Fred Whitton 2007

"Say Cheese"
Mike Inder, Tim Brass, Mike Mills, Ian Lowe, Martin Porter,
Andy Broadbent, Andy Fowkes & John Nicholls

Thames Velo sent 8 to the Lake District for the 2007 edition of the Fred Whitton.

Martin Porter

The weather forecast was frightful and now the car wouldn’t start.  The trip North could not begin until my neighbour gave me a jumpstart, which was achieved only after some speculation and experimentation about how to lift her bonnet and uncover her battery.  That sorted, I hit the road a bit late.  I picked up 3 fellow club members, their bikes and baggage and headed for a Staffordshire pub.  The other four Thames Velo riders were there, tucking into their pies, and extracting donations from impressed fellow pie-eaters at the adjoining table, before departing to set the pattern of arriving at Coniston some hours before us.

We were reasonably fortunate with the ferry crossing Lake Windermere so we got to Coniston for the sign on a full five minutes before they closed at 5pm.  Then a drive up and over Hawkshead Hill to the Youth Hostel.  On the way I balanced the attractions of driving to the start the next morning (and from the finish later) against the attractions of riding from the YH up and over Hawkshead Hill to the start then turning around and climbing Hawkshead Hill to begin the Whitton ride then climbing Hawkshead Hill yet again after the finish.  The former seemed marginally more attractive as I revved the engine round the hairpins in 2^nd gear.

A photo-shoot followed as it was decided that the charms of the Hawkshead scenery were greatly improved by adding eight Thames Velo riders in their kit.  We rode the lanes in varying formations including eight abreast but only until our Captain noticed and reminded us of the stern injunction to always obey the Highway Code when in club kit.

More pies and ale followed this time in a Hawkshead pub named in honour of the sun (perhaps it visited there once).  Once done, some of our number returned to the Hostel for a good night’s rest while others decided to see how much of the course they could drive before nightfall.  We might as well all have driven round the course all night since the alternative turned out to be a night somewhat disturbed by fellow guests’ loud and repetitive comedy routine performed on the balcony outside our window until 0330.  The first alarm clock went off at 0530 when our group early starter, John, roused himself.  The alarm clock repeated its call to action while John was at breakfast so we three went to join him in cramming in as much fuel as we could for what lay ahead.

Heroically refusing all offers of a lift John set off over Hawkshead Hill.  Further offers and refusals made it clear that I was to be the only one wimpish enough to drive to the start.  John was followed by Mike M and Tim.  I drove passing Mike and Tim up the hill and then when descending saw John passing in the opposite direction with a host of other riders.  Tim, Mike and I dabbed our dibbers together well before the 8 o’clock group start favoured by Mike I, Ian and both Andy’s.  Informing us how easy he was going to go for the first part Tim zoomed up Hawkshead Hill and was next seen briefly at the Buttermere feed.  Mike generously stayed with me despite my slow descent towards Ambleside.  Both of us recalled seeing the Drunken Duck on our directions but neither of us could recall the direction to be taken at that landmark before stopping and pulling instructions out of our back pockets.  Two other riders appeared to know the way so we followed them left at Ambleside before looking back we spotted a large group turning right.  They showed us the way through Waterhead at the top of Lake Windermere, then a sudden turn left up the hill to Troutbeck led to the first of many occasions that I knocked my chain overenthusiastically past the small chain ring.  Mike patiently waited and we laboured up that hill and then Kirkstone Pass.  A wide straight road took us through stunning scenery.  The climb went on and on but at a tolerable gradient to the Inn at the top where some Northern lasses yelled out ‘Come on Michael’ and I began to regret that I had been so ham fisted about attaching my number that it was not visible.

I picked my way cautiously down Kirkstone Pass towards Patterdale erroneously believing that I had been warned it was dangerous.  I recognised many of the riders I had passed climbing Kirkstone (including a couple I was to keep seeing later) whizzing past me on the descent.  I needed to follow someone as I was hopeless at memorising the directions so tucked in behind the couple.  A group of 3 led by a Lakes Club member then came by so I followed them along the bank of Ullswater.  After the left turn and the climb to Matterdale End the Lakes rider pulled ahead and the other two paced themselves back and I reached the junction at the top of the hill alone and somewhat uncertain where to go.  I was saved by the arrival of a large group which swept me along to catch back up with the Lakes Club rider and there followed a quick ride on to the A66 at (another) Troutbeck.

