Rigs of the 2025 Highland Trail 550 (HT550)

Every year, folks from all over the world travel to Tyndrum, a small village in central Scotland, for the annual Highland Trail 550. Known for its excellent trails, beautiful scenery, remote wilderness, and fickle Scottish weather, the Highland Trail follows a challenging 553-mile (890-kilometer) route with over 53,500 feet (16,002 meters) of elevation gain. It was initially inspired as a training ride for the Colorado Trail, but has developed a reputation as a world-class bikepacking route and a serious challenge for folks attempting to push the pace.

As always, with the help of organizer Alan Goldsmith and the participants, we’ve gathered bike, bag, and gear details for nearly 40 riders who will be taking on the course. Dig into the submissions below and then head over to the Tracker page to follow their progress live. The grand depart kicks off tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. local time, and nearly 60 riders are registered for live tracking.

Tim Allan

Age 57 / Christchurch (New Zealand)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the HT550 on my well travelled 2019 SWorks Epic Evo. Set up for comfort, my bike features 120mm full suspension, seat dropper, vibration-dampening Passchier handlebars (bamboo laminate bar made locally in Christchurch, NZ), Ergon grips, Brooks C17 saddle, Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ tyres, and XTR 1×12 drivetrain with a 30T chainring.
BAGS: As I have the seat dropper on for this event, I am using a Wayward Riders Louise Dropper Post harness paired with an 8L compression dry bag from Sea to Summit. I also have a well-used, custom-made Stealth frame bag (made in Wellington, New Zealand). Standard Revelate Designs bags round out my bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: No real gear upgrades. I will have a bivy bag, so I’m hoping for good weather to sleep out. All my gear is off-the-shelf apart from a couple of pockets sewn into my shirt and some over-mitts made up from a scrap of left-over waterproof fabric.

Bryn Appleton

Age 19 / Innerleithen (Scotland)

BIKE: I’ll be tackling the HT550 on my Deviate Highlander ll, Despite being my trail/enduro bike with some small changes this bike can be super versatile. Wheels are Hunt XC wide with Maxxis Ikon 2.2″ on the rear and a Forekaster 2.4″ on the front, suspension is 145mm rear and 160mm front, full Shimano groupset and Deity Components.
BAGS: Camelbak saddle bag, pods and frame bag, Tailfin Downtube bag, and a top tube bag made by my flatmate.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Alpkit Tent, Rab Sleeping bag, Therm-a-Rest Sleeping pad, Exposure lights, Rab waterproofs, and a Montane down jacket.

Pete Aylward

Age 50 / Kendal (UK)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Chumba Sendero with 120mm SID, a Mezcal/Barzo combo on Hunt Trail Wide wheels, and XT gearing, hoping that a 32-51T is low enough. The ‘Ooh shiny!’ comes courtesy of PNW dropper, Middleburn cranks, and Tumbleweed bars.
BAGS: A mix and (mis)match collection including Salsa Anything Cradle with dry bag, custom frame and stem bag, and Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rack with Atlas Rack Pack. I’ll be wearing a hydration pack, but will leave a cargo spare in case I want to strap another bottle on.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nav will be via a trusty Etrex 32. Sleep will be in a Criterion Quantum 350 bag and on a Klymit pad. Shelter will be under an SMD Gatewood Cape.

Emma Bateup

Age 25 / Wellington (New Zealand)

BIKE: Juliana Wilder, size medium. Reserve 29er wheels with Maxxis Aspens. SRAM 1×12 drivetrain, 32T chainring. Shimano XT brakes. Burgtec MK5 flat pedals.
BAGS: Mostly all made by my mates, frame bag from Dom (@dirtbag.utility.co), top tube bag from Bryan (BP Bike Bags), front harness from Andy (@wayward_riders) with a Silva drybag, Apidura downtube bag, BBB saddle rollpack, Silva Strive vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Full Ground Effect waterproofs. Coros Dura for nav. Sleep kit likely to be a Therm-a-Rest X-Lite mat and SOL Escape bivvy.

