Lee Craigie's HT550 Route Preview

Race Preview by Lars Henning

Pre race start list update

Countdown to the start line

Read... set... GO!

Our first casualty

Spot Tracker issues

Here's a look at HT day 1...

Trials and Tribulations of the First Night

News from HT Day 2 - 36hrs in...

HT550 veteran and second place in 2018, Lee Craigie, has put pen to paper to summarise her take on the HT550 route. This Scot knows the route intimately and we're honored to have her words feature as our route preview.

===

The route begins in Tyndrum, a tiny ex-mining village which is now better known as the last place to stop for fuel and food before heading over the desolate Rannoch Moor. It’s here in the Real Food Cafe by the side of the A82 that riders converge full of jangling nerves the night before race start and where they tend to regroup tired and wired a few days later. 

The route begins up a side street next to an unremarkable looking village hall and a Scottish Power sub-station but quickly gives way to a wide, sweeping glen with dramatic hills on all sides. The start is usually pretty fast and frantic with riders all jostling to get those split second advantages in a race that will take them days but tends to mellow with the rolling double track that winds along Loch Lyon then climbs and descends more steeply north towards Ben Alder. It’s around Ben Alder that riders get their first flavour of bog trotting, cross-drain hopping and technical climbing but the riding is mostly fast and satisfying once beyond the Ben. That is, until the infamous Corryarick Pass looms.

![DSCF7786](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2emdKOd7s0WS8hdYe6VOKP/227b78a3923e039e8d30780472fa15ea/DSCF7786.JPG)

*Two riders make their way to the summit of the Corryarick*

There’s nothing easy about getting over the Corryarick but the promise of food in Fort Augustus on the other side is usually enough to keep the pedals turning. Getting any resupply right and replacing the days calorie deficit in this attractive wee tourist town on the banks of Loch Ness is an art form worth perfecting on the northwards leg because riders pass back though it again on their way south, a husk of their former selves and with decision making abilities massively depleted. 

With packed bikes and full bellies the ride north carries on along the Great Glen Way to Invermoriston and then due west on the road. A steep, well built service road whisks riders into the hills again but simply disappears around Loch ma Stac leaving everyone wondering if they might have downloaded the wrong GPS track. After a tricky pick around the loch riders are soon dropping like stones in the direction of Cannich for a quick road reprieve before the Path of 1000 Puddles begins between Struy and Contin.

![DSCF7905](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3TyDQF03AKegtBFLGDLEQY/5d95c8be2f8759babee4d7a8c44e88a3/DSCF7905.JPG)

*A typical Contin haul*

If you happen upon it in opening hours (which have been kindly extended for HT550 riders incidentally) the Contin Stores can be a life saver. It also marks the last shop resupply point on the northbound route. Easy riding continues west and then north from Contin until roads and buildings finally disappear completely at Blackwater and a beautiful, wild section of double track carries riders along Loch Vaich towards Croick Church (worth a quick look) to pick up the coast to coast route that runs from Bonar Bridge in the east to Ullapool in the west. 

But following this classic route, that runs straight through the centre of the highlands from the north sea to the atlantic, would mean missing out the remote glory of the most northerly section of the Highland Trail and while that might be tempting for tired bodies, it’s not what’s been signed up for. Instead, riders leave the coast to coast at Oykel Bridge which is the second cross over point on the route after Fort Augustus. The Oykel Bridge Hotel is usually a welcome stop for hot meals and chamois cream reapplication but it’s changed hands recently and is not open this year. A few miles further up the road at Rosehall the extremely friendly if a little erratic Achness Hotel might tell you with a smile that they have no food either.

Welcome tarmac up Glen Cassley and a warp speed descent on the other side might lull riders into a false sense of security before Glen Golly begins. On a good day with fresh legs and dry weather this section up and over the Bealach Horn is honestly actually almost rideable but pushing never hurt anyone either and bums need a rest too from time to time. 

Once over the foreboding Bealach the iconic mountains of Foinavan and Arkle come into view and it feels good to be riding up in the sky with their grand bulk for company. Back down in the glen it’s time to load the south bound half of the route but any high spirits from being (in principle) homeward bound, fizzle on the steep climb out of Achfary towards Kylesku. 

In 2016 Javier Simon stopped at the Kylesku hotel to pay his rent and found me hopelessly stabbing at buttons having failed to load the return route on my Garmin. The staff were kind and gave me food even though the kitchen was closed until eventually I gave up stabblng and headed out again into the darkness to navigate back to Tyndrum by iPhone, a wing and a prayer. 

The Lochinver coast road is a brutal rollercoaster but at least it’s one mostly covered with tarmac and it does offer the fabulous Drumbeg Stores for resupply and friendly faces. Steve will be watching rider’s dots and willing to go out of his way to make sure they get what they need. 

When this road does eventually give way to the Achmelvich singletrack, it offers a unique view of the majestic Suliven which sits up tall and lonely in the distance. Pick up a pie or two from the Lochinver Larder on the way through the tiny seaside town (or weep silently if it’s closed) then begin your meditation on acceptance and gratitude as the track around Suliven gets worse and worse. There’s no point in assuming the path must get better as it approaches the A835 back to Oykel Bridge. It doesn’t. There is no reason to ever be in this place on a bike. It’s just Alan being naughty.

![DSCF7942](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4VxEHvlsWIh8Ec8BfJcof2/4dabc576e1c660addb39cd77a411cb64/DSCF7942.JPG)

*Liam Glen picks his way through the last section of the Ledmore Travers on his way to winning in 2021*

The next section to Ullapool always seems to take forever. I don’t recommend riders calculate how long it would take to reach town by turning due south and following the road rather than following the route. Instead they should just enjoy the fast slightly downhill road section back to Oykel Bridge then smile inwardly at the closed Hotel calm in the knowledge that resupply isn’t too far away as long as resisting the lure of the School House bothy is manageable.  

