670 : loch Lyon, Perth & Kinross, Écosse, dimanche 15 avril 2012, 14:38:52"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7313591@N02/7261185460">"Le Jour ni l’Heure 0670 : loch Lyon, Perth & Kinross, Écosse, dimanche 15 avril 2012, 14:38:52"</a><span> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7313591@N02">Renaud Camus</a></span> is licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=ccsearch&atype=html" style="margin-right: 5px;">CC BY 2.0</a><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=ccsearch&atype=html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="display: inline-block;white-space: none;margin-top: 2px;margin-left: 3px;height: 22px !important;"><img style="height: inherit;margin-right: 3px;display: inline-block;" src="https://search.creativecommons.org/static/img/cc_icon.svg?image_id=02a6891a-9ef1-4942-be0a-aa8f32255fb1" /><img style="height: inherit;margin-right: 3px;display: inline-block;" src="https://search.creativecommons.org/static/img/cc-by_icon.svg" /></a></p>

The dots will edge their way around Loch Lyon (above).

It should be a lovely group ride for quite some time given the smooth and rideable tracks. Those who've had their cocopops this morning will no doubt try and make a getaway while the conditions are so good.

It's relatively benign all the way to Ben Alder Cottage, a lovely cosy bothie that riders are not permitted to use (evil laugh muahaha) due to the you-know-what.

I checked the forecast this morning and the wind looks to have died down but it is still a headwind and drizzle is likely a little later on this morning. Let's see what happens as riders bounce between the hills.

## Corrieyairack Pass beckons

<p style="font-size: 0.9rem;font-style: italic;"><img style="display: block;" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7917/47288790031_00d230149a_b.jpg" alt="Arch bridge leading to the Corrieyairack Pass"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/16161087@N06/47288790031">"Arch bridge leading to the Corrieyairack Pass"</a><span> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/16161087@N06">col.b</a></span> is licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=ccsearch&atype=html" style="margin-right: 5px;">CC BY 2.0</a><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=ccsearch&atype=html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="display: inline-block;white-space: none;margin-top: 2px;margin-left: 3px;height: 22px !important;"><img style="height: inherit;margin-right: 3px;display: inline-block;" src="https://search.creativecommons.org/static/img/cc_icon.svg?image_id=967e042b-a7ef-4740-ad5a-7717f3f5076e" /><img style="height: inherit;margin-right: 3px;display: inline-block;" src="https://search.creativecommons.org/static/img/cc-by_icon.svg" /></a></p>

The Melgarve East Bridge at 80 miles is the first significant milestone for riders. It represents the start of the Corrieyairack Pass and the highest point of the race (when they get to the top). The bridge itself was constructed in 1750 to serve General Wade's Military Road over the Pass.

After Corrieyairack Pass, it's full speed down into Fort Augustus where riders can regroup, recoup and crack on with the next section of the route, which we'll go through together a bit later. It's also the first bail-out point so if rider and/or equipment has failed during the last section, we may see our first scratches around here, though I hope not. I really want everyone to get around in one piece and with a smile on their faces.

## Josh Ibbett and his bike

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u3ZhoyOAiXM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

You may have noticed one noteable absence from the Bikes of HT550 post: Josh Ibbett's bike. He's riding an all-new Mason Cycles hardtail.

I had a quick chat with him ahead of the race to get a sense of how he feels going into this race. He's been working closely with Rich Rothwell (that's the same Rich Rothwell you see on the map here) and has been training not only on the flatlands of his Cambridge base but also in the Lake District with Rich preparing on the kind of terrain on which he's about to embark.

You may remember Josh's victory during last year's self-sufficient GBDuro. He's been racing MTBs for over 20 years and despite also dabbling in road, he says he's much more comfortable on a MTB.

So what's his goal for HT550? "My goal is to turn up as fit and well prepared as I can be and then ride a nice consistent race. I’ve proven over the years that if I do this I can get some big results but it’s easy to get hung up on racing specific people or chasing results," he said. "Fundamentally I will just focus on my own game and make sure I am as efficient as possible to finish the course… if it things are close on the last day or so then I might think about racing!"

## Now taking bets!

So, who do you think is going to be first back to Tyndrum for their Real Food Cafe celebratory meal?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Annie Le for the women</p>&mdash; SeanaWebster (@seanawebster) <a href="https://twitter.com/seanawebster/status/1396001873916841984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sean Webster on Twitter reckons Josh and [Annie](https://www.instagram.com/a_girl_outside/) will take the crown.

