9 posts tagged “fred whitton”
Started at about 7:30 with Graham and Chris. It was a hard ride on a hot hot day. I can't say I have enjoyed riding up Winlatter onwards as cramps, the heat and general fatigue were taking their toll.
I experienced the most welcome spot of rain, a big storm in fact, on Wrynose. Descending Wrynose on that much flowing water was not as bad as I imagined except perhaps hitting a hidden pothole.
About 33' 41' better than last year. My plan of riding slower on the first stretch and struggle less afterwards was utopian. My better time is entirely due to a faster fist section between Coniston and Buttermere.
Highlights of the day:
- Hawkshead and Kirkstone
- Finishing the ride
- The iPamper massage
Will I do it next year? Mmm... I might consider thinking about it when my right knee stops complaining.
Edit:
2007: 10h08
2008: 9h27
This morning I was chatting about how quickly the mighty Fred Whitton challenge is approaching. Al mentioned he has 1000 miles on so far this year but was fearing this year's Fred like never before. Stu has 900 odd miles. I said I probably had 600. I was wrong. 928 miles so far. Quietly pleased about that. I am not saying that I am going to be cocky when considering the upcoming Fred Whitton though. It is a hard one even with good riding conditions. I am just a little more prepared.
Mission accomplished. I have completed the Fred Whitton Challenge. My time is not great (10h08') but that was not the objective. The objective was to get round the course unlike a few weeks ago where I had to retreat towards Buttermere about 3/4 of the way.
Early start
Equipped with the new steed, I headed to Coniston at 4:30am. I arrived safely, parked the car in the far flung corner of a field adjacent to the Coniston Sport Centre. After eating about half a Soreen malt loaf I set off at 6am. Nervous about the day.
Passes (1: Comfortable - 5: Impossible)
Hawskhead (1) -- First climb of the day and a good warm-up for the legs. I love that hill. It's got a special feel to it. The descent to Ambleside is superb too.
Kirkstone (2) -- I could feel the triple chainset would make the day a bit more tolerable to the legs. Enjoyed the climb spinning the legs. Sad/shocked to notice a walker got knocked over by an incoming car earlier.
Matterdale (1) -- not really a pass but a steady climb along some of stunning lakeland scenery.
Honister (3) -- Hard slog. Did not walk. Scary descent. Glad to have been equipped with a bike with more efficient brakes.
Newlands (3) -- After a welcome stop at the Coniston youth hostel for some drinks, sandwiches, cakes and bananas, Newlands came is. A steep and consistent hard slog. Nice.
Winlatter (3.5) -- Longer and steeper than I remembered. Right knee was unhappy. Had to stop to get an ibuprofen in.
Cold Fell (3) -- A new territory for me. I suffered on it as I did not know what to expect and previous climbs were starting to take a toll.
Hardknott (5) -- A Killer. Never seen anything that steep. Walked for most of the climb. Even walking was unforgiving. The descent was downright mental. I could not afford to release any pressure from the brakes.
Wrynose (4.5) -- The "cherry on the cake". The last major climb of the day after 105 odd miles. Walked on the last portion of the climb. Scary descent descended at pedestrian pace.
Overall
Superb day on the bike
Support from the crowd
Friendly riding crowd
Thrilled to complete the course in one piece :-)
Looking forward to next year's event :-D
No pain whatsoever following the event. Bring on the ardechoise!
Dilemna of the day: Having to drop a peanut butter sandwich as I got surprised by a hairpin coming in way too quickly. It was the sandwich or falling over quite badly.
I needed a triple chainset and a lighter bike to get around the Fred Whitton as experienced a couple of weeks ago on the lumpy bits of the Lake District.
So... today I took delivery of a Focus Cayo. Lovely bike and at £960 for a full carbon, shimano 105 equipped it is also quite a bargain. It rides as expected (beautifully). in addition the price tag included about 95 pounds worth of free items to choose. I got a practical endura short sleeve jersey, a montane lightweight waterproof, a set of Gore mitts and a Topeak large saddle bag.
Hoping for a swift but sweet ride round the Cotswolds on Saturday or Sunday morning.
I am now equipped for the Fred Whitton and the ardechoise... Now... I wonder where I can get a good pair of second hand legs ;-)
Wow.... First time cycling in the Lakes and boy oh boy... do they know how to make steep hills there.
The ride started at Coniston then Hawkshead, Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, and finished (for me) after Winlatter. The rest of the group carried on to Cold fell, hardknott, Wrynose to arrive back at base in Coniston.
The group: Stu, Allan, Glenn, Dave, Richard and me
Highlights: The scenery, Patient motorists, The hills, the weather (warm, sunny, no wind), the streams, the lakes, Allan's banana cake portions, the company, Stu's patience to pick me up in Buttermere after finishing the ride. Privileged to ride with people who know the lake district inside out and very experienced riding up and down the many Lake district passes. Meeting Stu's family.
Lows: The portion on the A66 going into Keswick, Dave's two punctures because of the bike shops lame fitting of rim take on the wheels, bike not adequate for climbing >20% ascents, having to abandon 3/4 of the way. The BONK. dehydration. being away from home. 25% downhills are freaking scary!!!
Lessons learned: I need a new bike (lighter and with more appropriate gearing)... I need a better pair of legs... I have to force myself to eat and drink constantly...
2 videos from last years event. 800 entrants this year.
Thanks to Glenn my entry for the Fred Whitton will be delivered to the organisers tonight. This should ensure plenty of pain and hardship on Sunday 13th May and a good training ride for the Ardechoise :-)
Two good ride reports here (from Allan) and there (Thames Velo) from the 2006 edition.