Ullapool is the danger zone. It’s got cafes and shops and is surrounded by an inviting sea loch. It’s the place that sees the highest percentage of riders scratch from the route because what comes next is arguably the most intimidating and remote section of the Highland Trail. If a rider makes it out of Ullapool still in the saddle she will probably finish her ride in Tyndrum…but it won’t be easy.

![DSCF8051](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4EiHlD54AefkvNwWjUoH3j/e96792431b486a722c47ae29def58772/DSCF8051.JPG)

*Mike Sheldrake (Shell) and organiser Alan Goldsmith exchange stories in Ullapool. Both line up this year*

At the head of Loch Broom, the Coffin Road begins. Back in 2022 by “popular” demand, I believe it’s called the Coffin Road because of the amount of people who have given up and died while trying to push their bikes up it. Still, before you know it, the Fisherfield traverse has begun and everything else pales into insignificance. Past Sheneval Bothy nestled at the foot of AnTeallach to the start of Loch na Sealga where, depending on recent rainfall levels, riders will wade ankle, knee, waist or neck deep across the loch’s shallow mouth to the other side of the glen. 

Fisherfield is a magical place and the push up and over the high mountain plateau to reach the causeway on the other side is utterly awe-inspiring. This year, the infamous and overgrown Postman’s Path has been replaced by a wicked singletrack descent to Poolewe and then a hoof over the eroded Tollie Path for a road smash along the shores of Loch Maree to Torridon. This is good news for any rider tired of pushing their bike by this point but bad news for those of us who love that desolate, off-camber, overgrown singletrack along the side of Loch Maree.

![DSCF7991](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1Dby1c9yWrvjbDpp6Dle9s/fd8e94c1e1cacfed66f335ff8ed1de1c/DSCF7991.JPG)

*Liam effortlessly pedalling through Fisherfield in terrible weather in 2021*

Resupply options abound in Poolewe and Kinlochewe before possibly the most technical riding on the route takes place. It’s possible to squash into the tiny Tea Hut for a midge free breather at the bottom of the climb up into Coire Lair to gather enough beans to be able to enjoy what has to be the finest downhill section on the route to Achnashellach Station* (*request stop only and very infrequent so you might as well keep going). 

Riders at this stage have fully broken the back of this ride. Resupply and shelter in Lochcarron and Dornie make getting back into Glen Affric much more pleasurable and following the Affric Way past Camban Bothy, riding gets easier and easier. It’s still a horrible shock having to climb back over the hill from Tomich to Fort Augustus again but a rider that’s made it this far would have to be suffering badly to escape east along the road to Inverness at this stage. 

It’s easy to breathe a sigh of relief in Fort Augustus and give a little whoop of celebration. After all, the inches of ground covered since leaving Ullapool have been mostly hard won and the spin along the Great Glen to Fort William promises flat and easy terrain. But it’s this stage I’ve always found the hardest to stay awake through. Sleep deprivation may have built considerably by now and canal towpaths are notoriously boring. But falling asleep and riding into one is a sure way to wake up again. Apparently. 

Riders can enjoy a midge free moment in a charming compost toilet along the shores of Loch Lochy before Fort WIlliam reveals itself. It’s a detour to go into town so doing so will really depend on an individual’s level of addiction to McDonalds. Corpach on the outskirts offers broken bodies and bikes everything they might need to finish the ride on the West Highland Way but there’s Kinlochleven village too just a few miles further south too.

A note of caution on descending the loose, switchbacking Devils Staircase into Glencoe after Kinlochleven. It’s the last real test before returning to Tyndrum and it’s where I lost forty minutes in 2018 after crashing and deciding I couldn’t be arsed getting up so just rolled over and had a wee sleep instead. No regrets.

![DSCF8216](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5eWFNsmYmRHccJluSdMwcx/36f31bc310f486406d6bcab7abca12aa/DSCF8216.JPG)

*The view looking back down the route from the top of the Devil's Staircase, with a snowy Ben Nevis in the background*

If finishing riders are lucky enough to catch Rannoch Moor at sunset or at sunrise then they’ve just earned themselves the most perfect full stop to their impressive ride. All that remains is easy double track back through Bridge of Orchy, if you ignore the two km sting in the tail over `Mam Carraigh which can be easily missed if you’re already thinking about your first pint. 

I hope that’s been a helpful overview for dotwatchers. If you’re riding The Highland Trail this year but you’ve learned nothing new or I’ve freaked you out entirely then let me offer some wise words from fellow veteran Jenny Graham instead:

“It’s only as shit as you make it”

I hope everyone has a wonderful ride.

===

Howdy, DotWatchers! My name is [Lars Henning](https://www.instagram.com/larsmarshandlebars/) and I will be working with a few others to bring you DotWatchers coverage for the 2022 Highland Trail 550! I’ve joined the start line three times, completing the route twice. I absolutely adore this route. This year I will be a spectator on the ground, dot stalking and trying to intercept riders as they work their way around the amazing Scottish Highlands.

I’ll start with a bit of background. If you know the HT550, you can skip this bit. It all began when Alan Goldsmith devised the [Highland Trail](https://highlandtrail550.weebly.com/) route as a ‘simple training ride’ in preparation for the [CTR](https://bikepacking.com/event/2021-colorado-trail-race/), with recce rides as early as 2008. The ‘mass start’ event has been running annually since 2013, with the exception of 2020 due to the pandemic. Alan continues to manage the route, the website and event entries. I can’t imagine anyone has stood at the start line as many times as Alan and he can probably claim the highest number of completions as well. 

After the lockdown blues of 2020, we welcomed back the [HT550 for 2021](http://www.tourintune.com/highland-trail-550-2021/), but with a ‘staggered start’ to follow social distancing. Bothies were off limits, masks were worn and supplies were limited. I am sure the 2022 riders will be thrilled to be riding without the restrictions. It’s sure to boost their spirits, smiles and yield smoking fast times!

__2022 Race Preview__

I’ll let Lee Craigie give you the detailed breakdown on the route in a separate post, but here is a brief race preview in the meantime. The route is more or less established, aside from a few stylistic diversions and practical detours depending on conditions. It starts and finishes from the Tyndrum Village Hall, just up the road from the wonderful [Real Food Cafe](https://therealfoodcafe.com/), who are supporting the event again this year. The RFC is the hub for HT550 riders and spectators throughout the event.