Tweet me @thisisgrace with your predictions and route intel!

## Elite Wave waves goodbye to Tyndrum

![Elite wave ht550 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/103BzGmbeWV1xWgihjUQPQ/081a05a662129a171b0087b332c50442/189731443_1055601381638476_4347019177140405170_n.jpg)

On that note, I'll be back later today to check in with the action between Tyndrum and Fort Augustus.

It's been quite a rapid start to the day owing to the largely dry weather and near-perfect trail conditions.

The first bunch of riders have hit CP1 at the top of Correyairack Pass at mind-blowing speeds. Considering Liam Glen had a dodgy wrist going into this event, he sure knows how to navigate these trails. Looks like he's one of the few riding a rigid MTB and he's also on a singlespeed. Less to go wrong, I guess!

Beccy Waters (Editor of DotWatcher) DNS the HT550 due to a knee injury picked up from the Dales Divide however not one to waste an opportunity, she's my eyes on the ground today. She hiked to the top of the pass to catch riders coming through CP1.

I've got a spreadsheet going with accurate elapsed timings based on the wave the rider started. I would imagine the final leaderboard will reflect finishing times based on when the riders started...please correct me if you think that's wrong.

![Rich Rothwell CP1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1prIDnN4N9joOuzLGS6A1d/710e7174c16276d7212b17c6fe270b1e/Rich_Rothwell_CP1.jpeg)

Rich Rothwell was half an hour behind Liam Glen at CP1

![Josh Ibbett CP1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/16fZohvOhr4IcKkpUwc5cU/abc1afdd7b195469bf2c0ad6b7d7ddc7/Josh_Ibbett_CP1.jpeg)

Josh was neck-and-neck with Rich at CP1

![James Hayden CP1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7ILsAxMhhyUnVdhnW6wbbR/ec8f546af6c8be11302bfc31da559bfe/James_Hayden_CP1.jpeg)

👋 We're sure a lot of people are used to this view of James Hayden!

## Sally Ozanne scratches

Sadly, Sally Ozanne has scratched at Fort Augustus. No reason given just yet but we wish her the best. Looks like she's tucking into pizza, so I think she'll be ok.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">*Hunger Games cannon*<br><br>Scratch - Sally Ozanne. She has a pizza in Fort A. at least.</p>&mdash; Highland Trail (@HT_550) <a href="https://twitter.com/HT_550/status/1396185906206416902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

![Sally Chris Hikeabike HT550](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/8pivaukdNmgWTwNQk1hIm/8944126f6fe0d4dbd3e6627b2bee3607/WhatsApp_Image_2021-05-22_at_19.54.15.jpeg)

Sally pictured on a hike-a-bike section on her way to CP1.

## Trouble in paradise for James Craven

![James Craven puncture](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7MO0k7nR7kqU7TuOwjEv3S/8aa136e2730bf9235ff2d9ff24d3a573/James_Craven_puncture.jpeg)

The puncture fairy visited James Craven on his way up Correyairack Pass. Not only that but a broken valve stopped play. Despite this, he currently sits in 9th place with roughly an hour or so to make up to be back at the really pointy end. Can he make it back?

## Cannich they get there before dark?

It looks like Liam, Josh, James, Rich, Andrew and Chris skipped the Fort Augustus refuelling stop presumably since they've carried enough on them to keep going into the night.

At the time of writing, the front 7 riders are on their way to Cannich. The track is a big gravel climb all the way up to a dam. If Liam's blistering pace is anything to go by, it looks like it's rideable thanks to lack of rain.

Sunset is around 21:46 so it looks like these riders are safe to get into Cannich by nightfall.

There is very little in the way of places to grab supplies between Cannich and Contin Village Stores (which opens at 8am tomorrow). There is a pub off track in Cannich - will they call in for sustenance?

Right, I think that's all I have to report today. I'm going to sit back, relax in my warm bed and report on what surprises the night gives us in the morning. See you then!

When I tucked myself into bed last night, Liam Glen was leading by around 5 miles but it looks like he stopped for a tactical power nap for 3 hours while Josh Ibbett and Chris Pitblado pushed on into the wee hours. Liam's speed is absolutely unbelievable and I'll remind you he's riding a rigid singlespeed. Seems gears and suspension are for kids!

![night 1 gif ht550 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6OTfwaUBiQDMNKR0Iv8r87/2e74f452b4a654a882ef232d20cb1c31/ezgif.com-gif-maker.gif)

Sleep strategy is an interesting one and we've seen in the past that it's entirely unique to each rider. Sofiane Sehili swears by constant forward progress while others bank a few hours' kip in favour of refreshed gains when they wake up.