Philippa Battye

Age 39 / Van Life

BIKE: Mason RAW hardtail, HUNT wheels.
BAGS: Restrap frame pack, Apidura saddle pack, bar bag tbc.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: In the spirit of the Tour de Farce and Green Runners, and trying to avoid waste at bikepacking races, everything on my bike is the same from my HT550 2023 race, except a new chain and fresh brake pads. Let’s hope it all holds! Gear highlights include an inflatable pillow, and a 25-year-old Nokia phone so I can switch off from the ‘real’ world for the duration of the race.

Becky Beale

Age 47 / Rhu, Argyll and Bute (Scotland)

BIKE: Mason Raw.
BAGS: I had a custom set made by Straight Cut Design, including bar bag, frame bag, top tube bag, and two food pouches. I found the bar bag a bit small, so this has been replaced with an Apidura bar bag. I have an additional Aeroe Spider rear rack and dry bag for some extra carrying capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep system is an Alpkit Elan bivy along with a Sea to Summit Spark II sleeping bag and a Vango Aotrom half-size sleeping mat. I will be using a Garmin Edge 530 for Navigation.

Melina Boening

Age 32 / Berlin (Germany)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Highland Trail 550 on a Bombtrack Beyond+ with a suspension fork. It features a 1×12 drivetrain with a 30T chainring and 2.35″ tyres, as well as wheels with a SON dynamo and an Onyx rear hub.
BAGS: The custom handlebar roll and saddle bag are made from Dyneema, manufactured by Gramm Tourpacking. A front pocket and one or two candy bags will provide quick access. I’ll also be carrying a Salomon hydration vest with a 2L bladder. An additional 1.5L bottle will be mounted to the downtube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A custom Cumulus sleeping bag, a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir, and a bivvy bag will keep me warm at night. The Supernova M99 with a high-beam function will illuminate the trails in the dark.

Becca Book

Age 36 / Seattle, Washington (USA)

BIKE: Titanium Blacksheep hardtail. Cascadian colorway courtesy of Wolf Tooth Components. Dynamo hub laced to HiFi sound cycling rims and a kLite ultra racer ready to party all night long! Hope brakes, cranks and 32T chainring. Eagle AXS electronic derailleur with 10-52T cassette. Fox 34 Step-Cast 120mm fork.
BAGS: This snazzy little framebag number is by LOAM equipment in Bellingham, WA. Tailfin bar bag and top tube bag. Restrap hike a bike harness for the bogs and craggy bits.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Head to toe GoreTex kit from Rapha. Traveling with the relative comfort of a OR helium Bivvy, full size sleeping pad, and sleeping bag. SO many snacks for the to deal with the limited resupply options.

Andrew Broadway

Age 43 / Edinburgh (Scotland)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Sonder Dial hardtail with 100mm Rockshox SID Ultimate fork. Wheelset is DTSwiss X1900 with Schwalbe Wicked Will tyres. Got Rimpact inserts in both front and back to save me on the water bars. Shimano Deore XT drivetrain with a 28T chainring and a 10-51T cassette.
BAGS: Bit of a mix. Alpkit handlebar bag and custom frame bag. Wayward Rider Louise Saddle hardness combined with an Alpkit dry bag. Top tube bags from Restrap and Alpkit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Smidge. Lots of Smidge. Although the in coming rain might keep the wee beasties away.

Tom Bruce

Age 38 / Mellor, Stockport (England)

BIKE: Cannondale FSI frame with Fox 32 stepcast fork. Shimano XT mech, SRAM XX1 cassette, charge saddle with ti rails, ergon grips, Easton ec70 bar, HUNT XC race front wheel, JRA Karve 30 rear. Mezcal tyres are quick. Hope flat pedals (flats work for me, seems like they help knees and are better for hike a bike). The bike is about 9.5 kg.
BAGS: Alpkit stingray frame bag and restrap top tube bag have enough space for everything I need.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SOL escape bivvy along with a lightweight liner and Klymit Inertia mat keep weight down. Gore Shakedry jacket, Oakley prescription sunglasses, and Fiveten Freerider Pro are favourite items of mine. New water to go filter bottle means I only need one bottle, which fits nicely beneath the saddle with space for it to drop 100mm. Will also carry a small running backpack with 2 x 500mm bladder bottles for energy drink/coffee. 200g dehydrated peanut butter powder. Exposure Maxx D and Exposure Joystick lights.

Donnie Campbell

Age 40 / Inverness (Scotland)

BIKE: Cervelo ZFS-5 with 100m travel front and back with Rockshox SID SL Select and Rockshox SIDLuxe Select+. Drivetrain is SRAM T type Transmission with mix of GX and XX SL components. Rolling on Elite Gnar Trail wrapped in Conti Dubnital 2.4″ tyres.
BAGS: Restrap all round.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Precision Fuel and Hydration Chews Mint and Lemon, 60grams of carbohydrates for 61 grams of weight! I have 30+ packed!

Jakob Carlsen

Age 56 / Copenhagen (Denmark)

BIKE: Ibis Ripley V2, 12-speed 32/10-50T, Ikon 2.35″ up front and Mezcal 2.35″ at the rear.
BAGS: All self-made except for food pouches from Apidura and top tube bags from Revelate Designs. On my back I’m carrying a very old Osprey that among other adventures has carried the bike and my gear across Grand Canyon during my two AZT Races.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Ripley has been my bikepacking race rig since I started this madness back in 2015 and it is still fantastic. I had a custom Ti Pinion hardtail frame build for this particular race that makes up for a great bike too, but I eventually chose the Ripley. I run a Garmin eTrex 32 and a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt as backup. My sleeping setup includes a Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL1 Bikepack tent and a Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xtherm pad. I prefer this combo to make the few hours sleep as rewarding as possible.

Liz Carrington

Age 45 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my custom build 2025 Rocky Mountain Element with 140mm suspension in the front, 120mm rear, XTR drivetrain and brakes, Berd Hawk wheels, Maxxis Recon 2.4″ tires, and OneUp dropper post.
BAGS: The main bags are made by Rogue Panda from my old hometown of Flagstaff, AZ: a custom frame bag and Ripsey seat bag. A Rogue Panda Blue Ridge harness holds a Revelate Designs dry bag on the front. Accessory bags are made by Bedrock Bags in my current hometown of Durango, CO.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m terrified of being wet, so I’m packing my Big Agnes Fly Creek UL tent to hopefully keep myself dry. Also, a rain jacket and pants by 7Mesh. Actually, I seem to have packed an alarming amount of clothes, may need to rethink that!

Athlyn Cathcart

Age 33 / Bristol (UK)

BIKE: I’ll be exploring the Highlands on a Fairlight Holt with a Hunt Race XC wheelset, Vittoria tyres, SID fork, and XT groupset. My bar-inners will give me a few more options for hand position, and they double up as easy access storage for Haribo Twin Snakes, apple rings and doughnuts.
BAGS: I’ve got a full Restrap Race set up, including plenty of snack pouches and a hike-a-bike harness so I can take my bike for a walk. I was too slow off the mark to order a custom full frame bag, so I made my own. It’s lined with our old family tent, and hopefully it’ll survive the Scottish elements.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My tiny but super warm Sea to Summit Flame sleeping bag, trusty old silk liner and teensy inflatable pillow will keep me cosy at night. I’m taking a bivvy, but have a tent on hand to borrow if the forecast is soggy. I’ve borrowed a big Exposure front light for night riding (thanks, Levi!), and will be navigating with a Coros Dura which I’ve not yet had to charge since buying a month ago.

Manu Cattrysse

Age 37 / Hamme, Flanders (Belgium)

BIKE: Looking forward to be racing this year’s HT550 on this Orbea OIZ Team AXS. Drivetrain is mainly a SRAM X0 T-type groupset with a Quarq powermeter and 32T Wolf Tooth chainring. Brakes are XTR with SRAM 180mm rotors front and rear. Rolling on Hunt Proven XC carbon wheels as usual and Vittoria Mezcals 2.4″ with their XC liners in both tyres. The pedals I’ll be pushing are the XTR Trail’s.
BAGS: As always, all bags are Tailfin. A carbon Aeropack cargo, with a 2.2L top-tube bag and an older R&D prototype rear top tube bag. On the downtube, I carry first aid and spares in a 1.7L downtube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Front light is a Lupine Wilma R and their 13.2mAh battery. I have two Blackburns that work as front and rear if needed. One 20,000mah powerbank to charge electronics and a Garmin Edge 1040 Solar for navigation. Sleep kit is a Sea To Summit Spark 2 and a Neo Air X-lite pad. I really liked my 2mm neoprene surf socks two years ago and if the weather forecast is correct, I’ll be happy to have them again this time. Excited to be using a full Albion kit with plenty of different layers. I’m sure this will be another great test for the rain gear.