Those who followed (or rode) HT550 2021 will remember that the Coffin Road climb was replaced with a detour into Fisherfield via the stunning Sgurr Ban Slabs. This year the Coffin Road makes a joyous comeback, but the Tollie Path after Poolewe stays put. This year’s route is basically the same as the [Summer Version](https://bikepacking.com/routes/highland-trail-550/) posted on [Bikepacking.com](https://www.Bikepacking.com), aside from a bonus singletrack between Inveroran and Bridge of Orchy, just when you think you’re on the home stretch back to Tyndrum.

![HT550 2022 route map image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6j8ZGqhpIS7zNE4XAQLtAp/a08abb841fa9cd929c354fd091b12bfd/Picture_1.png)

Resupply options on the HT550 are sparse, but there are some charismatic pit stops worth mentioning, particularly Contin Stores, Drumbeg Stores, Lochinver Larder. Or for those with a penchant for a sit down meal, I’d expect to see stops in Fort Augustus for pizza or The Poolewe Hotel and Tomich Hotel for pub grub. Unfortunately, the Oykel Bridge Hotel will be closed this year. Oykel normally serves as an important crossroads refuel station, marking the start and finish of the ‘northern loop’. Depending on timing, this could make for a very long stint without resupply after Contin Stores (or a detour to Strathpuffer depending on time of day). Riders will need to think carefully about this.

With the bothies now reopened for 2022, riders will have options to escape bad weather. Some may decide to carry less kit to save weight. But they might find themselves in trouble if they get the timing wrong. Personally, I’d rather have a bivy or tent for flexibility and a guaranteed quiet night sleep. Most of the known bothies are marked on the [MBA website](https://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/), though there are few secret squirrel shelters that some vets might keep to themselves.

As of writing, the forecast for the start on Saturday in Tyndrum is looking favourable, an overcast 16C with low wind at low elevation. Of course, this could all change and I am sure the local riders will be checking the [MWIS report](https://www.mwis.org.uk/forecasts/scottish/southeastern-highlands) daily between now and Saturday, helping them decide which bits of extra clothing they might grab or ditch on their way to the start line. Though, as we found in 2019 and 2021, the regional weather in the Highlands can be quite localised and subject to change, so it’s foolish to base your kit list on the Met Office 10 day low elevation forecast.

Finally, how’s the midge? The [Smidge report](https://www.smidgeup.com/midge-forecast/) is still showing no major concerns, but this could change with the weather over the next 10 days. I’d expect most riders will be carrying a head net and/or their spray of choice. If anything is sure to keep you riding 16-20 hours per day without much stopping, it’s a persistent swarm of midges.

__In memory of Bruce Dinsmore__
Some words by Alan Goldsmith:

*The 2022 group start will be dedicated to the memory of Bruce Dinsmore who sadly passed away in November 2021. Bruce was a good friend and avid mountain biker who accompanied me on many expeditions to the Highlands from 2005 to 2011. These trips gave me the knowledge to piece the HT550 route together. It was Bruce's idea to go through Fisherfield, although unfortunately he never got to ride that section or join the group start. Bruce will be fondly remembered by all that met him.*

__Rider Preview__
The field has grown for 2022, with plenty of new names on the [start list](https://highlandtrail550.weebly.com/startlist.html), including nearly 20 women! 

Here are some riders to watch, based on previous records, though I hope to see some new names surprise us!

__Women__
- [Liz Sampey](https://www.instagram.com/elizasampey/) (Utah, USA), Liz set a new women’s record on the AZT750 in 2019. She could bring some tough competition, but does she know Scottish weather?
- [Philippa Battye](https://www.instagram.com/philippabattye/), an all-rounder with off-road skills, Philippa took 2nd at GBDURO 2021. 
- [Alice Lemkes](https://www.instagram.com/lemkiss/?hl=en), hot on Phil’s heels, Alice took 3rd GBDUROin 2021. Having recently been living in Highlands and with some top tips from Lee Craigie, I’d say Alice is another contender for a top spot.
- [Gail Brown](https://www.instagram.com/g.h.brown/), a qualified mountain leader, 3rd GB Duro 2020, TCR 2019 Finisher.
- [Naomi Freireich](https://www.instagram.com/frikfrak74/?hl=en) has pedigree in 24hr racing and based on her Insta she’ll be sporting a brand new Mason RAW with a smokin’ custom paint job.
- [Taylor Doyle](https://www.instagram.com/tay.velo/), founder of the Ultra distance scholarship, 4th Dales Divide 2022. I could see her within the top five women. Will she bring a mountain bike or her Stayer Gravel Slayer?

__Men__
- [Huw Oliver](https://www.instagram.com/topofests/?hl=en), A seriously fast and skilled trail rider, holding the record on the Cairngorms Loop as well as 1st AZT300 2019 and 5th in the 2017 HT550.
- [Angus Young](https://www.instagram.com/angusyoung139/?hl=en), straight off the back of a fierce new record on the Dales Divide 2022, with several other impressive UK records including 1st in Pan Celtic 2021, 1st GBDURO 2019, record on 3 Peaks Challenge by Bike.
- [Simon Guignard](https://www.instagram.com/trissaer/?hl=en) (France), 1st in French Divide 2021, an experienced ultrarunner who could gain time on the HAB sections.
- [James Hayden](https://www.instagram.com/jamesmarkhayden/?hl=en), TCR & Italy Divide winner, 2nd in the 2020 Atlas Mountain Race, 3rd in HT550 2021, having developed his trail riding. James is sure to be at the pointy end.
- [Rich Rothwell](https://www.instagram.com/richrothwellcycling/?hl=en), another HT550 veteran, with several completions under his belt (3rd in the 2017 HT550), Rich has also coached some top endurance athletes.
- [Brian Alder ](https://www.instagram.com/brianinpics/)(NZ), 5th place in Tour Divide 2016, the same year of Mike Hall’s long standing record. Creator of the Tour Te Waipounamu in New Zealand.
- [Pierre-Arnaud Le Magnan](https://www.instagram.com/pierrelemagnan/?hl=en) (France / Hong Kong), founder of those beautiful Chiru titanium dream machines, Pierre is no stranger to tough endurance racing. He took joint third with Kim Raeymaekers in the the Silk Road Mountain Race 2018.
- [Donnacha Cassidy](https://www.instagram.com/donnachacassidy/?hl=en) (Ireland), 2nd on GBDivide 2021.
- [Jim Higgins](https://www.instagram.com/earthwormjim1973/?hl=en) took 4th in 2021 and I suspect he will be looking to improve his time
- Chris Pitblado, 1st on 2019 Pan Celtic Race, unfortunately suffered a mechanical on the HT550 2021 whilst in 2nd place on day 2.
- [Mike Debernardo](https://www.instagram.com/mike_deber/?hl=en) has my money for the first singlespeed across the finish. I kept up with him on day 2 in 2021 until he pranced away from me on the northern loop HAB section. He has some serious go-go juice.

