Fred Whitton 2018

[DirtyHands]

So who else has got in?

Just had the email congratulating me on getting in. Was half hoping I wouldn’t get a spot, best start training!

[Master Bean]

Nope, didn't get a place. Might do the dragon ride instead.

[nammynake]

Yep, this will be my 5th. I’ve been lucky in getting a place every time I’ve applied.

Last ridden in 2015 so should be a fair deal fitter this time, although just shy of turning 40!

[Steve vRS]

No place for me this year. I might volunteer to help to get a place next year.

[Lanby]

Nope, even though first timers are supposed to get priority placing

[nammynake]

First timers have a greater chance than others but that doesn’t mean places are first assigned to first timers, with remaining places going to others.

I suspect the event was massively oversubscribed with a particularly large number of first timers.

[DirtyHands]

It’s the first time for me.

Hoping it’s not a tough as people make out. Having a week in the lakes in March so will have to scout some of the climbs then.

[nammynake]

DirtyHands said:

It’s the first time for me.

Hoping it’s not a tough as people make out. Having a week in the lakes in March so will have to scout some of the climbs then.

It’s as hard as you make it. Take it easy and (apart from Hardknott, Wrynose and Honister) it’s just a long hilly ride. If you want to get a decent time (let’s say under 8 hours) then it IS a hard route. I’m just hoping for decent weather. It’s been horrible every time I’ve done it.

[Lanby]

I've not done this but have done plenty of long rides (including LEL) and the key to it is a positive mental state, food and pacing - lots of things can mess these up - bad weather, not eating enough, going too fast early on - and it can easily change to an unpleasant experience

Have fun

[Chicken Chaser]

I applied a few years and didn't get a spot. Glad I didn't really as the weather was appalling and there were some accidents due to the conditions

[nammynake]

Chicken Chaser said:

I applied a few years and didn't get a spot. Glad I didn't really as the weather was appalling and there were some accidents due to the conditions

Conditions can be quite bad, particularly the exposed section over the aptly named ‘Cold Fell’. Most accidents are due to people trying to descend too quickly; notably Honister. I think a lot of riders are unprepared for the terrain and lack the skill to descend safely. I recommend anyone taking part to practice their climbing and descending (on 20%+ slopes) alongside building their fitness.

[Daveyraveygravey]

I got in on the reserve list when I did it two years ago, having failed on the original ballot. I think it is such a tough event that people pull out with a few weeks to go. Being the first weekend in May means you really have to be out there now getting the miles in, and that is difficult with the poor weather and it getting dark by 5.
I'd say it is very hard; I haven't done any of the others that are trying to claim the crown of toughest event though. My suffer score was 630 on the Fred; the only time I have beaten that is Everesting which was 703, 308 km and 27 hours ! The big three are Honsister, Hardknott and Wrynose, but Newlands and Cold Fell aren't easy. Newlands comes after the first feed station so be careful taking in to much. Kirkstone wasn't bad and I can't remember Matterdale End or Whinlatter.
The descents are tough too, very steep, badly surfaced narrow and often with bends.

[Steve vRS]

It’s a tough ride. Not many people get up Hard Knott pass. I did last year on a 34x32 gear set!

But Hard Knott and Wrynose are closed roads and all the big climbs and many of the “small” ones are lined with people cheering you on. That makes it special. Something to remember is that it’s not just the big passes that are hard, there a quite a few categorised climbs as well!

And the pie, beans and gravy you get at the finish is THE BEST Meal you will have all year!

[nammynake]

Not long now folks. Forecast is looking suspiciously benign but Lakes weather is notoriously fickle.

Is everyone ready?

[Steve vRS]

I am helping out at the Buttermere feed stop. I’ll be wearing a blue North Cheshire Clarion jersey under a high viz vest. Say hello if you see me!

Remember to eat something but also remember that Newlands Pass is just a mile down the road!

[nammynake]

Yes that always catches people out. The first feed stop after 50 miles so people often take a 10-15 minute break, ram a load of food down then set off not knowing they are straight into a pretty tough climb. I think it's just a few hundred metres after the YHA.

I'll be grabbing a few snacks, stick a few things in my pocket then get moving ASAP. Need warm legs to tackle that climb.

[Steve vRS]

When I finish my stint volunteering I’ll be cycling back to my parents so plan on going over Newlands and Whinlatter. Might even go as far as Cold Fell Road before turning right at Calder Bridge for Whitehaven, rather than left for Hard Knott!

[Paulog13]

My brother is doing it for the first time tomorrow, at least the weather looks good...

[Lesgrandepotato]

Rode the jennride today. 56 miles off road. It was warm in the lakes. Could be gruelling..

[nammynake]

Today was my 5th Fred. I last rode in 2015 and decided to have a couple of years off. Struck lucky with the weather today, in fact it was a little too warm by the end, but I'll take that over wind and rain any day!

Was feeling strong to start with but start getting a bit of cramp around half way. I've never had cramp in the last 30,000 miles since I took up cycling so not sure what caused it. Suspect I was dehydrated but who knows. It got worse going up Hardknott but I was able to keep the pedals turning and didn't resort to walking, but it was horrendous.

They decided to throw in an extra climb after Wrynose, up over Blea Tarn, which apparently added 10 minutes or so onto the route. That was just evil!

The support was fantastic, with loads of locals and families or riders lining the route with cheers and cow bells. The volunteers were awesome too, and the food at the feed stop was varied and tasty. Never thought I'd like cream cheese and jam sarnies, but they hit the spot.

Finish time was 7h:02m. Disappointing not to break 7 hours but I didn't have much left in the tank. Maybe if I'd had one fewer cheese and jam sarnie...