One thing is the midges. These devils were unexpected to me and I probably would have come a bit more prepared if I'd known.

The off-road section around Loch Katrine seemed unnecessary. My friend crashed on this section which led to him injuring his knee and having to withdraw after the 2nd feed stop. Said it felt more suited to MTB than a gravel event. Personally felt the section alongside Loch Arklet a bit pointless, just to double back on the tarmac. Better trails could be utilised, for example the Duchray alp section and some of the trails around Lochan Spling and Lochan a’ Ghleannain. The chunk descending off the Stank Glen fire road wasn’t the best either. These gripes aside, fantastic event

Waymarking seemed much better this year.
All midges must die.

The start set up could do with tweaking. I felt that we were penned in going around a bend, many riders were being pushed together in order to get over the timing bar. Perhaps a straight line, or something similar to sportive were groups of 10 head out in 10/15 sec waves. I don’t have little kids, but noticed a lot over the weekend, maybe do a kiddie friendly small event in the future? Thanks for putting on an amazing event, I’ll definitely be back, with more hill climbs in the bag!

Being a mountain biker, I personally didn't mind the more technical sections. My wife really struggles with the idea of 'gravel' though, and there were sections in there that she would have just pulled out of the event becasue of had she been taking part. Maybe a bit too much in places? But only a couple. Everything else was absolutely bang on!! Loved it.

Special thanks to marshalls and feed zone volunteers. Everyone was great. x

Please keep doing what you are doing

2nd gravel event after Gralloch sportive in may and couldn’t split the two events even though I imagine budgets are far from similar. I never suffered any mechanicals on the day but maybe tech boxes at feed stops/marshall locations since it’s such a long day

A few thoughts from the day - I really really enjoyed myself. The switchback downhill halfway along Loch Katrine was a personal favourite, looking forward to incorporating it into weekend rides. But I feel some constructive criticism is good too:

I noticed your post about litter - this is absolutely not my experience. There was a LOT of discarded, wrappers gels etc. I added quite a bit of time onto my finish so I could pick up some of the litter left behind by others. I think there needs to be a zero tolerance approach to littering.

General rider etiquette - I don't think a lot of riders did any favours to biker/other stakeholder relations. Witnessed a lot of people riding very fast past other path users. I think more needs to go into emphasising that this event is not on closed trails, because clearly the message isn't getting through. On that theme, a lot of riders doing the old whip the willy out and piss on the bike routine- I don't think this is acceptable given the type of event and likelihood for public interaction.

Ascent - the GPX said 2700m, the logo says 10000ft. In reality it was almost 3500m. I think this underestimate could have been a big issue to some people.

I found the event to be very well organised throughout and the tracks and scenery were absolutely fantastic. The event is very challenging physically but my bike handling isn't the best and I had no problems.

Perhaps a countdown towards the end (10k and 5k) as a little motivation boost?
Other than that, brilliant event, really enjoyed it and will be coming back. Thank you :)

Volunteers were outstanding at checkpoints. Coms at start line was poor, a board with timings or regular announcements would help. Coming in right at back lovely people at end but lack of food etc it's a paid for event if with in cut off same food should be available to front and back riders. Overall really enjoyed, liked how challenging the course was, was a well set route and people were friendly.

Volunteers were amazing. So friendly. Amazing atmosphere. Very welcoming and fun vibe. Challenging but sublimely beautiful route. Thank you so much - my first gravel event and loved it!

Good feed station. The course was really well marked. Nice little single track through the wood just before the finish. Great to get a zero beer at the end. Good music to suit the oldies!

Please don't get me wrong. I understand the value of difficult terrain. I also understand that a gravel race means that you're always over or underbiked unless you're on forestry roads. But there was too much single track. Add pouring rain the fun gets eaten like cyclists in a midge infected starting line.

I would change the demi GOD route to GOD and call the God route to God xl. I think this would attract more people.

I had fun until I didn't because of a mechanical. This is no one's fault but my own equipment failure. Thank you so much for all your hard work!

Assistance at feed stops was amazing!

Loved the friendly volunteers and organising group. Made us feel very welcome.
Finish village was good but could the finish arch be part of the tented area? Be great to celebrate finishers in full view of the post event gathering.
Great event and easy to follow the route. Highly recommended and will be back.

What an event - thank you. The comms before hand was great, fantastic route planning, which was very well marked out. The marshalls were all so smiley and lovely. Great selection at the feed stations (so who knows what sandwich gate was all about).
Has bought 2x solo tickets for my partner's birthday back Oct and it did not disappoint - he loved it too! Also happened to fall on our 4th year anniversary, so the perfect way to celebrate!
Having had a wisdom tooth out on Tuesday I was nervous about nutrition and keeping my mouth clean, so probably the only person to carry a toothbrush and paste on one of your rides!

My only very minor complaints - start time being delayed and noone really knew what was happening. (in the grand scheme of things, who cares?)
I didn't know midges could get that bad in Scotland and I wish I didn't need to find that out at your fantastic event.
I had hoped to fangirl Kerry and tell her how inspired I was with her HT550 and I didn't get the chance.
(Those latter two are not to be taken seriously)

THANK YOU - I LOVED IT.

Best wishes from the Kirkby Lonsdale Cycling Club gang