Phil Clarke

Age 54 / Dunfermline (Scotland)

BIKE: Jones 29+ singlespeed 32/21T, spec as per 20221 and 2023!
BAGS: Revelate Designs Sweet Roll, Terrapin, Gas Tank, and Jerrycan. Custom frame bag, Alpkit pouch.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: After the driest winter on record and almost the driest spring on record, Scotland is set to be swept with cool temps, showers and rain. Hey ho. As such my set up for this year (10th anniversary of my first completion of the HT) will be similar to that year, i.e. prioritizing reliability over weight. I’m going with the Deschutes as it can stand most things weather wise, sleeping in a Cumulus 150 quilt in a Borah Bivvy. My ever reliable Paramo Quito jacket will keep the rain and the chills out and I’ll also be taking full length Gore-Tex trousers and gaiters along with Shimano Gore-Tex boots. Dry feet for me!

Mike DeBernardo

Age 42 / Aberfoyle (Scotland)

BIKE: Pipedream Sirius 32x19T. 130mm Pike, DT350/Roval wheels, Stooge Moto bars, Paul Klamper brakes, SQ Labs grips, and a generic set of foam-covered bar ends mounted inboard.
BAGS: All bags are homemade, except for a Dispersed Bikepacking handlebar roll.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure Joystick and Diablo for lighting. Rab sleeping bag, Exped pillow, and a comically small piece of an old Z-lite foam pad to snooze on. I’ll bring a bivy as well, but haven’t decided on which one yet.

Ramon Diaz Colomer

Age 58 / Tarifa, Cadiz (Spain)

BIKE: Cannondale Scalpel Se Lefty 120mm lefty, Industry Nine carbon wheels. For the HT550 I changed to a 30T chainring and a 10-52T cassette so I have plenty of gears for the big climbs, Time Attack pedals, SQ labs saddle, and Vittoria Mezcal and Barzo 29 x 2.4″ tires.
BAGS: Front bag and framebag is Revelate Designs. In my front bag I keep all my camping gear and clothing, and in the framebag food. The downtube bag is also from Revelate Designs, where I have my gas canister. My Apidura top tube bags have my daily snacks. I am wearing a USWE hydration bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My dropper posts, tent, Garmin Edge Solar, and a powerbank to charge my electronics.

Ashley Cordingley

Age 40 / Scotland

BIKE: I’m riding a Fairlight Holt, set up with a Shimano XT/XTR drivetrain, SID SL 110mm fork, and a wide-range 1×12 drivetrain using an e*thirteen 9–52T cassette. Wheels are JRA carbon built on Hope Pro 5 rear and SON 28 front hub for reliable dynamo power and durability in the rough stuff.
BAGS: I’m running a homemade frame bag tailored to the Holt, a Riverside top tube bag, and a Restrap Race front bag. Everything is dialled in to keep the weight low and the setup tidy.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleeping setup is minimalist but warm: an Alpkit bivvy bag, Big Agnes inflatable mat, and a lightweight down sleeping bag. I’ve opted for tiny aero bars, mainly for mounting kit. They weigh less than a harness and front bag combo, and add just enough comfort for longer stretches. Navigation is on a Garmin 1040 Solar.