__Other Notables__
- [Beccy Waters](https://www.instagram.com/bikepackingbeccy/), a regular DotWatcher contributor and 2021 Dales Divide finisher.
- [Andrea Rodgers](https://www.instagram.com/trepidexplorer/?hl=en) (aka Trep) has true grit and a wicked sense of humour. I am rooting for another solid finish from her this year.
- [Mike Sheldrake](https://www.instagram.com/shellonthewrongsideofthehill/?hl=en) (Shell, as he’s affectionately known) is back, hopefully joined by his pal ‘Coo’ on the bars to guide him around. He’s an absolute legend! Shell has completed the Silk Road Mount Race and many others. He suffered a mechanical during the HT550 2021, but he’s back this year to have another go. 

Have I missed some blazing talent? [Message me](https://www.instagram.com/larsmarshandlebars/). I want to know about the secret weapons.


*'Highland Trail Basecamp' photo by Alan Goldsmith*

We're now within the 24 hour countdown to the start line! Sadly we have received some updates from riders who will be unable to join. I feel for any rider who is forced to bail the day before the start line, after all the preparation and anticipation that goes into these rides.

Race favourites __Philippa Battye__ and __Alice Lemkis__ are both out due to COVID. According to [Phillipa's IG post on Thursday](https://www.instagram.com/philippabattye/):

> 'We both feel fiiiine....Just gutted) so instead this is an indulgent "Woe is meeeee...." (or hopefully cathartic...?) post'

But they are not letting COVID get them down. In fact, they're already plotting a 'Victims of COVID ITT'.

__James Hayden__ has announced [he's out due to an elbow injury](https://www.instagram.com/jamesmarkhayden/). Placing 3rd in HT550 2021, James was in contention for a top spot in 2022. 

__Aleksander Pachulski__ is also out due to an expired passport, which presumably prevented him from getting to the UK.

Meanwhile, most riders have now arrived in Tyndrum and are undoubtedly using Friday for all their last minute fettling and taking short rides to calm the nerves and loosen up the legs. There is a steady stream of photos appearing on [#ht550](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/ht550/). Naomi Freirich and Liz Sampey teamed up for a test ride yesterday, with Liz hopefully just having recovered from jet lag after arriving from Utah.

Other riders arriving from afar include [Chiru Bikes](http://www.chirubikes.com/) founder [Pierre Le Magnan](https://www.instagram.com/pierrelemagnan/) all the way from Hong Kong and [Brian Alder](https://www.instagram.com/brianinpics/) (creator of [Tour Waipounamu](https://www.tourtewaipounamu.co.nz/)) from New Zealand.

Here I sit on the train to Glasgow, with an unfortunate bus replacement to Tyndrum this afternoon. I'll head to RFC this evening to look for any riders loitering and stuffing their face with a final carb binge. I'll be back with another update later this evening.

Over and out,
[Lars Henning](https://www.instagram.com/larsmarshandlebars/)

It was all happening at the [Real Food Cafe](https://therealfoodcafe.com/) in Tyndrum this evening. There was a queue out the door for food, with finely tuned bikes lined up like race horses. Everyone was plowing through calories, eating second cakes and sniffing each other's steeds.

I can relate to the look of excitement and anxiety in their eyes. The route is set, their bikes are ready, but the outcome is uncertain and depends on so many factors, only some of which are in their control.

The weather is looking favourable. There is some wind, but no significant precipitation expected in the next few days. This is sure to get the race off to a fast start. Any bets on the time of day for the first pizza in Fort Augustus on Saturday? I suspect the fast riders won't stop, so the first pizza will be between 1700~1800.

In my previous post I missed out a potential top five fasty, Alex Berry. He's decided to switch from his slack Pace to his uberlight Cannondale XC race bike. I am interested to see how this works out for him. He has a stove and food for miles. And he's quite fast.

![RFC beer](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7HUIIUQdtPs80mGi63IqTW/b822994f9361f218b04a2fd367ddaffb/IMG-5207.jpg)


The excitement was pumping at the start line this morning. After the quiet staggered start of 2021, it was so great to see all 66 riders chatting and raring to go. 

![IMG 5225](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2dRUFsZzdYOxJQ3CBh3JN7/b989a3af7f770cd5dcb85b15c1f45a22/IMG_5225.jpeg)

__Alan__ gave an introduction, joined by 2021 winners __Annie Lee__ and __Liam Glen__, who shared some inspirational tips.

![IMG 5219](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4f6doz2Ak0qUse8tnKI0QV/979d50b6cf47b17885c7fabe3341fbf5/IMG_5219.jpeg)

__Oonagh Thin__ and __Gail Brown__ were both looking confident. Oonagh is already off to a fast start. If all dots are tracking correctly, she appears to be the first woman to have reached Bridge of Balgie. She is travelling light, with no seat pack.

![IMG 5217](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2huGld2MxUOnykcWsF7Osx/a3864b52705480eacfb5551bb8c73ca3/IMG_5217.jpeg)

I asked __Angus Young__ where he was hoping to get to today. He's said he's not sure, but I suspect it could be beyond the hydro bothy.