On the main road the group sped along.  The carriageway was edged with a white line and I was nearly sideswiped by a truck who clearly thought I should stay left of said line.  At that point I convinced myself that my rear tyre was deflating and pulled into a lay-by to deal with it.  A quick inspection revealed fully inflated tyres.  I was not able to regain that group but was able to follow a few other riders through Keswick on what I assume must have been the correct path (given how miffed one of my fellows was at seeing other riders adopting other routes).  Along the bank of Derwent Water very fast riders, possibly the first of the eight o’clockers, came by.  We reached Seatoller and the red telephone box that seems to forewarn in these parts. Up Honister pass I  passed a hand cyclist and then on the steepest part a car came up overtook me and then pulled in hard to his left and stopped just in front of me for a vehicle coming the other way (what happened to giving priority to uphill traffic?).  there was no way I was going to stop there so I headed straight up the very edge of the road cursing as my right knuckles were bruised as they hit the side of the car whilst I pushed the left pedal down.  Bouncing off the car I managed to push the right pedal down leaning away from the vehicle until mercifully I was clear and able to traverse.  Fortunately Honister comes in two sections with some opportunity for recovery if you travel slowly enough between the two.

The descent from Honister was clearly the one that I had been warned about.  The surface was particularly rippled on the sharp bend into a stone bridge.  Surviving that I, was passed by Andy F and then Mike I.  I then heard the comment “You lot are everywhere” and saw John by the side of the road enticing his chain from the big-ring.  That achieved, John and I covered the short distance to the Buttermere feed together.  Andy B then arrive so for a while seven of us were there missing only Ian who had last been seen with a mechanical problem way back in Ambleside.  Those of us not too concerned about time were there a long while and I took the opportunity to see if the mechanic could make a better job of adjusting my front derailleur than I had done.  However there was still no sign of Ian.  We hoped he had passed the feed to make up for lost time and only later learnt that his new frame had let him down.

Andy B,  Mike M, John and I set off from the feed.  We almost immediately encountered Newlands Pass.  Andy impressed me by taking a drink as the road steepened.  I could never do that.  Then he dropped the bottle and had to chase it down the hill giving me the chance to reach the top before him.  At the top we regrouped, decided John was pacing himself for the proper climbs to come, and we three pressed on.  Andy led us down the other side and Mike led up Whinlatter with me struggling to catch up after I again unshipped my chain.  Andy led us down the other side and through the maze of roads around Lorton.  Eventually Andy gently hinted that he was getting tired of my reliance on his stronger riding so I took the front.  This lasted only a short while before I decided a better idea was to latch on to a yellow jerseyed rider who had passed us.  I struggled up to his wheel then drifted to the back and eventually off the back when the road turned up again.  The last I heard from Mike was that this was just a short climb though it seemed pretty long to me.

I was alone but soon joined by a friendly local who told me the lake in the distance below was Ennerdale Water and that the sea I was looking at was the Irish not the North.  Local as he was even he did not know the way to turn at Ennerdale Bridge.  Others came and showed the way.  My local friend then took a faster descent than I did and I was left to admire the view of Sellafield alone.

The second feed (Calder Bridge) came up and I took my time with several cups of tea and a clean up after the fiddling with my chain.  I left not noticing that John had arrived and was waving at me.  I wish I had as I pressed slowly and alone on to Gosforth, planning to reserve some energy for the big climbs ahead.  I passed the same couple going up hill and they flew past me going down.  I was able to follow them through Gosforth onto the right road for Hardknott.  Thinking I was closer to Hardknott than I actually was, I eased right off as I passed the miniature railway where a large tractor used his size to compel me to stop.  On I went, feeling apprehensive especially as a light drizzle began to fall.  At last I passed the red telephone box.  A spectator said 'Go on make that Condor fly.'  I got into the bottom (30 x 29!) gear and started pushing up past the cattle grid and up past the first steep section.  Then the gradient got less extreme and I could even sit down.  I passed the woman I had been seeing all day who shouted encouragement.  Then the steep switchbacks towards the top came.  I was panting hard feeling my heart pounding and decided to stop for a rest on the last bend where there was a passing spot which looked less steep and where I would be out of the way.  I gasped for a full 5 minutes then tried to continue.  Alas, I could not get going again.  I tried half a dozen times to clip back on but couldn’t manage it.  I walked up about 20 yards to the section at the top where it becomes less steep, clipped on and continued.