Graham Cottingham

Age 36 / Edinburgh (Scotland)

BIKE: I will be riding a Gloria FKTi titanium hardtail. I built it up with a Fox 32 Step Cast 100mm fork and Transfer SL 125mm dropper. Stopping and going is handled by a Shimano XTR drivetrain and matching brakes. The bike will be rolling on a set of Black Inc Twenty Seven wheels fitted with Pirelli Scorpion RC 2.4″ tires. I have chosen an SQ Labs handlebar setup and a Fizik saddle.
BAGS: The front roll and top tube bags are courtesy of Tailfin, and the framebag is an old custom Straight Cut Design number I had custom-made for a Surly Karate Monkey that, with a little modification, just so happens to fit the Gloria perfectly. I will also be running a hydration vest to carry water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I had planned to go super lightweight, but with the weather change I have opted for a bit more luxury and bring my Sea To Summit SP2 sleeping bag, Ultralight sleeping pad, and an Alpkit Kloke bivy. Lighting from Exposure and navigating with Garmin.

Taryn Davis

Age 36 / Golden, British Columbia (Canada)

BIKE: This dreamy WZRD, hand-built in British Columbia, will take me through the Scottish Highlands. With 2.5″ Teravail Ehlines, it’s the perfect setup to sit back through the miles and get a little sendy on the technical bits. I’m hoping the tiniest of chainrings (28T) gives me some pep on the climbs when I need it.
BAGS: My rig is adorned with an assortment of bags: Dispersed, Rockgeist, Apidura/MAAP. An advantage of being tall is that I get to pedal about with an absolutely massive framebag filled to the brim. I’ll also be carrying a hydration pack and am excited for the usually dedicated bear spray pocket to go to other use on this trip.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hoping to stay warm (and sometimes dry), I have packed 5 pairs of socks, 4 sets of gloves, and Pogie Lites. The Wolf Tooth 360 dropper lever is a gamechanger for me: allowing me to actuate the dropper by pulling the lever with frozen fingers. My Little Bungees (Take a Trip) will keep my rain jacket strapped up front, ready to layer and de-layer too many times to keep count. I’ll also be carrying a camera to capture some memories of this ruggedly beautiful route!

Karel Van Eeckhout

Age 27 / Ghent, East-Flanders (Belgium)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Orbea Oiz with fresh 2.25″ Vittoria tires: Barzo and Mezcals (with liner) combo. Lights will be a single Lezyne lamp with Petzl on the head.
BAGS: Mostly Revelate Designs: Front Pack, Frame bag, and saddle pack. Top Tube is Restrap. Osprey hydration pack with a water filter on the back.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Went for a decent rain jacket, because Scotland: Patagonia Dirt Roamer Storm jacket.

Calum Fisher

Age 35 / Edinburgh (Scotland)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Mason Raw steel hardtail with XT drivetrain (32T chainring), RockShox SID 120mm fork, DT Swiss wheels and Mezcal/Barzo 2.25″ tyres. All built and maintained by Pedals Bike Care in Edinburgh.
BAGS: Full frame and top tube bag from Straight Cut Designs, saddle bag and hydration pack from Restrap.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Bivvy, mat, sleeping bag and (most importantly) pillow in the saddle bag. Snacks in the top tube bag and bike repair, layers and far too many bits and bobs in the frame bag. I won’t go anywhere near the highlands without my midge net, tick remover, suncream and waterproofs.

Andy Greaves

Age 52 / Comrie, Perthshire (UK)

BIKE: The frame is a custom build, by Marino Bikes of Peru, in Reynolds 725 tubing. It’s sporting a pair of Fatlab 40 x 27.5 wheels, shod with 2.8″ Schwalbe Nobby Nics, for fast-rolling plus-size comfort. There’s a Genesis carbon fork up front, and I’m running singlespeed with a Shimano SLX crankset and Halo Fat-Foot 20T rear cog, and there will be a blingy Gold KMX chain. There are SLX brakes and XT pedals. More comfort is provided up top by a leather Brooks B17 saddle, dropper and a pair of Ergon cork grips. Sonder Confucius bars give me plenty of room to mount my Etrex 32x and Exposure Diablo.
BAGS: Bags are a mix, by Restrap (front roll), Ortlieb (frame ), and Alpkit (stem cell) Bottles are also for various storage, as I’ll be carrying my faithful Decathlon 10l MTB bag with 2L bladder for hydration.