![IMG 5218](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1Vs4sYGZE5zlqDWGOK7mso/35acfa10b035d2495d773425281c8815/IMG_5218.jpeg)

__Taylor Doyle__ is packing enough food for days, with one meal already rehydrating for a quick snack. She's also rockin' some emergency Red Bulls in her Tailfin pack.

![IMG 5235](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5caKfJxrs1px5kFnj4YiUd/79fd9c3f2a83100a99aca23988009e43/IMG_5235.jpeg)

__Simon Guignard__ was full of beans and shot off like a rocket from the start line. I spoke with him about his target earlier and he's aiming to reach Drumbeg sometime tomorrow afternoon. Ambitious! 

![Simon G error](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7B7x9CPebE10084ztY0kcQ/0bc083814706e13d4b2dcb798f2ab0af/Screenshot_2022-05-28_at_09.35.47.png)

Unfortunately, it looks like he's already made a route error on the approach to Loch Lyon, where he continued on the north side, which is the old route (2019 and earlier). Fortunately, he's since realised his mistake and backtracked to rejoin the route on the south side of the Loch. He probably only lost 15 or 20 minutes, but he's now already back at the front.

It's far too early to speculate on the leaderboard, but the pace is looking fierce. Only time will tell who can keep it up. We'll report back later on for the feed up in Fort Augustus, where were sure to see some photos coming in. Will anyone order the seafood pizza this year?

Here is a video and some more photos of from start. It was super fun to get all the waves and see familiar faces.

Cheers,
[Lars Henning](https://www.instagram.com/larsmarshandlebars/)

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N03qYUcPPHM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N03qYUcPPHM)

![IMG 5239](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/45W6iAvBdiNWKlbUUbEzUR/771bdaaffd6cd77f0a7c12c05763d682/IMG_5239.jpeg)

![IMG 5258](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/58PQ3oWvRlso1fQTEcWFDX/89662fb32633d129ad71dfde442cd1e4/IMG_5258.jpeg)

![IMG 5273](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2a4ueZOC6252sEVVlcownF/643cd6b622afe8b060e7a8f7adc75fbc/IMG_5273.jpeg)

![IMG 5286](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1jUSfjvogMCJqR2m4sh7HK/e35e71927dd47d5820697d5d6016a6d9/IMG_5286.jpeg)

![IMG 5307](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2Jb12kqFbIufbM3ekTj3Zj/05d33ddf4846be23948614a3b20e5003/IMG_5307.jpeg)

![IMG 5312](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/eAsgfGgeh7DLzUaYBdkvT/2e48a6521e5c45bdb19e1b64ce31b613/IMG_5312.jpeg)

![IMG 5306](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2f3taFCynFRtwF8cx0AgMm/eaa44b9998700a37adbb4f426cae9cf8/IMG_5306.jpeg)

![IMG 5324](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7DBk4N6VtFzrt8QjpgqUDj/b69eece47a0e9936c9c14d635556766d/IMG_5324.jpeg)

![Screenshot 2022-05-28 at 11.16.14](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6Tn76pPzR9psPMmbGgNREC/bfaed5596c396ba4bf8f1602c91d155f/Screenshot_2022-05-28_at_11.16.14.png)

Sad news. Veteran HT550 rider [Rich Rothwell](https://www.instagram.com/richrothwellcycling/) is out due to a crash.

As is often the case, we're seeing some SPOT tracker issues on Day 1. Some trackers are pinging very infrequently and a few have not pinged since the start this morning. So the current Leaderboard is not reflective of the current state of play.

- Huw Oliver last pinged just before he went to the start line
- Pierre Le Magnan__ (Chirus Bikes) is showing as not started
- Angus Young, Scott Linsday and a few others have been updating more or less hourly

Based on what I saw at the start, I suspect all three of these riders are probably near the front of the pack. As the field gets more spread out, he periodic pinging will be less of an issue, but I do hope that Huw and Pierre will pop up at some point!

(We are awaiting some more action pics of Day 1 to come in... However we found this rather nice painting done by Robert Wragge-Morley of Liam Glen on last years ride as a Temporary Feature Image for this post)

After some gruelling work in the Dotwatcher back-office, [Lars](https://www.instagram.com/larsmarshandlebars/) is now off for a rest and to ride his bike for a bit round the Highlands. We now hand over the commentary baton to [Alex Pilkington](https://www.instagram.com/alexpilksadventures/) - Alex is also familiar with the route having ridden it successfully in 2018 (first rider back) and then not so successfully in 2019 (DNF – Contin) when it rained, and rained…!

***

Welcome everyone to the evening, and not quite the end of Day 1, [Lars](https://www.instagram.com/larsmarshandlebars/) and [Lee](https://www.instagram.com/leecraigie_/) have set the scene nicely and have reported on some great action from the start. So almost 12 hours into this ride/race we can see that there is a blistering pace being set. Before we get into the latest goings on, I thought I’d remind readers that the HT550 is now in its tenth year (no ride in 2020 though), this makes the HT550 one of the longest running Bike-Packing events in the UK, you only have to see the list of events on the DW calendar to see how much the sport has grown in the last decade, but more-so the last 5 years. This is definitely reflected on the start line with cohort of talented riders - UK, International, Male and Female, some new faces and young blood coming into the sport. 

I recall these rides used to have quite a tempered pace at the start – holding back a bit, knowing of the gruelling journey ahead… but now the ride speed is super-intense from the go and this is evidenced by the dots reaching CP1 (Correyairack Pass) so quickly with Frenchman Jean Rogelet and [Angus Young](https://www.instagram.com/angusyoung139/) getting there in 8:12hr and 8:14hr respectively (Just slightly slower than Neil Beltchenko and Chris Hopes times of 7:52hr from the 2017 record year [HT550-2017] (http://trackleaders.com/highland17). Over in the females, [Oonagh Thin](https://www.instagram.com/oonaghthin/) seems to be taking an early lead having just passed CP1 in around 10.20hr, with Lorah Pierre about 30min behind. Ride Creator [Alan Goldsmith](https://www.instagram.com/ht550alan/) has also just topped the pass (incidently the highest point along the route).
...So ride times may be very quick this year…  but lets not make any haste judgements now as the HT550 is famed for getting harder and harder as the route progresses round. 

