How to set your bike up for an event like the Highland Trail 550

It might be ‘just’ 550 miles (885km) in total length but the Highland Trail 550 packs a punch far bigger than its size thanks to the incredible ruggedness of the terrain riders need to traverse.

HT550 is based on a route devised by endurance mountain bike racer Alan Goldsmith as a training ride for the Colorado Trail Race, a longer endurance race he was training for. But instead of it being consigned to being a training loop for him and nothing more, the sheer brutality of the route combined with the fickle Scottish weather transformed it into one of the must-do ‘rights-of-passage’ long-distance off-road routes in the world.

As the name implies, the Highland Trail 550 is based in the Highlands of Scotland, one of the last true wilderness areas in the UK. Along the way, riders will be treated to one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world with its mountains and lochs seemingly almost unchanged since the last ice age. The trail is mainly singletrack and dirt roads but with a total elevation of over 16,000 metres, you can also expect a huge amount of hike-a-bike. 

One of the most common questions prospective Highland Trail 550 riders often ask is ‘what bike should I be riding?’ normally closely followed by ‘what bikepacking setup works best for this route?’. Luckily this year Tailfin has two R&D Division riders racing; James Hayden and Gail Brown. Both are stalwarts of the ultra-endurance scene and have extensive knowledge of what it takes to not just take part, but win a race such as the HT550.

We sat down with both to find out a bit more about why they are both racing the HT550 and more importantly what bike they are using and how they will set it up for the race.

Gail Brown

Tailfin R&D Division Rider | Location: Bristol, UK

Why have you chosen to race the HT550?

If I’m very honest it wasn’t in my original plan for the year at all. I was thinking I’d do an epic this year, like Tour Divide or European Divide trail. In fact, it wasn’t on my radar until some local riders (Phil, Beccy, and El) were all talking about signing up. These are the kind of girls you go out for a ride to the pub with and then end up deciding to see how many times you can cycle up and down Windy Gap in Wales for 24hrs… in winter. That’s exactly what happened and whilst we were riding, HT550 Alan (HT550 organiser) happened to be in the area and came and camped at the top of the Gap, we got chatting as he rode a lap or two and he offered me a place. I’d already had doubts about my ‘why’ for doing an epic, more air travel when I’m doing quite enough of that already this year, time away and expense. Whereas Scotland is on my doorstep and still pretty unknown to me. So I took Alan up on his generous offer and here we are. 

Is this your first time at the HT550?

Yes. I rode some of the easier bits of the route during GBDURO but it’s the first time on the rough stuff.

What’s your chosen bike for this year’s event?

A Scott Scale Hardtail. I’ve had a last-minute drama with the frame as there was a crack in the carbon of the one I got back in 2019 and so an amazing bike shop in Bristol called Shut Up and Ride managed to source a very similar one. It means I’ve had a colour change but the geometry is identical. It’s nice to look good but what’s more important is having a bike to ride!

Why did you choose this style of bike?

It’s less of a choice, more about using what I have. Perhaps ideally I’d be on a full sus because it would be more comfortable and capable, but I’m a big believer in the fact that you can do most things on almost any bike.

Can you talk us through the spec of the bike?

Largely it’s the spec that came with the bike: SRAM Eagle NX 32T chain ring 11-50 cassette. Fox Float Rhythm 100m Fork
Prototype Carbon 29” Hunt Dynamo Wheels
Schwalbe Tyres (Quite which, yet to be completely finalised!)
Specialized Power saddle 

How are you going to be carrying your kit?

I’ve had the opportunity to test a few setups using Tailfin prototype bags this winter which has been such a privilege. I’ve decided to go with an alloy arch and AeroPack at the back for stability and volume. Then a half frame bag and top tube bag for easy access and to centralise the weight. Then Cargo Cages mounted on the forks with Cage Packs

Can you give us a breakdown of what kit you are carrying and where on the bike you’re putting it?