The descent was scary.  My hands ached from pulling the brakes so hard but I still did not feel I quite had control.  At the last switchback I slid round on the outside while someone shouted ‘by on your inside’ and took the steepest path to get by me.  At Wrynose I knew not to stop and managed it to the top.  The descent from Wrynose was almost as hairy as Hardknott and I had to walk the last part picking my way through the traffic jam caused by cars, which had stopped in the vicinity of an ambulance and were spinning their wheels unable to start up again.

Once the steep passes of the big climbs were behind me I found I had more than I expected left to give the undulating roads back to Coniston.  The weather did not worsen beyond a light drizzle until after I had finished.  I had an official time of 9:17 and rolling time from my bike computer of 8:31.  Maybe one day I will come back and try a sub 9 hours and, more importantly, to complete the ride up Hardknott.

Mike Mills

I left the start with Tim Brass and Martin Porter to be faced with Hawkshead Hill as a leg warmer! Tim soon disappeared into the distance leaving us to follow on. We joined a small group and road together until we reached Troutbeck Hill where Martin unshipped his chain - the first of several times! We made our way up the hill and headed on for the first of the well known passes - Kirkstone. I had forgotten how steep it was and we were glad to reach the summit and start the fast descent. Martin was more cautious than me and so a gap opened up between us. I joined a small group of locals and Matterdale was climbed and on towards Keswick on the fast A66. At the roundabout I had to wait for traffic and lost my group until I caught them round Derwent water. As we started Honister I was determined to ride and not walk this climb - even the 25% sections! Despite some MTB'ers and cars getting in the way I managed the whole climb without stopping! Feeling justifiably proud I started the descent and near the bottom found John Nicholls trying to fix a rubbing brake. I rode on to the feed at Buttermere where I found Tim and shortly after was joined by Martin and John. Minutes later the Andy’s and Mike Inder pulled in for a rest. Andy Broadbent said he would continue with us as the pace was a little too fast for him. Nobody enjoyed the climb immediately after the feed, but struggled on to Whinlatter - which was harder and longer than I remembered! John had decided on a slower pace and so the three of us rode on to tackle Cold Fell, which for some strange reason Andy B. liked! By the time we reached the second feed Martin had tailed off a bit after some of the steep-ish descents and Andy had edged away as I tried to save a bit of energy for horrors that lay in wait - Hardknott and Wrynose! After a brief chat at the feed Andy pushed on and I followed soon after. After the turn down the lane Hardknott it seemed to take ages to reach the start of the climb - not that I was in any rush! Being on my own, apart from a couple of riders who didn't want to come past, I crossed the cattle grid and struggled on for a short while, until I lost the will to ride and got off! After losing loads of time I rode the last tiny bit and with brakes hard on began the terrifying descent! Rain started to fall as I headed for the so called easier climb up Wrynose so on went the rain top, which didn't help with the head wind that had started before Hardknott! I rode some of Wrynose, but walked far too much - more time wasted. On the horribly steep descent I came across the scene of the accident that was, fortunately, not as serious as it appeared. The lady was released from hospital the same day. Her bike however was a wreck by the look of it back at the HQ. I passed a rider just after the cattle grid at the bottom of the descent who suddenly vomited all over his bike - poor sod! With only the last climb to the road back to Coniston I thought it was all down hill - got that wrong of course! I managed to get up some speed for the last couple of miles in the vain hope of making up some lost time - no chance! On reaching the HQ I 'Dibbed' in for a time of 8hrs.59mins.59secs which meant I had knocked 40mins. off my previous time for the Fred Whitton. Roll on next year - once I get a compact chainset!

Andy Broadbent

Ian Lowe’s enthusiasm for the Fred Whitton got me thinking.  How hard can it be, after all it’s only a long club run in the hills isn’t it.

On the Saturday morning before the ride I double checked all my kit was ready and began reflecting on my training diary when I suddenly got very worried.  With only one ride over 3hrs since January and nothing more than a couple of rides in the last month perhaps I wasn’t best prepared. -  oh, well how hard can it be.

After 8 hrs and 7 minutes I can safely say I found out how hard it was.  Probably one of the hardest things I have ever done!  But also on the flip side one of the most enjoyable sporting events I have taken part in. 

Although my time was not the quickest, one of my main goals was to ride the whole way without stopping and walking.  I believe I was the only Thames Velo club member who managed to ride all the climbs including both Hardknott and Wrynose without stopping.  A task made some what easier by my choice of gears a 34 (from my mountain bike) on the rear and a 39 on the front. 