Early evening and we now have a steady train of riders entering the first main restock point - Fort Augustus, a pretty little village at the end of Loch Ness. Many supply options exist from cafes, bars and pizzerias to the good old chippy or just the supermarket if you wishing to eat on the go, however the pizzas are a bit of a tradition. A couple of the 'front enders' have blitzed through, so hopefully they have enough food stocks on board to get to Drumbeg Stores (as they'll likely pass Contin Stores when it is shut - despite the specially extended HT opening hours!). __Potentially A Risky Move!__

The forecast is looking great too - clear skies tonight, but could be a wee bit chilly, not much in the way of wind either and this may be a temptation for riders to push on through, most will be looking for a suitable bivvy location, or perhaps a bothy, however the well placed and HT renowned 'Hydro' bothy is no longer there, so thats off the cards!
![Forecast looking pretty good!](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/33RprSu6f8EShpWwxjGWBz/8cef728b1ad3e41fc175e4479f7c0b35/Screenshot_2022-05-28_at_15.20.21.png)

Tomorrow we’ll take a look at sleep strategies, riders like [Angus](https://www.instagram.com/angusyoung139/) like to ‘press-on’ a bit in the early stages to open up a gap - but will he do that on the HT? this is his first time for this ride.   

HT fan and local rider-cum-photographer [Bigtalljonny](https://www.instagram.com/bigtalljohnny/) with his big long lens and his 35mm camera, is going to be out on the trail tomorrow, somewhere along from Struy to Orrin, looking to get some rider portraits and action shots (NB. lead riders would have passed this point during the early hours). Taking these things seriously, rider [Mike Shelldrake](https://www.instagram.com/shellonthewrongsideofthehill/) (Shell) has been making careful consideration of his choice of sock colour - Shell’s been in the game a very long time and is an authority on these matters, also he’s an inspiration to us all doing this at 64!
![Shell's socks](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2eo24XQeNNjkmJEnWvLdQt/328748b3c172ffaf7c3dd83755d84ac0/Screenshot_2022-05-28_at_15.18.18.png)

***

Scratch Report (and Dodgy Trackers) - 

[Lars](https://www.instagram.com/larsmarshandlebars/) reported earlier of [Rich Rothwell’s](https://www.instagram.com/richrothwellcycling/) unlucky mishap early on. We are all seriously gutted for you Rich...![Rich Rothwell's bad luck and his lone dot returning - feeling gutted for you!](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2o1SArO4PcVQJRtH4mxMm3/8dc04bd56e89ab215fb4d4985439c5d8/Screenshot_2022-05-28_at_13.17.57.png)
Rich's lone dot making an early return to Tyndrum, a bit early to get the 'scratchers party' going, joking aside we hope you get cleaned and patched up okay.
Just found out that the other rider involved in this 'clip' was [Angus](https://www.instagram.com/angusyoung139/), he has lost some skin as well, hopefully that's all!![PHOTO-2022-05-28-19-31-02](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/24IL1Sj3sj8ARSDctQpeJd/4622fb5e07c7437dcd19b19981cec823/PHOTO-2022-05-28-19-31-02.jpg)
He needs to get that properly cleaned up, or he'll have problems later with dirt infections...

We also have number of riders who don’t seem to be tracking properly, or maybe have not started..? so we’ll try to get more details and provide an update. However the good news is Huw Oliver seems to have got his tracker going at 75 miles in, the bad news is is that it is not updating or tracking him properly, the other bad news is Chris Pitblado maybe scratching, having recently become a 'dad' his heads a bit all over the place and not quite 'in the race', we'll get this confirmed shortly, the HT will be there for another year! If someone see's Pierre Magnan (aka Mr Chiru) give him a poke and please tell him to get his tracker working!!!

***

As a wrap for Day 1 and as we shortly start to head to our comfy warm beds for the night and as the riders head into the night. I thought I’d share some words that I wrote back in 2018, to help you feel and appreciate the riders 'on-the-trail' experience - which you do not get from the dot..! Hopefully we’ll get some rider insights and trail reports coming through in the next 24hrs that we’ll link too as well. 

Tomorrow we'll also talk a bit about the bikes, you may have seen the DW post on the HT Rider-Rigs... What is noticeable is that there are no Gravel Bikes trying to muscle-up and have a go, the HT550 is pure Mtb territory and it will destroy all but the most rugged of machines!![HT Rider Rigs](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6OZ1iowtUM82FVtvoVJBcA/0deb50c97f627ae17720454e319fc19b/Screenshot_2022-05-28_at_17.11.25.png)

Have a good night everyone - back tomorrow and hopefully a morning update to report on the first nights action...