Igaru D2 dynamo USB charger run off of Hunt Wheels with Son Dynamo hub.
Garmin 530 with back up of Garmin Etrex and spare batteries. A 20,000mAH Battery pack, Exposure Light, spare and Headtorch
Cargo Pack 1 – Tent – Nordisk 1 ulw
Cargo Pack 2 – Easy access equipment and spare food
Frame pack – Tools and spares, pump, electronics, food stash
Waterbottle for any flavoured/energy drink
Top tube bag – snacks
Aeropack – Sleeping bag, matt, thermals, warm layers, minimal toiletries
Running vest used for water system (I use a Platypus) and extra bits and pieces. 

What parts are you looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to riding my bike all day and eating all the food. I can’t wait to see the dawn and dusk of every day out there and see Scotland in all its weather heavy glory. I can’t wait for the chats with other riders and the laughter and suffering that these events inevitably bring. I’m genuinely curious whether I’ll be able to finish but I’m looking forward to answering that question.

Are there any sections of the trail that you’re not looking forward to?

The bits with dangerous-looking waterbars…

Do you have any tips for riders looking to complete the HT550?

I’ll let you know in 2 weeks – after (hopefully) finishing!!

James Hayden

Tailfin R&D Division Rider | Girona, Spain

Image @lloydjwright

Why have you chosen to race the HT550?

I don’t really have a willing choice. I’ve finished the event twice now and neither time was I satisfied with my performance, knowing it was not my best. Until I have completed the event with a performance that is worthy of my best I’m destined to keep going back. 

What’s your chosen bike for this year’s event?

I am taking my new Fairlight Holt hardtail. The first time I did the event on a hardtail, and the second on a full suspension trail bike. I’ve gone back to a hardtail not only because it’s what I have, but this time it’s also slacker and with more travel than my previous hardtail so it should be a nice blend. 

Why did you choose this style of bike?

It’s simple. The Highland Trail is a rough race and the less to go wrong the better. Last year after the event we opened my shock and it was full of water. I’ve known of other riders who have had frame bearings and shock bushings go during the race. I did like riding a full sus but I love the simplicity of a hardtail. 

Can you talk us through the spec of the bike?

It’s pretty standard but with nice choices. Rockshox Sid Ultimate with 120mm travel, Shimano XTR groupset with 4 piston brake calipers, and 180mm rotors. The wheels are really good; Beast components from Germany TR30 with Cushcore inserts, handbuilt by Parallel in the Netherlands. I am a rough rider and need all the help I can get to look after tyres. 

Images @lloydjwright

How are you going to be carrying your kit?

I’m still not fully decided. I’ll definitely use my custom Tailfin framebag, a top tube bag, feed pouch and likely a backpack for water. 

Can you give us a breakdown of what kit you are carrying and where on the bike you’re putting it?

I’m still not sure 100% sure on my pack list yet – probably won’t until just before the start! Having been twice and knowing my comfort limit I will probably be going more minimal than in the past to keep weight down and keep me riding. For sure I’ll have good waterproofs though. Most of my bags are easy to access so I can get to stuff quickly and often without stopping – that’s important. 

Image @lloydjwright

What have you learnt from the last time you raced the HT550 – were any mistakes made?

I need the best waterproofs you can’t buy! Last year they weren’t good enough and I got wet. I think also you need the right kit and equipment for wet riding too: brake pads, chain, tyres, and clothing. It’s grim out there. 

Are there any sections of the trail that you’re not looking forward to?

I like it all, even the testing stuff. 

Do you have any tips for riders looking to complete the HT550?

Do some wet riding and get comfortable with that. Do some mountain biking and get your skills up, that way you can actually enjoy the downhill and not just be walking your bike around for days on end. And get the best waterproofs even if you can’t afford them, you’ll appreciate them. 

The 2022 edition of the Highland Trail 550 starts on Saturday 28th May. You can follow along with the racers in this year’s event by heading to dotwatcher.cc’s event page.

Good luck to all taking part – especially James and Gail!

If you like the look of the HT550 you can ride it yourself at certain specific times of the year. Find the latest GPX file to download here all that they ask for payment is a discretionary donation to HT550’s charity partner the John Muir Trust.

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