Josh sand Chris stopped for 45 minutes around the same time. They'll have had each other firmly in their sites, however Josh's current pause has meant Chris is now 10 miles ahead with Liam hot on his (w)heels.

James Hayden also caught 40 winks for 3 hours and is around 8 miles from Josh's sleep spot. Will Josh make a dash for it before James gets there?

Just 20 miles separates the top 5, so it really is impossible to make a call at the moment.

## The route today

As the front end approaches the route's most northern point, the landscape really is a sight to behold.

<p style="font-size: 0.9rem;font-style: italic;"><img style="display: block;" src="https://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/02/52/84/2528437_963a9bde.jpg" alt="Glen Cassley"><a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2528437">"Glen Cassley"</a><span> by <a href="https://geograph.org.uk/profile/196">Richard Webb</a></span> is licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=ccsearch&atype=html" style="margin-right: 5px;">CC BY-SA 2.0</a><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=ccsearch&atype=html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="display: inline-block;white-space: none;margin-top: 2px;margin-left: 3px;height: 22px !important;"><img style="height: inherit;margin-right: 3px;display: inline-block;" src="https://search.creativecommons.org/static/img/cc_icon.svg?image_id=5d38492c-ad1a-4f11-bc78-072bbd2414d8" /><img style="height: inherit;margin-right: 3px;display: inline-block;" src="https://search.creativecommons.org/static/img/cc-by_icon.svg" /><img style="height: inherit;margin-right: 3px;display: inline-block;" src="https://search.creativecommons.org/static/img/cc-sa_icon.svg" /></a></p>

After riding through Glen Cassley, they'll have to get handy on their feet for some hike-a-bike. There comes a point in a race where I really wish we had live pictures and I think for the HT550, I would quite like a drone around here.

The 2019 commentator and 2021 rider Mike Toyn had this to say in his report, "The crux of this section is the Bealach Horn (CP4 at 245 miles) but to get there riders have to navigate a steep descent through peat hags with no discernible path. This place feels miles from anywhere and not the natural habitat of a mountain bike. Having hauled, rolled, dropped and lugged your bike down you have to force it up the steep track on the other side to reach to Bealach. At this point it will all feel worth it as you are now heading south and will be treated to a nice technical descent. Riders will have to pay attention here as it is not the place to have an accident."

Phew - I feel like I've been on an adventure just reading that! It's a big old descent down to Achfary Forest losing almost 500m of elevation on to then push up the other side to claw back 400m again.

## All routes to Drumbeg

The next opportunity for resupply is Drumbeg Stores where the riders will no doubt be welcomed with open arms. Just like the Real Food Cafe, Drumbeg Stores is somewhat of a Highland institution renowned for its hospitality and scran (that's Scottish for food).

<p style="font-size: 0.9rem;font-style: italic;"><img style="display: block;" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a8/Drumbeg_Stores_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1377445.jpg" alt="File:Drumbeg Stores - geograph.org.uk - 1377445.jpg"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14106262">"File:Drumbeg Stores - geograph.org.uk - 1377445.jpg"</a><span> by <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/profile/23874">Russel Wills</a></span> is licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0?ref=ccsearch&atype=html" style="margin-right: 5px;">CC BY-SA 2.0</a><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0?ref=ccsearch&atype=html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="display: inline-block;white-space: none;margin-top: 2px;margin-left: 3px;height: 22px !important;"><img style="height: inherit;margin-right: 3px;display: inline-block;" src="https://search.creativecommons.org/static/img/cc_icon.svg?image_id=639f11ea-6de2-4e75-8fef-242ab51ea987" /><img style="height: inherit;margin-right: 3px;display: inline-block;" src="https://search.creativecommons.org/static/img/cc-by_icon.svg" /><img style="height: inherit;margin-right: 3px;display: inline-block;" src="https://search.creativecommons.org/static/img/cc-sa_icon.svg" /></a></p>

## Ruth seizes the night

![Ruth gif night 1 ht550 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/HaXAyHuKj4GJfCP4WUX6h/d44ea4c25c69d2121096cecc6a956fe1/ezgif.com-gif-maker__1_.gif)

One of the best overnight performances I've seen for a while has to be Ruth Crewe's progress early this morning. Take a look at the gif above and look how she catches up to the women in front of her.

I don't know why Dawn Anderson has two dots on that gif but in any case it's nice to see she's definitely there!