*The HT550 is a beast of a ride and stands high above all others for stories it holds, however the start is like any other bike-packing event – a small wave-off at best from something not much more than a car-park. But soon it is super-sweet as you hit lovely trails straight away, you then know that this is going to be a good adventure, a really good adventure through the length of the Highlands! pretty well up to the Cape and all the way back. All the build-up, anticipation and time spent in preparation is going to pay off. You are going to be presented with a succession of mini-challenges and goals non-stop all the way through, one after the other for many hours to come. Days will merge into nights and nights will merge into days, a succession of sunsets and sunrises, possibly a moon too..? The line that you are following on your GPS screen is YOUR world, nothing much else matters - you just have to keep making progress! You will be presented with an ever changing landscape and terrain, you will be totally buzzing as you whizz along new found trails. Eating will become a chore and keeping a regular check on your health and wellbeing is critical, likewise for your trusty stead on which you sit. Sleep when you wish, be it a wooded bivvy, bothy or bus-stop - but the clock will always keep ticking, ticking... You will be a ‘dot’ being watched by another world. You will meet many people and have those random moments and encounters. You will forget chunks of the ride and hallucinate others; everything becomes a fragmented kaleidoscope like experience. You may take stock of your life while riding and sometimes remember those ‘special ones’ that are no longer with us. You will experience highs and lows like being on drugs. You will share the journey and talk to fellow riders, making new friends, but you will more likely just talk to yourself and ride alone. You will be feral, being tracked or tracking someone else and in tune with the wild life up close and personal. Your senses will be heightened to the sweet smells of the fresh chutes of the Silver Birch and the sound of the ever present Cuckoo. Your ‘values’ will change while you are journeying, the world on the outside will continue as normal and you will not be really be noticed as you pass through. Things will hurt and then stop hurting when they can hurt no more and then new things will hurt, and then when it’s all over you will forget the all the ‘hurting’ that took place and recall just the pleasures – often too many of them. There will be no one to hug you when times get tough. At times you will want to be back at home with your ‘loved’ ones, you will miss that cosiness. You will be constantly peering into other people’s cosy lives as you ride by at night, you may knock on a door and ask for a refill of water, but sometime get a cake, a coffee or more – those small acts of kindliness can be so gratifying. What you put in is what you get out and you will always have the memories for evermore. Each rider’s race is personal to them and any rider that finishes the HT is a winner …and if you didn’t finish then bank that learning for next time when you will. Luck will always play a part - we riders are all so lucky and should be ever thankful to be able to do this sort of thing, because this IS living…*
- Alex P. 

Picture update from Annie Le...

The lovely 'techie' Ben Alder singletrack and a rider (to be named..?) in 'refuel mode' at the FA filling station super market.

![PHOTO-2022-05-28-19-30-59](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/41IpJWBHSt4ea0zIDIy7Pj/30c13185e03706baa7c5de42dfbb4fdf/PHOTO-2022-05-28-19-30-59.jpg)
![PHOTO-2022-05-28-19-31-00 2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/ZZ4SQgAmgQkpzfZfyIhnI/77f54a2d4724a738b5d5410ed7ae2513/PHOTO-2022-05-28-19-31-00_2.jpg)
![PHOTO-2022-05-28-19-31-01 3](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1tTZqaI5GFio8cQddJjB64/b2f07934e05f1d100750cea53819ca02/PHOTO-2022-05-28-19-31-01_3.jpg)
![PHOTO-2022-05-28-19-30-46](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2xeFOWMv2pRGt4xejVNckT/8f5f479e357c5d27f65d44cc39dd4311/PHOTO-2022-05-28-19-30-46.jpg)


So whats been happening while we have all been tucked up...? Quite a lot actually and I'll start off with a few Scratch Reports:
- Stu Taylor, legacy of 'Covid Lungs' has meant he has decided to call it day, well done for trying, wise decision to not push on, enjoy a 'pootle' back to Tyndrum.
- Ed Smith, legacy of a previous shoulder injury that is playing up under the load of the HT is returning from Fort Augustus (FA).
- Niall Iain, just reported he is having stomach issues since the off and is on his way back.
- Chris Pitblado, mentoned yesterday has also withdrawn.
- [Shell's](https://www.instagram.com/shellonthewrongsideofthehill/) dot is off route and down in Fort William, not sure what or why..? hoping we'd get an update on his white socks... Presumably he's scratching..? UPDATE 09:40 - Shell messaged to say he had an accident with a gate last night, sounds like he came off worse, with black-eye, bruised legs and a shoulder injury. Anyway he is okay and sorting himself out - but will not be continuing the ride.!['Shell's Gate...'](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7cLEfo1ZEvFkUI2y2lEw1X/3f7f1c781bc859b3f6c91a2d65e4b5c7/IMG_8161.jpg)

- Scott Lindsay, has just messaged to say he is scratching.
- Taylor Doyle, has also just messaged to say she is scratching. 

![IMG 8160](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3S636rFygh5oQFrmhDUSdv/6da60df6e59bb68cf5b6fc7d26a68582/IMG_8160.jpg)

Some trackers still not working - as well as Pierre Magnan, Donnacha Cassidy's is not pinging at all. Huw is sending out sporidic pings, also Oonagh Thin seems to have stopped tracking just before FA.

[Annie Le](https://www.instagram.com/a_girl_outside/) has been speaking to riders as they re-stock and feed in FA. Some pics below as riders enjoy some civillisation...! Sophisticated dining...![FA feed](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1tiNMKhg0749dAclTowJC1/2920322c1d8e846f37af9e9b83543365/PHOTO-2022-05-29-00-08-15.jpg)

Alan G poking food into every available pocket.
![PHOTO-2022-05-29-00-08-14 2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1q7Eid4vhejb6yTimHwV8F/a1d6273b60d8cff6939c61d02b54df25/PHOTO-2022-05-29-00-08-14_2.jpg)

Now for the nights action...
As evidenced by the dots most riders took a rest, a lot were along the section out of Invermorston.![Night 1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4HoSnJNsHTAO1mOawBSwUc/04f354846389472072b405d57a794e72/Screenshot_2022-05-29_at_08.31.48.png)
One exception starts to stand out now and that is Angus's dot, he hates his sleep and as suspected pushed-on through establishing quite a lead. Whether this gap closes up again, only time will tell, however he does need to keep his wounds clean and covered up to prevent infection. For the geeks; he has gone through CP3 (Duchally) about 2hrs quicker than Neil B did in 2017.
The women are all grouped quite closely together with Gail Brown now looking to be in the lead with [Naomi Freireich](https://www.instagram.com/frikfrak74/) hot on her heels, we are waiting to find out about [Oonagh](https://www.instagram.com/oonaghthin/), hopefully she's out there and moving along still.

Taylor Doyle and Paul Coats are bringing up the rear and are approaching CP1. There is now quite a spread of riders along the HT route.