Bahadır Gungor

Age 36 / Goteborg (Sweden)

BIKE: Brother Cycles Big Bro frame, FOX 34 Stepcast 120mm, Newmen carbon handlebars, SRAM AXS Force/X01, E13 Helix 9-50T cassette, Absolute black 28T chainring, Hope E4 brakes, wheels are WTB CZR i30’s (28h) laced with Sapim CX ray’s to a DT350 in the back and a SP Dynamo in the front. Tires are 2.35″ Vittoria Mezcal. kLite kit for lighting and charging.
BAGS: Custom THLP framebag, Revelate Designs Spinelock seatbag, Mountain Feedbags and Mag-Tank top tube bag, and DIY 3D printed titanium front roll cradle.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For HT550 I’m happy to have a flat bar fitted to my bike. Looking forward to a more upright riding position and more control on the descents.

Dicky Hibbert

Age 32 / Llangynidr (South Wales)

BIKE: Specialized Epic Evo. Full squish for comfort, mechanical drivetrain for reliability. I’ll be putting some Vittoria Barzo trail casing tires on for the event.
BAGS: Restrap feed and cockpit bags and a custom made frame bag from Straight Cut Designs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 2x Anker power banks for power. Lifeline Pavo 2500 front light. Garmin 1040 Solar head unit for navigation with backup on my watch. Garmin inReach Mini tracker.

Leila Husain

Age 27 / Brevard, North Carolina (USA)

BIKE: My china carbon hardtail, whose build kit is completely frankenstein, and I love her dearly.
BAGS: I have a custom made Stringbean bags frame bag which I’m super stoked about! A Sea to Summit front roll, a set of feed bags from Rockgeist, and a Revelate Designs bag under my saddle!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My Feathered Friends 30 degree sleeping bag. I never want to leave home without that bag. And also my friends! They are what keeps me pedaling. Love youse all!

Daniel Jessee

Age 41 / Brevard, North Carolina (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my trusty Salsa Timberjack Ti frame with a 1×12 SRAM drivetrain with 10-52T cassette paired to a 30T oval, 130mm Fox 34 fork, OneUp dropper, and some Bontrager XR4 29 x 2.4″ tires.
BAGS: I’m most stoked about my Rockgeist wedge bag! I think this will make it easy to hoist my bike up and I love all the features Greg’s team added to make this bag unique. Other than that I’m rocking a Restrap Race seat bag and a Revelate Pronghorn harness paired with various smaller bags. I’ll be wearing an Osprey Stratos 20 backpack which is definitely overkill but it’s been with me through AZT and the Colorado Trail and it’s part of me now.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A SLEEPING BAG! Last time I did this race I only had an emergency bivy. This time I’m stoked to have a few comforts. Also five pairs of socks.

Chris Johnstone

Age 70 / Glasgow (Scotland)

BIKE: Salsa Mukluk fatty but with summer skinny wheels and 29 x 2.6″ tires.
BAGS: Mixture of Revalate Designs, Restrap, and Apidura bags. Bladder in the frame bag so no sweaty bum bag. Tent in the bar bag and spare clothes in the seat pack so no dropper post or suspension post, ouch.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Son dynamo and Sinewave lights and charging with Expose lights for back up. New Ergon seat, we shall find out!

Nico Keinath

Age 38 / Berlin (Germany)

BIKE: I’ll be using a Stanton Sherpa Ti Gen3 for the Highland Trail 550. My go to tires are Vittoria Mezcal in the rear (2.35″) and Barzo in the front (2.6″). A SRAM GX AXS completes the bike with a 32T chainring.
BAGS: A mix of Revelate Designs bags with a Tailfin rack in the rear and an Apidura pack for water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be taking a MSR Hubba NX tent with me for better shelter in the rain. Light is provided by my Lupine Neo head lamp and hopefully dry feet in my Sealskinz. All in all the same set up which proved to be Highland Trail-ready in the past.

Danny Lane

Age 34 / Leeds (UK)

BIKE: Windover prototype MTB, Fox 34, DCR carbon wheels, Victoria Mezcals, SLX/SRAM bodged groupset, Thomson finishing kit, Exposure lights.
BAGS: Full Restrap bag setup including a roll-top hydration pack that’s currently in development.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Some choice bits of Albion for all weather conditions, Sums socks and a shed load of Styrkr to keep me going!