Annie Le and Emma Holgate are now within spitting distance of each other and I for one am going to watch their progress like a hawk. I spoke to Emma just before the start. She's a ski mountaineer with a huge amount of experience under her belt/wheels/skis/crampons.

"Winter has been so good that I really hope my ski mountaineering legs transfer to the bike within the first few hours of the race & the bottom is tough enough," she said. "My goal is to complete it and if I go sub 7 days I'll be super chuffed."

## Scratch update

Unfortunately there were a few more scratches overnight:
- Matt Symonds
- Andrew Lawrence
- Tom Vincent
- Karl Booth

Commiserations to them and we hope they're ok.

## More to come

I'm having a day at home today, so I'll be doing a bit more number crunching than yesterday. Stay tuned for more and as always, drop me a line on Twitter or Instagram.

I've updated the leaderboard to reflect positions through CP2. I'll update a bit later when more of the frontrunners have passed through CP3.

Tracker issues this morning meant Josh Ibbett entered stealth mode but we were assured he was with Liam the whole time 😲 they're both around CP4 as I type with Liam ever so slightly ahead.

James Hayden is just 4 miles behind them, so there's every chance we'll see a jostle for position a bit later.

Chris Pitblado has unfortunately had to scratch citing chainring issues. He was having the ride of his life: 10th though CP1 and first through CP3. Robbie Lyall has also scratched without reason.

![190801142 799015704082295 9196139195404606639 n](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1Z3yjHu27rBTIMFbLYWldV/3479bca04b843287f7ca941197e3d661/190801142_799015704082295_9196139195404606639_n.jpg)

James Craven has had a few too many tyre issues and I'm told he's riding to Inverness (on the road) and touring as much of the route as he can for the rest of his time in Scotland.

## Contin Stores

[https://twitter.com/alonsocentrism1/status/1396424263335284736?s=20](https://twitter.com/alonsocentrism1/status/1396424263335284736?s=20)

Contin Stores opened its doors around 8am this morning and they're doing a roaring trade with riders taking the opportunity to refuel before getting back on the trail.

## Shell takes a plunge

[https://www.instagram.com/p/CPNehjohs-y/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CPNehjohs-y/)

Looks like Shell's had a bit of fun over the last few hours. Thankfully he's in great spirits (is he ever not?!) and he's chugging along albeit a little more damp than he started.

## Happy Birthday Alan!

It's Alan Goldsmith's birthday today - send him your wishes! What a way to spend your birthday, hey...

[https://www.instagram.com/p/CPNWB1zBEi3/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CPNWB1zBEi3/)

## Nerdy Spreadsheet

Right, as promised, I've been number crunching on Google Sheets. It's a bit like a race flow but with more accurate numbers and I've highlighted in green whether the times are faster than Neil Beltchenko's course record from 2017. __Liam is currently a full 37 minutes ahead of the current course record and completed the section between CP3 and CP4 a whole 1 hour and 16 minutes faster than Neil.__

[View the spreadsheet here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQ9t8YDF0L7zGOHjKf1bJL5ot7d7kA-gU_MrRVmh9Hy3NFPvsuLGDzX_uo0_kLohSaaBQ6doD3d9MgB/pubhtml?gid=0&single=true)

Josh's tracker issues have messed it up a little bit but otherwise it's looking pretty good. I'll keep it updated throughout the race. I might even do a fancy chart later.

Highlighted red rows are scratched riders.

Liam and Josh battling in Bealach

I've been sat here all day absolutely *gripped* to the dots. I've moved only for food, coffee and nature breaks. How good is this?!!?

For those who don't know the route very well (also talking to myself here), I just had a quick hunt round for a picture of the Kylesku Bridge and OH MY. Teleport me to Scotland right now.

<p style="font-size: 0.9rem;font-style: italic;"><img style="display: block;" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7742/27262741521_ede21c1ee6_b.jpg" alt="Kylesku Bridge"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/130165083@N05/27262741521">"Kylesku Bridge"</a><span> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/130165083@N05">richywiseman74</a></span> is licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=ccsearch&atype=html" style="margin-right: 5px;">CC BY-SA 2.0</a><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=ccsearch&atype=html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="display: inline-block;white-space: none;margin-top: 2px;margin-left: 3px;height: 22px !important;"><img style="height: inherit;margin-right: 3px;display: inline-block;" src="https://search.creativecommons.org/static/img/cc_icon.svg?image_id=117eb760-d39a-483f-b640-d0eb9886512e" /><img style="height: inherit;margin-right: 3px;display: inline-block;" src="https://search.creativecommons.org/static/img/cc-by_icon.svg" /><img style="height: inherit;margin-right: 3px;display: inline-block;" src="https://search.creativecommons.org/static/img/cc-sa_icon.svg" /></a></p>

