Tags
Backpacking, Bikepacking, bikepacking scotland, Bothies, Cairngorms, camping, cycle, Glens, jetboil, mld trailstar, Outdoors, Restrap, Revelate Designs, Scotland
Four years ago i was in Inverness doing some shopping- probably buying some hillwalking/backpacking related gear from ‘Tiso’ Whilst I was in town, I decided to have a quick look in ‘Highland Bikes’ to see what was new in the bike world.
At this point my cycling had taken a back burner and my interest for the hills and bagging Munros had been rekindled. I was also getting into backpacking too, so lots of weekends away and holidays trying to get those remote Munros done.
Previously to this, I had a big interest in Mountain Biking- A lot of cross country riding and some technical trail centre riding too. I had even done a couple of races on the bike- Ten Under the Ben and the unforgettable MacAvalanche in Glencoe.
There I was browsing through the clothing etc, then I noticed this rigid bike with plus size tyres and all the rack mounting points your could wish for! Straight away I thought that this would be a great bike for combining my love of camping and camping- I could do some trips through some glens and have some remote camps. This would be great! I thought- one day I will get a ‘Genesis Longitude’ and go bikepacking.
Last year I got Achilles Tendonitis in both ankles- I was ordered to stop walking straight away, but the Physio said I could cycle as much as I liked. I soon dusted off the cobwebs of my Specualized Crave hardtail MTB bike and was soon out doing evening winter rides trying to get my fitness back up. I was told that it could take up to ten months for my Achilles to heal, so I thought if I get after work at nights slowly getting up the miles in the winter months- the hard work would pay off when it came to spring, and I would be fit to enjoy longer rides once spring arrived.
After getting many rides under my belt- the inital cycling fitness was coming back. I had also dropped out of this years TGO Challenge as I was worried I would not be ready to walk by May. This is when my attention turned to the idea of Bikepacking. I started looking at other bikes in the beginning, but then thought I would just use the bike I have.
Over the next couple of months, I stated investing in bags for the bike, but it was still winter and the snow kept coming and going.
About a month ago I was looking at bikes again- I was quite keen on the ‘Surly Krampus’ bike and a few others. I looked at the ‘Genesis Longtitude’ again and found a new one for sale at a mouth watering price- so I struck while the Anvil was still hot and bought it. That was four years after setting my eyes on that one in the shop in Inverness. They havent changed the bike much in four years- just the colour on the newer ones.
There have only been two overnight trips so far, one short trip into the foothills of the Cairngorms which was just to try out all my kit etc which I really enjoyed even although it was only four miles from the car!
This trip did have one pitfall- when I awoke in the morning, the wind had changed direction and was hitting my ‘Trailstar’ shelter side on. I thought that I should get up and retighten the guylines. Just then a big gust hit the side and one of the carbon fibre poles snapped- I quickly got dressed and thought if I could find a stick of similair length, this would get me out of my prediciment rather thant just rush to pack up. Luckily it wasnt long before a found a stick about the same length as the carbon well. It worked at treat and I was able to get back into my sleeping bag and get a brew going on the jetboil.
An hour or so later I was packed up and on my way. All my bags stayed secure on the bike, so all in all it was a success. The bike handled well loaded up and cycling with that extra weight wasnt too bad!
The next trip was to Luib Chonnal Bothy just before the Lockdown, so I was glad I got once last trip in at the last minute.
So at the moment we are in Lockdown- I cant go on any overnight trips anywhere, but I can still head out for day rides along some the miles of quiet forestry tracks a few miles from my doorstep. I suspect this lockdown could be for a long time yet- I just hope they dont ban the exercise once a day rule or I will be climbing the walls.
At the moment I am still going to work- although my working day has dramaticly been shortened to a few hours in the morning. I work for a Maltings company and most of the distilleries are shut down with a select few still open, so we are still getting orders for Malt Barley from a very select few. I am wondering why these Distilleries are allowed to remain open as I would have thought they would have been forced to shut down as they are not essential, but perhaps Whisky is an essential product!! I dont think so. Perhaps in the next few days that could change. I havent asked too much at work, but I know they are preparing for a shutdown just incase.
As long as I can still get out on my bike in the afternoons after work- I will remain sane.