Kerry MacPhee

Age 37 / Stirlingshire (Scotland)

BIKE: Genesis Mantle kitted out in Shimano XTR 1×12, DT Swiss rims and hubs and Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ tyres.
BAGS: All Restrap! Tool roll, two snack sacks, sleep system in front roll, and spare clothing at the rear. Sarnies in the middle. I’m also using the new roll top race bag with bladder and all the waterproofs!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I raced last year and the changes I’ve made are: 30T from a 32T for easier spinning up the climbs, I’ve upgraded to a Coros navigation device because I won’t need to charge it as it lasts so long. I love the reduction in mental load there, especially with the wet weather incoming. I have an Exposure 6 pack light as well as a joystick for my helmet and a support cell to keep them juiced. I’ve also put new bar ends and inner bar ends on the bike. The nerve damage last year shocked me so I’m taking preventative measures this year!

Adin Maynard

Age 43 / Williamsburg, Massachusetts (USA)

BIKE: Why/Revel El Jefe 32x20T. Not pictured: Roost 12 deg ti handlebar and a venerable 4th hand position made possible by Rogue Panda Bamboo Shoots.
BAGS: Bags are a mix of Rockgeist custom frame bag, Restrap top tube, RideForward on the rack, and Revelate feedbags that don’t smell great.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Gear highlights include an innovative under saddle FanPadTastic (TM) precision custom cut folded foam to keep the Bikeyoke Sagma active saddle from digging into my shoulders during arduous hike-a-bikes. Mica Rat Tail rear rack to keep the dropper light while maintaining full drop ability and me a clean back. Blingy Industry Nine carbon Hydra wheels with fresh bearings. Lights and Wahoo Roam keep me moving off of a 20k mAh Nitecore battery bank. Sleep will be had in a 40 deg quilt, dyneema HL tarp, and Borah Gear UL bivy. Tires will be fresh Vittoria Syerra’s with a liner in the rear, if I can must the install effort.

Ana Norrie-Toch

Age 34 / Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)

BIKE: On my HT550 journey I’ll be riding my trusted Salsa Timberjack SLX. Rolling on a pair of Schwalbe Nobby Nics 2.40” and Vittoria Enduro inserts, with an added rack on the back to free up dropper use. Game changing SQlab Innerbarrends to max comfort. Huge thanks to Mike Lear, Craig Stewart, and Gordon Archibald for getting her ready!
BAGS: Love my Alpkit Airlok Dual 20L drybags to minimize faff and waterproof guarantee, front and back, fitted with my trusty Fixplus straps. Frame bag is from Restrap, with two Acepac handlebar bags for max snacks. Evoc Pro Hydro bladder bag on my back.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The super packable Alpkit Soloist 1 person tent, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir sleeping mat. My Sea to Summit collapsible lightweight teapot and tiny Vango stove, pairing nicely with my mini Nalgene bottle for a cosy sleep/nap. GORE Goretex Paclite Waterproof Trousers. I have ploughed through rivers with these and my 7mesh Copilot Jacket. All the merino. Madison Waterproof socks. Garmin Etrek 32x.

Tomas Novotny

Age 36 / Prosec nad Nisou (Czech Republic)

BIKE: Pells Duke FS. The bike features a new pair of Continental Crossking 2.2″ tires, a modified 1×12 drivetrain with a 34T Sram GX AXS.
BAGS: No bags aside from a 12L running vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: On my helmet I have a Czech-made Šolc Lighting Spike light. My sleeping bag is a Cumulus Magic 100, which is paired with a Arva bivi lite, and I’m using a Garmin Edge 540 solar to navigate.