On the way back home Ian was asking who’s going to do it again – I immediately said never again but even only a day later I am reflecting on the ride with a different view point.  It’s a very strange experience taking your body to its physical limits.  Now I am not saying it’s like a near death experience or a life changing moment as after all it is only a bike ride.  But looking back to the climb of Hardknott Pass, when my legs were cramping, my hands and arms were burning, my back was in agony, my lungs were screaming for air and my body trying to stop. 

I made a very conscious decision to ignore it all and ride on.  Thinking about that decision now and the outcome makes everything seem worth while.  I wonder what decision I will make next year.

Ian Lowe

My goal was dependant on the weather. If the weather was good then a time 7 hours 30 minutes or better without bonking was my target.  But as the weather was initially predicted to rain I was planning a just finishing.  The weather turned out to be pretty good for the day.

It was now, how did the body feel. Well after the first few climbs: Hawkshead hill, the short sharp climbs to Troutbeck and then the long drag up Kirkstone pass, I felt pretty strong and surprisingly a lot better than the year before at this stage.  On top of Kirkstone pass I decided my next set of goals: to ensure the pace was a good and strong but not to hard as to suck to much energy out of the body then get up Matterdale and Honister.  Once I had reached the first feed point and negotiated Newlands pass I would push the pace up on the Home bound leg.

When riding well and enjoying myself going down into Keswick I noticed a knock every now and then on the crank.  Thought I would just watch that and see if it got worse.  Well riding through Keswick it certainly did get worse and I was trying my utmost to see where it was coming from and what was causing it.  We were about 3 miles out of Keswick when I mentioned to Mike Inder that something was not right, when a rider riding behind me said my rear wheel was rubbing the chain-stay.  I told Mike to ride on thinking all I needed to do was set the wheel alignment, jump back on the bike and catch up.

However, after about 3 minutes of struggling when Andy Fowkes shot pass shouting out whether I was Ok I said “yes, carry on”, I started to realise my race was about to end.  I fiddled about trying every thing I could to fix the problem and then Andy Broadbent shot pass also asking if I was OK.  Again I said “yes and not to stop”.  I realised that the wheel was OK but it was the right rear drop out which had become un-bonded and was moving itself out of the chain-stay. This caused the tyre to rub and the wheel was almost floating about with the gears slipping. Gutted, I decided to limp back to Keswick.

I hitched a lift back to the Youth Hostel, showered and proceeded to watch my fellow Thames Velo club mates come over Wrynose and was extremely jealous.  It was just one of those days where I had no control of the situation due to a mechanical failure which made me livid and therefore I had to retire.

Mike Inder

For my 3^rd Whitton, I was to be treated to a chauffeur driven journey to the lakes and back, courtesy of Ian Lowe.  For the past events I had taken the family and made a weekend of it.  The big unknown for me this weekend was how my lower back was going to hold up over the hills.  I’d not really recovered from an injury the previous month – but as a typical cyclist, I was going to try and ride myself through it.

So, Andy’s B & F, me and Ian made our way up the M40/M42/M6 to the lunch stop at a rather splendid pub – The Plough at Bignall End.  I had put plenty of research into this, as the thought of getting ripped off at a MSA for plastic food and drink didn’t quite appeal – whereas a friendly pub, homemade food and local beer did.  The pub was excellent – a real gem of a local and after striking up a conversation with some of the regulars was handed a donation from them for the Fred Whitton charities.  I felt very humbled and promised a mention on the website.  Thank-you very much!

So onto Coniston to pre-register, then Hawkshead Youth Hostel to settle in for the night.  We met the other 4 Velo riders and after a few piccies on the bikes, hit the pub – again!  Unfortunately, it didn’t quite meet the mark in terms of food choice or atmosphere – but at least the beer was well kept.  Back at the YH we all turned in early for a decent night’s sleep; which was exactly what we didn’t get.  Other so called “guests” decided to party on into the night making it impossible to sleep.  So we’ll scratch that venue for future visits.

We decided on a 7.45am start from Coniston, to give us a bit of a head start on the eight o’clockers – as there enough of us to ride together.  As we set off, we joined others to make a group of around 10 riders making it over Hawkshead Hill more or less together.  Immediately, I knew that I wasn’t on song and started to get twinges in my back and legs.  This didn’t bode well for the killer hills later on.

Our group then split at the next climb at Troutbeck and then Kirkstone.  As we descended the pass we formed another group that would stay together all the way to Seatoller.  Ian was riding well and I felt better – due to the more rolling roads – and enjoyed the thorough and off section along the A66.  When Ian mentioned that his bike didn’t feel right, he told me to press on and that he would catch up.

As we started Honister, I was first to be out of the back of the group and carefully made my way up.  At the mid-section, my back was in agony and I took the easing of incline to recover.  Over the top and into the first feed at Buttermere, I contemplated packing.  However, with a rest off the bike and seeing the all other lads from the club – bar Ian, I decided to press on – but to ignore any time targets.  I waited for Ian but as others had seen him still off the bike, I decided to press on.

Newlands wasn’t pleasant at all, as the gradient was hurting – but the descent was great as the road sweeps down and oncoming traffic was almost non existent.

It was at this point that a group of 3 riders came past from the same club that I decided to latch onto.  They were from www.richmondcyclingclub.co.uk and were ticking along quite nicely.  Another couple of riders also joined and we all started Whinlatter together.  I felt okay on this even to the point of rolling through over the top to help out with the pace setting.  I have to admit that this was the only occasion that I saw the front – the Richmond boys were setting quite a pace and happy to tow us along – Loweswater, Ennerdale and Cold Fell.  It was along the tops that we caught and passed Andy Fowkes, who seemed quite spooked by our group – but he chose not to join us.  We were passing riders and other groups aplenty but none latched on.  At the second feed at Calder Bridge I made a point of thanking them for the tow, quite aware that without them, I’d be MUCH further behind.

Andy and I decided to leave together and joined the main road to Gosforth doing bit-n-bit.  As we turned back inland the pace was still brisk, but I was now starting to tire generally, but the back felt OK.  The climb at Irton Pike saw me ride ahead of Andy, but we were soon reunited by the time we reached Hardknott.  I knew that I was in trouble here, my confidence had been knocked for six and it wasn’t long into the climb that I was off and walking.  Andy was still on two wheels and looked comfortable.  I pushed most of the way up this pig of a climb and got back on for what is a really nasty descent on the other side.  I was met with rain and a stonking great headwind as I traversed the valley to begin Wrynose, which again I walked.  I wasn’t enjoying this part at all – a complete contrast to last year where I flew up this climb.  It was a surprise to see Ian Lowe at the top, but it gave me heart to press on.  Andy was well ahead now and I struggled to get going again.  The roads rolled into Coniston, but I was cooked and was most relieved when the turn into the finish approached.

After a few refreshments and the dibber removed, it was back to the Youth Hostel for a most welcome shower and a lie down!  We waited for the others to return and then got the bikes back on the car for the journey home.  This was an epic in another sense, as the traffic on the M6 was dire.  So, with Ian’s road map I got us onto the A roads to rejoin the motorway past the congestion.  The rest of the journey was traffic free and we reflected on the weekend – amidst Andy Broadbent’s wicked sense of humour that had us all in stitches – nice one!

Ian’s told us in no uncertain terms that we can’t duck out of the event again next year, so we’ll be back in 2008.  Yippee!!

Tim Brass

The alternative Fred Whitton Challenge Course Profile:-

High:   Signed on previous day. Good organisation at HQ. Clocked in @7am & set off…

Low:   Didn’t feel too good – maybe lack of sleep

High:   Good weather – sun breaking through & no wind.

Low:   First climb needed bottom gear – worrying knowing there’s worse to come!

High:   Reached top of Kirkstone easily – not as tough as I thought it’d be

Low:   Lost time on descents – not too skilled at going downhill

High:   Easily over Matterdale End

Low:   Weather suddenly turned cold

High:   Fast run into Keswick

Low:   Legs hurting already – still 80 miles to go!

High:   Passed a disabled Hand-Bike rider – such respect for these competitors

Low:   Walked a short spell up Seatoller climb.

High:   First feed – really ready for some sustenance

Low:   Saw the challenge ahead of Newlands Pass…yikes!

High:   Rode over it OK !

Low:   Legs tired – can’t stand up out of the saddle any more

High:   Good split time to 2nd feed – warm & sunny now, & had a lovely cup of tea

Low:   Set off onto toughest section – had not recovered much at feed stop

High:   Plenty of encouragement from spectators

Low:   Where is this infamous Hardknott? Seems to be taking an age to get there!

High:   Ahh the red phone box at the start of the climb – here we go…

Low:   Quads on both legs spasmed – got off & walked the entire climb!

High:   Great view arriving at the top – nice watching others walk too!

Low:   Descent was daunting – even thought it was dry.

