d)
adj. odd·er, odd·est
1. Deviating from what is ordinary, usual, or expected.
At Evans Cycles, we don’t think the word ‘odd’ deserves the negative connotations it’s gathered over the years. In fact, it’s by definition a marker of the exceptional.
We’re staffed by a team of #OddOnes (the name we give to dedicated cyclists who display characteristics which seem strange to the outside world) doing some AMAZING things.
One of them is Andrew Hutcheson, who works in our Bath Street Glasgow store. In May, Andrew took part in the Highland Trail 550 mile bikepacking adventure.
> Of 62 entrants, 36 made it to the start.
> Of 36 starters, 12 got to the finish.
> Of those 12, Andrew came 2nd – and we’re very proud of his adventure.
A self-supported long-distance mountain bike time-trial, the route weaves through the Scottish Highlands over what is actually 560 miles.
Everything the rider needs is carried on the bike, there is no gear sharing allowed, and competitors are allowed only to use services available to all taking part.
Here’s Andrew’s bike set up for the challenge:
And here he is rolling away from the start:
Over the course of five days, Andrew experienced highs and lows, from finding his oat cakes infiltrated by slugs (see day three of his five write ups, links to all below), and thunderstorms, to beautiful breathe-taking views and exhilarating trails.
Sadly, he didn’t take many of his own photos – it might be 550 miles, but it was a competitive race. However, the few he did take, like this one from the Tollie Path, are enough to show how exquisite the scenery was:
In the end, Andrew made it to the line in 4 days, 8 hours and 42 minutes, 7 hours behind the winner, and 3 hours in front of the man in third.
Finishing a ride like this is a feat in itself, but to race it is at quite another level. ‘Odd’, yes, but only in the respect that it’s an achievement few would even dream to obtain.
Andrew has told his story in full on his blog, and we wouldn’t try to round up such a varied and inspiring venture with short version – but you can read it here: