RBLR1000 2024

#3
I'm planning to help out at Squires in 2024 and do North Anti Clockwise on my XVS 1100 Trike in 2025. Not been riding it for a while so need to get the practice for 2025. Done both the North Routes on my XVS 650 Trike. Hopefully I can do it a bit quicker with less breakdowns. 23 3/4 hrs the first time and 23 1/2 hrs second time
 
#4
Only got my licence last year, this seems right up my street and will be giving money to the RBL while getting my first IBA certification at the same time.

No idea if will make it but will have fun trying.
 

Firstpeke

Well-Known Member
#5
I would suggest you may want to try a 500 mile circuit for a first attempt as jumping in on a 1000+ mile ride might prove to be too much!

Not looking to discourage you from trying but if you aren't comfortable with at least 500 miles in a day, 1000 may prove too much!

Have you ridden any longer days in the last year?
 
#6
I would suggest you may want to try a 500 mile circuit for a first attempt as jumping in on a 1000+ mile ride might prove to be too much!

Not looking to discourage you from trying but if you aren't comfortable with at least 500 miles in a day, 1000 may prove too much!

Have you ridden any longer days in the last year?
Done 300 a few times. Honestly, I am not expecting it to be easy but I relish the challenge.

Love riding my bike and always wanted to go to North Scotland so is perfect.
 

Firstpeke

Well-Known Member
#7
That's a great start!

Make sure you read all the requirements for the ride and the need for receipts from set points on whichever route you register to ride!

Most of us stay in a hotel nearby for Friday and Saturday nights, this means a decent sleep, hopefully, a meal and a shower when you get up at around 0400 or so to be at Squires for your allocated start time!
There is free camping available at Squires if preferred, but I prefer to be better rested!

Last year I was overtaken by loads of folk going up the A1M but having been to JOG and returning to Squires, most of them finished later!

It's not about speed, pacing yourself, ensuring you do the required stops for fuel/receipt and resting if needed are far more important.

I look forward to seeing you there!
 

JohnR

IBA Member
#8
Great advice, I'll just add to practice fuel stops and comfort breaks because they're you biggest time thieves, its not a race but think of it as a pit stop, if you're in and out in your usual 20 minutes that's likely to add 3 hours or more to your ride time. My fuel stops are below 5 minutes which allows me me more time for comfort breaks and scoff. Number your fuel receipts and keep them safe, sound and dry in a zip lock plastic bag, it's been known to rain in Scotland. There'll be plenty of time once back at Squires when the clocks stopped to complete the paperwork over a cup of well deserved, served all night tea or coffee.

Rufty tufty camping and the northern clockwise route for me.
 
#9
That's a great start!

Make sure you read all the requirements for the ride and the need for receipts from set points on whichever route you register to ride!

Most of us stay in a hotel nearby for Friday and Saturday nights, this means a decent sleep, hopefully, a meal and a shower when you get up at around 0400 or so to be at Squires for your allocated start time!
There is free camping available at Squires if preferred, but I prefer to be better rested!

Last year I was overtaken by loads of folk going up the A1M but having been to JOG and returning to Squires, most of them finished later!

It's not about speed, pacing yourself, ensuring you do the required stops for fuel/receipt and resting if needed are far more important.

I look forward to seeing you there!
Many thanks for the reply, very helpful.

I did think of going to JOG while that way but do not think it is the best use of time given the circumstances being my first endurance ride and all, probably add an hour with a stop I guess?

Does anyone bother with any comms while riding at all, mesh comms or the like to chat when in range of one another?
 
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#10
Great advice, I'll just add to practice fuel stops and comfort breaks because they're you biggest time thieves, its not a race but think of it as a pit stop, if you're in and out in your usual 20 minutes that's likely to add 3 hours or more to your ride time. My fuel stops are below 5 minutes which allows me me more time for comfort breaks and scoff. Number your fuel receipts and keep them safe, sound and dry in a zip lock plastic bag, it's been known to rain in Scotland. There'll be plenty of time once back at Squires when the clocks stopped to complete the paperwork over a cup of well deserved, served all night tea or coffee.

Rufty tufty camping and the northern clockwise route for me.
That is kind of tips I need, thank you. As you say, soo easy to take 20 minutes here and there but it all adds up.

How many comfort/scoff breaks do you allow? Do you allocate more during the early morning hours?

Any parts of the route where petrol stations are thin on the ground or not 24 hour?

I will be doing Northern Clockwise, probably camping too. Is camping permitted on Friday and Saturday night?

Always wanted to ride around Scotland so this is the perfect opportunity.

Cheers.
 
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JohnR

IBA Member
#12
Take as many comfort and scoff breaks as you need, I normally get round with three taken at fuel stops but if I need more.

Back in the 1970's fuel stops in Scotland required proper planning, today 24 hour fuel stops are never too far away. I arrive at Squires with a full tank and fill up at each 'corner' (Rivington, Fort William, Wick and Dreghorn Link) and then some. In the past I've stopped at Carlisle Tesco, Lesmahagow Tesco, Inshes Park (Inverness) Tesco, Aviemore BP and Pitlochry BP and reluctantly the Washington Services A1(M).

In 2022 three of us rode the Wick to Edinburgh section via Braemar and the Cairngorms so we fuel stopped at the Grantown-on-Spey Esso, it adds an hour or more to the ride time and you need to leave Wick before 16:00 hours to clear the twisties and get on the M90 (Perth) before dusk.

Yes, the RBLR 1000 entry fee includes free camping on both Friday and Saturday night, just don't pitch up on my favourite spot ;)
 
#13
I'm a 50 / 50 hotel camper here. On the Friday afternoon I'll set up my tent, but stay in a hotel for the Friday night. It might mean the alarm goes off slightly earlier, but for me the trade is a warm shower, clean sheets, a good nights sleep and putting on kit the following morning that hasn't got that slightly overnight camping damp feeling to it. Saturday night and after being on the go for 24hrs, tent, Travelodge or a suite at the Savoy, I'll sleep.