High:   Over the worst – not too far to go now

Low:   Wrynose Pass – cycled some, walked some – getting cool & windy

High:   Made it over last big climb

Low:   Passed injured rider on descent

High:   Found renewed energy & rode fast to finish

Low:   Starting to rain

High:   No worry – it was refreshing & I was whizzing along!

Low:   Did not want the ride to finish - it’d been a great experience.

High:   Clocked in at finish line.

Low:   Just missed my target time

High:   Got some grub at the cafe

Low:   “Done it – tick it off the list – don’t need to do that again”…

High:     Later:  “must train harder & do even better when I come back next year”.

High:   Non-stop discussions with my club-mates recollecting our experiences of the day

High:   Several pints of “Hawkshead Red”

High:   Sleep

High:   Big breakfast

High:   Driving home through Lake District on a sunny Monday morning.

Fantastic place…must return sometime…with bike of course!

Andy Fowkes

Well the one thing I had on my mind during the week building up to it was that I was going to enjoy myself! There was no pressure what so ever to perform - after all it was only a jolly around the countryside wasn't it?!

The banter in the car on the way up set the tone. Messer's Inder, Lowe and Broadbent were my companions and the constant jokes and micky taking made the journey pass by in no time!

So, we got to Coniston youth hostel, settled in, took some snaps for the scrap book, ate and got our heads down.

Alarms go off at six am! 'Bloody hell' I thought, 'I've hardly slept!' Thanks to some lads and their 'Stella' it appears none of us had the greatest of nights sleep.

Ho hum! Plenty of porridge and fluids and we're off to the start.

Five of us get dibbed and start as a group just before 8am. There's myself, The Broadbent, Inder, Lowe and Sharman.

First climb: Damn this should feel easier than this! Already Mike, Ian and Rob have got a slight gap. No worries, I'll get 'em on the descent.

Got 'em. Altogether through Ambleside and along side the Lake. Turn left and steeply up. Ahhh, man, this is hard. Somewhere along that section to Kirkstone Ian and Mike pull away from me. My spirit drops a bit but I'm not firing on all cylinders yet. Top of Kirkstone and I get myself together.

Focus. Just hop from group to group until you find a quick one. I'm moving now. I'm firing - warmed up. Mostly on my own - no decent groups so far. Feel great up Matterdale - overtake loads of people. Left onto A66. Still moving well - pedalling smoothly. Down the long drag and up the other side. And then my prayers are answered - the express train direct to Buttermere comes flying past. Brilliant! I hop on. Keswick flashes by and then onto the smaller roads skirting the Lake. And then Ian by the side of the road nursing his bike.  Shit! Oh the poor so and so! I shout but there's nothing he or I can do. The express train motor's onwards. We pass Mike, I suggest he hops on which he does. Then through a small village and sharply up! This is Honister Pass - 1 in 4. How steep??! Suddenly the meaning of Zig Zagging your way up climbs becomes clear!

Down the other side - the express train dropped me on the climb long ago but I'm with Mike and we're going okay. We pass Martin Porter and John Nicholls just before the first feed. Quite a quick turn around - I want to keep moving. A swift pee, something to eat and drink and I refill my bottles.

Back on the road and up again! On my own but feeling good. The whole of the next section is a bit blurry. Always trying to keep moving well with other people - I seem to go from small group to small group. I'm with three others for a good half hour or so and we work well together.

Somewhere in the middle of nowhere Mike and The Richmond CC express coming shooting past making me look as though I'm going backwards. Still, the scenery is stunning and the next feed must be nearby. Another quick turnaround and Mike and I leave together. Again, moving well, hopping on with 2 others and then the Richmond CC express again. And then Hardknott Pass. Blimey Charlie! 1 in 3 in places! I had to push some sections - like many others too! Over the top and down and then the most strength sapping head wind of the day leading up to Wrynose Pass. Simply making any headway is difficult. Wrynose: again steep and had to push some sections. At the top: Ian Lowe! Blimey! That raises my spirits! Down the other side and I know it isn't far now. I give it my all. Really digging deep. Four of us work really well together. This is almost race pace! We get back to the sports centre and get dibbed for the last time. It's over! Yippee!  It feels absolutely great to have done it. I gave it everything I had at the time and couldn't really have gone any better.

I'll be back next year for a sub 7 though!

"Ready for the Freddy"
(left to right) John Nicholls, Mike Inder, Mike Mills, Andy Broadbent,
Tim Brass, Martin Porter, Andy Fowkes & Ian Lowe