Weather wise there is now a band of showers across the Northern Highlands and these will be coming and going for the next day or so. [Alan](https://www.instagram.com/ht550alan/) did say it maybe a Jackets-on / Jackets-off type of ride.![Sundays Weather](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1GEDgTvGQRMGS1IIKl7IlH/b4c94cb7a3d6d98699e7ac5c69c10163/Screenshot_2022-05-29_at_10.20.37.png)

Bikes, bikes, bikes...
Before we get into the days round-up, I said I talk a little about the bikes... more and more long distance off-road races are seeing a mix of Mtb (full-suss, hardtail, SS, 29er+ etc), Fat bikes and Gravel types of bike. Bike choice is a very individual thing, but some bikes are undoubtedly suited to different trails and terrains. The HT550 is renownd for its relentless rough ground, particulary in the second half, were big tyres and wide bars are an asset to helping you keep on the best line, so the norm has usually been Mtb and the odd Fatty (equally important is the fact that you get a smoother ride and less fatigue from high volume tyres, or suspension). I have been informed that there are indeed a couple of gravel bikes this year, being ridden by [Carl Hopps ](https://www.instagram.com/carlhopps/)and [Jade Saskia](https://www.instagram.com/jade_saskia/) - Carl's was reported to have a 'monster chainring' - we'll see how these riders and their bikes fair in the second half...

36hrs in (almost)...

I'm tired from just watching!

Quite a lot happening, we've heard of a few crashes happening - [Shell's ](https://www.instagram.com/shellonthewrongsideofthehill/) is the worst by the sound of things - plus his other stories of bad-luck and mis-fortune along the way! [Naomi](https://www.instagram.com/frikfrak74/) has had an 'off' and broken her brake lever, but has effected a great repair with a rusty nail, tape and zip-tie.! ![brake repair](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2XBoSsN4aD7a4soyHcGkpK/c96a515dbb0be13633226baf9765f2ab/55bddc5a-3812-43d4-93d8-bff42091e1a3.JPG)
[Annie Le](https://www.instagram.com/a_girl_outside/) also mentioned that Naomi and Lorah were suffering a bit from 'old injuries' - the HT does have a bit of agrevating these things... just wait till it starts to get tough later on..! Keep on truckin Naomi (spotted by BTJ on the track of 1000 puddles). ![Naomi](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4sEwtTJIDHdxkXfbVCFplk/630d3251e661a6411f2f0caea348bb0f/IMG_8166.jpg)

Gail is still the leading female, though only just - also reported that she had forgot to pack any chain lube, so has resorted to some olive oil - that's very bio! It should work..? *I was once told on my apprenticeship that the 'wrong oil is better than no oil at all'!*

Most riders are through Contin now, earlier on today we had a small HT party building up at the [store](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/continvillagestore/)...
![Contin Party](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/8gBDas8FeiScaxRy2sFww/51663cc0f9559d4f38bbcbb784221469/PHOTO-2022-05-29-14-39-40.jpg)

Footware is another individual thing too, here we have Jade sporting some nice open sandals - excellent for the river crossings.![Jades Sandals](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/41lwpIREWHFAG04O1PXwO0/b0c1330b5453edc44eb591d384a58b31/PHOTO-2022-05-29-14-39-40_2.jpg)

In other news [Eliza](https://www.instagram.com/elizasampey/) (Liz) from the good ol' U.S. of A. has manged to get her brakes fixed...![Eliza Brake Rejoicing ](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2yYTMDJLjcYsc6oLkmStQ7/0686a39992ecbd043bef46580f3fb2ab/IMG_8167.jpg) A __Special__ thanks to Ross at [Girvans Hardware](https://www.instagram.com/girvans_hardware/) in Fort Augustus ![Ross you Hero!](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5GJnOh6seLQrEIAdPn0ap3/99c974d2219befd3bb012c57600d6783/IMG_8168.jpg)

And Liz don't you worry about catching up, just enjoy your bike journey through Scotland.

Scratch news:

- Paul Coats has recently messaged in, to say he is scratching due to an Achilles problem that has flared up.
- [Oonagh](https://www.instagram.com/oonaghthin/) has been spotted by [Lars](https://www.instagram.com/larsmarshandlebars/) along the West Highland Way (WHW) heading south to Tyndrum in good spirits, sad to see her leave..!![IMG 8169](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7EGVEv2Lp9UWDOrGTVsZTA/3e96ea39ed90b8c6bb8ec20341a4534f/IMG_8169.jpg)
- John Fettis also seen heading south on the WHW, reporting that neither his 'body or mind' were quite in it, or up to it - sorry to hear this John. 
- [Marcus Nicholson](https://www.instagram.com/marcusnicolson/) - Has lost his front brake and is probably now on a train south from Inverness.

Further along the trail, the front end riders are at the Bealach Horn (BH) - the turning point south - __Phew!__      [Huw Oliver](https://www.instagram.com/topofests/) will be pleased to have made it past this point (over-coming some previous HT demons!), he's moving well and looks to have maintained a good pace during day 2 and is now the 2nd placed rider (albeit with an intermitent tracker still) - keep on truckin Huw!

So now to the lead rider, lets check some timings first - 2017 and Neil B's time through CP3(BH) was 1d04h37m, [Liam Glen](https://www.instagram.com/liamtglen/)'s time last year was 1d04h54m __(on a single speed - Thats Phenominal!|)__, Angus passed through in 1d02h18m!!! ...this time gain mainly attributable to not having a 2-3hr sleep on the first night.

So when will he sleep? 

He's passed through Lochinver and is making his way along the knarly Ledmore Traverse, with the next CP at Ledmore Junction (which is just a road junction and nothing much else...)  Ullapool being the next supply point, however if he needs supplies he may have to wait until store opening times? I recon he'll be there in 4-5hrs - so that's around midnight ...hmmm!  ![ Angus](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/65zgGTKCQy6E3SS5B15TLZ/93e3f97c3fa720eb876ba5ab4fd76111/IMG_8165.jpg)

Angus has now established a 20+ mile lead on the chasing pack... What will happen tonight..?


One of the original European bikepacking races and notoriously one of the hardest on the calendar, the HT550 is back for another year of hike-a-bike, bad weather and all that the Scottish Highlands can throw at the hardy souls.

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