Josh and Liam are separated only by mere pedal strokes as I type this and James Hayden is 10 miles back. Awaiting riders is the wonderful Drumbeg Stores. Ian Fitz (former participant in the HT550 and regular adventurer) dropped me a note to share:

[https://twitter.com/EdaleSkyline/status/1396465252494151686?s=20](https://twitter.com/EdaleSkyline/status/1396465252494151686?s=20)

Gah, people are so nice, aren't they? Really hope someone manages to grab a quick snap of the fast folks through Drumbeg. Will they stop for resupply or crack on? Rumour has it, Liam is fuelled purely on the flapjack he baked in the days before he started!

Other resupply points nearby are the Kylesku Bridge Hotel, which aforementioned Ian also recommends though he warns it'll be hard to leave because the food is *so* good. 

## Andrea Rodgers checks in

I was wondering where Andrea had got to. Her dot has been in and out of movement but she's confirmed she's plodding along nicely suffering from a rubbing brake pad.

[https://twitter.com/TrepidExplorer/status/1396450541627191296?s=20](https://twitter.com/TrepidExplorer/status/1396450541627191296?s=20)

By a stroke of luck a few weeks ago, I had coffee up Win Hill with Andrea and a few others one morning and shortly after, I dropped her a note about her upcoming HT550 event.

*In my application I told the race Founder, Alan, "I'm applying now because I'm not getting any younger."*

*In 2019, I scratched at Invermoriston after a crash on Ben Alder left me with a whiplash ache and a limp due to some colourful bruises. I didn't fancy any more swimming in the weather so I rode back to Tyndrum.  When I scratched, people said, "there's always next year" which doesn't really fit in with my "not getting any younger" philosophy, especially when "next year" didn't happen.*

*This year I've worked on strength.  My previous race experience is cyclo-cross and triathlon.  With intermittent gym access this year, I've had to get creative and since April I've been binge training like a teenager cramming for A levels.*

*I'm a really competitive person but I'm just happy to be riding. There's some formidable female riders in 2021 so I've stopped googling people. Instead I'll be focusing on my personal goals: Eating enough; only lying down in the heather when it's planned; and keeping going until I'm done- whether that's 8 days or 550 miles.*

I love Andrea's mindset towards this and I'm looking forward to seeing her get back to Tyndrum with a huge smile on her face.

## Spotted in Contin

Emma and Annie have been caught red-handed in Contin Stores. Now I'm not saying they're responsible for emptying the donut stand but if the shoe fits...

![Emma Holgate Contin HT550](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1Om4zPMk8t2yYDQ4k1W8ur/a190b8b075c46a2a0ab54f8786bb5bed/WhatsApp_Image_2021-05-23_at_15.10.47__1_.jpeg)

![Steve Waters HT550 Contin](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/78wT7HVzuMd0ewedPNz6Yc/8cad23f8741b9737fbb63c7f544f36b7/WhatsApp_Image_2021-05-23_at_15.11.19.jpeg)

__*Tell me you're racing the HT550 without telling me you're racing the HT550*__

## Lochinver to Ledmore

Josh, Liam and James will soon embark on the famous Ledmore Traverse. The name makes you believe it may be rideable ("ooh a lovely ride along a ridge") however, friends, it is not.

Here's a link to the [Strava segment](https://www.strava.com/segments/12275747). The KOM is 2 hours 30 minutes for just 17km (just over 10 miles) of track. 🤯

You can read a bit more about this particular section from [Ian Barrington's recollection](https://ianbarrington.com/2016/06/08/a-highland-tale-part-2/) from 2016. CP5 is Ledmore Junction, so let's take guesses on how long it'll take them to get there.

## Oykel Bridge Hotel

Shortly after CP5, riders will take to the road all the way to the Oykel Bridge Hotel where the owners have laid on a special menu for them. The community all coming together during this event is one of the best parts about it.

Beccy's sent me a picture of the menu, so you can all live vicariously.

![Oykel Bridge Hotel Menu HT550 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4VP0bhwq6vS3EvvgYErcpx/698fe693a9378a54d0505781bcb8cc3b/WhatsApp_Image_2021-05-23_at_15.46.10.jpeg)

Afternoon shift on Day 2

As the sun sets on glorious Scotland this evening, I think we can agree it's been a brilliant day of dotwatching.