Rich Rothwell

Age 54 / Morpeth, Northumberland (England)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Giant Anthem full suspension with 12-speed XTR, 4 piston brakes, Trail pedals, Pro finishing kit, and DT Swiss wheels with Vittoria Syerra tyres.
BAGS: All bags are from Restrap including a Hike-a-Bike harness and a brand new larger volume hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sea to Summit Spark sleeping bag and lightweight insulated sleeping mat. Exposure Maxx-D and Link+ headlight (which also doubles up as a rear light if needed). Coros Dura GPS and Google Pixel phone = no battery packs needed. All clothes from Albion including the awesome Zoa waterproof pants.

Emily Scott

Age 38 / Zermatt (Switzerland)

BIKE: “Stanley”, Specialized Chizel hardtail frame. 29er with 110mm fork. Largely the same components I used last year, but unfortunately a (last minute, down-to-the-wire) different frame. A big thanks to Cycle Highlands for their help with that. Just upgraded to a dropper seatpost and got some fresh tyres and running tubeless, which were the planned upgrades from last year!
BAGS: Mostly Restrap bags; 14L handlebar bag in hostler (with bumper bag to keep the bag up higher and give me more clearance from my front wheel). New top tube bag, which I’m hoping is a good upgrade, but may resent when I’m getting on/off the bike! Wearing an Arc’teryx 14L running vest which will mostly be for snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Garmin 540 Edge Solar bike computer. Excellent battery life and will keep me right! MSR pocket rocket stove for the emergency coffee breaks. I’ve gone for a bivvy set-up over the tent this year, from a space/weight perspective, so my midge net may be a key bit of kit. Typically the weather has changed and is looking quite damp now, so I might regret that decision!!

Tom Simpson

Age 40 / Crieff, Perthshire (Scotland)

BIKE: Giant Anthem 2020, SID fork, Irn-Bru can for a shock, Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes, XTR pedals, brand-x dropper, Sonder H-style bars, Ergon Grips, Maxxis Ikon tyres, fabric saddle.
BAGS: Restrap custom frame bag, long top tube bag for tech bits and snacks, 2x Alp-kit stem cell bags for water bottle and snacks, Aeroe front rack for front bar roll. May use Ortlieb saddle pack on the day.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Pretty basic, nothing fancy, got my sleeping bag, bivvy bag, and inflatable matt for resting, one up pump with hidden tools for fixing, and a Garmin computer for guiding.

Anne De Smet

Age 45 / Merelbeke (Belgium)

BIKE: Orbea Alma. This bike has been on my bikepack adventures for over five years and still love to ride it.
BAGS: I am using a frame bag for the first time. Custom made by Wit Slingers.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Also the tent is a first as I normally take a bivi. But with the unpredictable Scottish weather and midges I like to opt for this piece of comfort.

Benedikt Stratmann

Age 34 / Dortmund, NRW (Germany)

BIKE: I will be riding the Highland Trail 550 on my Trek Procaliber 9.8. I have made some modifications to make it more suitable for the event. Changes include a Fox 34 Performance suspension fork, a dropper post, a 1×12 drivetrain with a 30T chainring in the front and a 10-51T cassette in the back, a SON dynamo hub with a kLite lighting/charging system, a SQlab saddle, and a riser bar with Ergon grips for comfort. The tires are 2.25″ Vittoria Mezcals.
BAGS: The two main bags are a small Ortlieb seat pack and a large Ortlieb handlebar pack. Additionally, I will be using an Apidura frame bag and an Apidura top tube bag. I will also carry a small running vest for extra water and snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For my sleeping kit, I will use a light MSR tent, an Exped mat, and a Forclaz down sleeping bag. In case of bad weather, I will have a full rain kit, including a Mammut rain jacket, waterproof socks, and warm clothes, mostly by Adidas Terrex.

Lindsay Warrack

Age 42 / Portobello (Scotland)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Highland Trail on a Shand Bahookie with a Rohloff hub and Surly Moloko bars.
BAGS: Restrap all the way. Custom frame bag, racing (just the bag, not me) saddle pack, large bar bag with food pouch. Liquids and snacks in a Montane hydration vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Restrap harness for hike-a-bike sections. A MK Midgie for a wee tune along the way. For nav, after smashing my screen last week in a puncture repair scenario, my awesome local bike shop have a me a loan of a Wahoo Elemnt Ace, thanks Gamma Transport Division!

Further Reading

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