Bealach Na Ba

peanut1978

Anyone else going this weekend?

UnworthyPapaLazaru

peanut1978 wrote:

Anyone else going this weekend?

Nope, I'm not mental enough yet!

How many miles is the pass? It looks awesome, but I struggle on Arthur Seat!

Is there a web site with details of the challenge?

peanut1978

http://www.handsonevents.co.uk/

all info there

Arthiritis starting to play up in my knees, not lookinf forward to it as much as I was.

Got the Etape Caledonia the next week too!!

toontra

Well if it's any consolation Peanut, I'll be doing the route in June on a MTB with 2-weeks worth of touring gear packed into panniers. That may give you the required boost you need.

peanut1978

are you f***ing mental!?!

sorry, I mean

that'll be fun!

LittleB0b

UnworthyPapaLazaru wrote:

How many miles is the pass?

I don't know but it seems to take about 40 mins to drive up - never mind cycle up

UnworthyPapaLazaru

peanut1978 wrote:

http://www.handsonevents.co.uk/

all info there

Arthiritis starting to play up in my knees, not lookinf forward to it as much as I was.

Got the Etape Caledonia the next week too!!

Cheers! maybe next year...

Only just got my road bike and was holding off booking the Etape Caledonia till it arrived, it arrived, went to book and it was full! Another one for next year.

Enjoy!

andrew_s

Pass of the Small?

Where's that?

volvine

all i know is i have drove up it and all i could think of was i wouldn't fancy riding up here lol

peanut1978

BEALACH NA BA

sorry

Sportive is called Bealach Beag

peanut1978

BEALACH NA BA

sorry

Sportive is called Bealach Beag

bompington

Pass is called Bealach na Ba = pass of the cattle, after all the tourists who drive over it in summer (it's my ambition to take my caravan over it one day).
Race, sorry, event, is called Bealach Beag = little pass, to distinguish it from the Bealach Mor = big pass, which takes place in the autumn, and to con people into thinking it goes up a smaller hill.

peanut1978

thanks brompington

cframe

Im heading up for it and doing Etape Caledonia the following week too

I'm starting to get a wee bit twitchy about the Bealach now, perhaps I'm underestimating just how much of a killer it's gonna be…

peanut1978

might see you there

or at both

rgarrioch

Doing the beag for the 3rd time, hoping weather clears up a bit as at present it's 40mph gales + associated rain (at home on the next peninsula north of the route)
Apologies if you're fully aware, but one hint is not to overdo it on the big hill - the stinger is the myriad shorter, but as steep, hills that come after applecross. Save a bit of energy, and if you're feeling good at 35 miles or so, hit the gas - took 10 mins of previous time last year with that ploy...
If you've not done it before, take it easy on the descent from the top of the bealach if visibility is limited - a few guys came off last year and there's no soft landings up there!

Mind you, 40 mph westerlies wouldn't half get you up the latter hills...?

The Mechanic

I am doing the Mor in September. This will be my third ride up the Bealach and it never gets any easier. rgarrioch is right, the big hill is only half the battle. First time I did it was in April a couple of years ago and it was low cloud from about 100 feet with vis less than 50m. I think it helped as we couldn't see what was coming. I almost road past my buddies at the top. Couldn't see them in the layby for the cloud. Enjoy it, its is a great feeling to get to the top. Photies on the hairpin section so no walking.

May also give it a go in touring mode. Doing W highlands with son and D-in-L in August for a week so we might give it a go.

peanut1978

Bastards!!!

taking photos on hairpin!!?!?!

peanut1978

all enjoy it?

BigG67

Results are up

http://www.sportident.co.uk/results/2009/bealachbeag/