Liam and Josh are now on their way to Ullapool having completed the Ledmore Traverse. Watcher and former HT550 rider Rich Seipp posted this stunning picture of his son Tom enjoying a can of coke on this section of the route. I wonder whether any of the riders will get a view like this in 2021?

[https://twitter.com/richpips/status/1396507549520781317?s=20](https://twitter.com/richpips/status/1396507549520781317?s=20)

Speaking of Rich, he's an eagle eyed watcher and alerted me to a little diversion that Josh took before he realised the error of his ways.

![Josh Ibbett wrong way HT550 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7qCL30kYVAWgjsdswPDYi7/dbbccc6bae2e066ef072562e86af5ea7/Screenshot_2021-05-23_at_18.56.06.png)

I don't think this will have cost him much time, thankfully. There's been a steady mile gap between both riders and on a 550 mile route, that's nothing.

## Will the course record be broken?

Liam and Josh have consistently been ahead of the course record today. __At Ledmore Junction (CP5), Liam was almost 1 hour faster than the record time.__ How am I supposed to sleep tonight?!?

## Top 3 women through CP2

Annie Le, Emma Holgate and Ruth Crewe have all made it through CP2 at Croick and they're about to join the Northern Loop.

Annie's refuelled at the Oykel Bridge. What do you reckon she got? See the menu on my previous post!

![Annie Lee Oykel Bright](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/11zMjUUtUypPrk7IMPr5jj/ef2cfbc2e5c413f3c986fd1eb4f96999/Screenshot_2021-05-23_at_19.20.51.png)

Yet another amazing aspect of this race is how the frontrunners can bump into the midpack and tailenders. It's likely a number of riders in the top 10 will meet those yet to complete the Northern Loop at the Oykel Bridge Hotel for a chat and exchange of acknowledgements.

## Scratch summary

[https://twitter.com/HT_550/status/1396557093839196162?s=20](https://twitter.com/HT_550/status/1396557093839196162?s=20)

## Weather set to change

Riders have enjoyed largely dry weather for the duration of their ride so far. Sure, there's been a bit of moisture but nothing to write home about. However, the damp is coming in overnight and into tomorrow so it's time to pull out the waterproofs.

I reckon a few riders might look like Lee Craigie (she currently holds the women's record for the HT550).

[https://twitter.com/leecraigie_/status/1396554986755088390?s=20](https://twitter.com/leecraigie_/status/1396554986755088390?s=20)

See you in the morning, folks!

I don't mean to brag but I'm glad I slept in my nice warm bed last night because by all accounts the rain is persisting on riders which made for slow progress especially at night.

![weather night 2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4dFnCA4W0Hbiyo1Mxth2pn/3260a8cdf6fd7d656f32bd003b905fe2/Screenshot_2021-05-24_at_07.24.12.png)

There's been a solid cloud of rain hanging over the highlands for almost 12 hours now and it shows no signs of buzzing off elsewhere throughout today. Met Office reports that Fort William is forecast for >88% chance of rain before retreating to 60-70% chance at at 21:00.

![Night 2 HT550 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4Rwg6xvJYDRCH1lNyUbHSo/73c76f43a7dfebdb85b69f6e1d493ebe/ezgif.com-gif-maker__2_.gif)

So let's have a look how last night played out:
- __Josh__ took a nap on the shores of Loch Borralan for a solid 5 hours by the look of it.
- __James Hayden__ opted for a 2 hour power nap at the Oykel Bridge Hotel having overtaken Josh by doing so. While there, he saw Chris Johnstone who is still forging ahead in a northerly direction.
- Hard to tell if __Liam__ slept because his tracker wasn't firing as many points as usual. Race flow shows he didn't move a lot at around mile 329 but then he reaches Ullapool where I can't imagine it's a buzzing metropolis at 2am on a Monday morning. I don't think he's caught any winks...
- __Rich Rothwell__ looks to have continued through the night with no obvious stopping points. My spreadsheet says he took around 3 hours longer than the top 3 riders to ride from Bealach Horn to Ledmore Junction.
- __James McIntosh__ has unfortunately scratched from the race.
- __Andrew Hutcheson__ is now neck-and-neck with Josh Ibbett on his way to Ullapool. FYI Andrew sometimes rides singlespeed (like Liam) - I wonder if he's happy to have chosen gears...

## Grupetto spotted in the wild

Dot Watcher [John Williamson](https://www.instagram.com/bigtalljohnny/) went out with his camera and got some amazing images of riders further back in the field.

![ht550 grupetto](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/34SadB7mALdmFLnpAV89vw/234d7b67fbe355f63151e4e649aa4e72/190487530_815941019317750_1004900687684871567_n.jpg)
Pictured here is the wonderful Mike Toyn up the front, Crispin Hoult on his fatbike (he's the rider with a goat in his Bikes Of HT550 entry!) and a couple of unidentified riders behind. Apologies I don't know their names.

## On the menu for today

A new section up to Fisherfield and out of Poolewe beckons for riders today.

<iframe src="https://ridewithgps.com/embeds?type=route&id=36145986&metricUnits=true&sampleGraph=true" style="width: 1px; min-width: 100%; height: 700px; border: none;" scrolling="no"></iframe>

Many of you will be familiar with the Postman's Path but that's out for this year and instead riders will take the Tollie Path to Kinlochlewe.

Liam is (of course!) already finding his way around this uncharted territory with James Hayden within 10 miles of his rear wheel. James is ascending while Liam has just crested the short pull to the top. From there, they descend down to Loch na Sealga intersecting with the Cape Wrath Trail. Riders will see Shenavall Bothy nearby which they cannot use for shelter from the elements that'll follow them here.

<p style="font-size: 0.9rem;font-style: italic;"><img style="display: block;" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c8/Track_to_Shenavall_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1309951.jpg" alt="File:Track to Shenavall - geograph.org.uk - 1309951.jpg"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14036404">"File:Track to Shenavall - geograph.org.uk - 1309951.jpg"</a><span> by <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/profile/26074">Tom Richardson</a></span> is licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0?ref=ccsearch&atype=html" style="margin-right: 5px;">CC BY-SA 2.0</a><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0?ref=ccsearch&atype=html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="display: inline-block;white-space: none;margin-top: 2px;margin-left: 3px;height: 22px !important;"><img style="height: inherit;margin-right: 3px;display: inline-block;" src="https://search.creativecommons.org/static/img/cc_icon.svg?image_id=f1a9ce10-a2ef-4b29-8c4b-453e2b900f70" /><img style="height: inherit;margin-right: 3px;display: inline-block;" src="https://search.creativecommons.org/static/img/cc-by_icon.svg" /><img style="height: inherit;margin-right: 3px;display: inline-block;" src="https://search.creativecommons.org/static/img/cc-sa_icon.svg" /></a></p>

It's a big ol' climb/hike-a-bike up to Fisherfield from there as the riders summit the 5th highest point of the race.

[Markus Stitz](https://www.twitter.com/reizkultur) of Bikepacking Scotland kindly sent through some images so you can continue your vicarious lives (you might also have to pretend it's sunny too!).

![Fisherfield 1 Markus Stitz](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3u6Jm9wwlxBbM2bCr6ybS2/9428ce6c4db0503faf6684fbf56bb768/Fisherfield_1_Markus_Stitz.jpg)

## The pink dots

I haven't heard from Andrea since her last update and her dot hasn't moved for 13 hours. Could be trouble with it again...or it's drowned in the 1000 puddles she's ridden through overnight.

[https://twitter.com/TrepidExplorer/status/1396540046967255055?s=20](https://twitter.com/TrepidExplorer/status/1396540046967255055?s=20)

All bar just a couple of riders are now on the Northern Loop or they've completed it. Annie Le is 5 miles ahead of Emma Holgate so there's no real change to the women's field.

## Happy dotwatching!

I have to work today (boo!), so I'll try and update later this afternoon/evening. If you spot anything, let me know on [Twitter](https://www.twitter.com/thisisgrace) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thisisgrace_). I'll keep the spreadsheet up to date as much as I can too.

Mother Nature came out to play today but she played nasty and the weather has been certified minging out there by all accounts. Poolewe provided well-earned respite for Liam this morning as he took 20 mins or so to resupply before jumping back on his wheels again to the Tollie Path. He had a ca. 10 mile lead on James Hayden at this point and safe in the knowledge the latter had a big ol' climb to push up to get to Fisherfield. James didn't stop for long in Poolewe and carried on his chase.

![Liam Glen Fisherfield HT550 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5lUs3i6pRa5xaKcbG9Yzxp/8fefec2eab1e0eacec12945294c045f0/WhatsApp_Image_2021-05-24_at_18.26.21__1_.jpeg)
*Liam Glen coming out of Fisherfield*

Josh has been having tracker issues again which meant it looked like he'd falled asleep for a while but I am pretty confident he entered stealth mode and rode nearby Andrew Hutcheson. They both paused at Poolewe for refreshments and, I imagine, warmth. At the time of writing, they're still there an hour and a half after arriving. Hope all's well.

This new section doesn't appear to be as rideable as the previous route - riders are taking a very long time to complete this particular section. This could be due to the trail, weather, fatigue or a combination of all three of course. The conditions under which Neil set the record pace were quite different (dry and warmer) than we're seeing today. That said, Liam is still in very good stead to beat [Javi Merchante](https://www.instagram.com/javi_murchante/)'s singlespeed record of 3 days 21 hours and 55 minutes.

Speaking of Javi...he's been hunting down riders today in Lochinver and managed to stumble upon John Fettis, Lars Henning, Mike Toyn and Mike Sheldrake.

![John Fettis Lars Henning HT550 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/56VxR0yEmZEg8wcT7vasjr/03bc089d0acd51ff0c6c5cd8389ad2d6/189818127_475389577063947_1372852808595378243_n.jpg)

![Mike Toyn Mike Sheldrake HT550 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5hUSfia0LVKhpd4ip9YV7L/748bf80fb608614760de9081c49865a8/190734135_216747420031013_4191619740499966868_n.jpg)

## Another singlespeed contender?

In Javi's post about bumping into Shell, it was also revealed that he's taking a leaf out of Liam's book and has had to go singlespeed. I don't know if he'll get his rear mech fixed en route (paging Nevis Cycles!) or continue SS but at least he was able to fix it and ride on.

I would love to be half as fit as Shell when I'm his age. I also love his lust for life and I had the privilege of interviewing him at a Transcontinental chat in Sheffield last year. He's always up to something and always open to sharing his wisdom.

Anyway what I'm getting at is that you've got to keep the wheels turning and keep having fun while you're at it. He was 45th through CP1 and he's now 15th through CP5. The race isn't over until you get to the finish line. Just keep moving forwards and you never know what might happen!

## Soggy scratched riders

Unfortunately Alan Goldsmith and Dawn Anderson are today's two scratches so far. Alan seems safe and well at the Kylesku Bridge Hotel and I presume is now dotwatching with us. I'm unsure why Dawn scratched but I'll allocate at least a little bit of the blame to the elements.

## Coming up...

With the frontrunners beginning to make their way up the Tollie Path, I'm beginning to realise why they appear to be riding a little more slowly. Markus Stitz shared a picture of the trail with me from when it was included in the 2014/2015 edition.

![Tollie Path HT550 2021](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/35VfoSXa6tv3o80rnuIsN6/b7f7f4b913857e1cfe93983551a68858/14361247413_a27c6d57c5_c.jpg)

Looks like another hike-a-bike 🥴

## Torridon to Fort Augustus 🍕

[https://twitter.com/reizkultur/status/1396839151840997380?s=20](https://twitter.com/reizkultur/status/1396839151840997380?s=20)

Liam has been stopped just 0.4 miles from the Torridon checkpoint and I was going to wait until he got there for me to post this but his tracker's just greyed out and my dinner's nearly ready!

I'll leave the description of this next section to Mike Toyn from his [very detailed route review from 2019](https://dotwatcher.cc/race/highland-trail-550-2019?reverse=true&post=4HM3sS0dUuup6uIPffb8jT#4HM3sS0dUuup6uIPffb8jT).

*"The next rendezvous with hike-a-bike comes at Kintail after Dornie with the long drag to the head of Glen Affric...which is the longest in Scotland and takes the riders down a good doubletrack towards Tomich. If a few dots appear to have gone off route here: don’t worry, they have probably gone to the hotel there for a bite to eat to fuel themselves for the pylon climb and the section of General Wade’s Military Road into Fort Augustus. The descent into town is great and riders will roll back into Fort Augustus with a grin on their faces and most dots will stop here for resupply."*

## Further reading

While you wait for my next update which may or may not be later tonight depending on how exciting it gets, I recommend reading Markus' recount of the 2019 race [here](http://markusstitz.com/2019/07/minor-obstacles/).

Meine deutsche Freunde können auch [diese Artikel von Martin Ruf](https://highlandsmtb.de/htr550/) über seine HT550 Erfahrungen lesen. 🇩🇪

A race designed to prep organiser Alan Goldsmith for the Colorado Trail Race has become the flagship UK MTB bikepacking race. With hours of hike-a-bike and the most unpredictable weather the British Isles have to offer, the HT550 is a race that cannot be missed.

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