Fred Whitton 2008 Reports

Ian Lowe

My Goals:

To certainly finish this years event as I had a mechanical in 2007 and was a DNF. Then to break the 7 hour barrier. I was pretty confident of doing this due to my fitness and great success I had had in Cape Town in the 2008 Cape Argus.
Also attempt to break the club record of 6:52 for the Fred Whitton held by Mike Inder. Were these goals achievable - I thought they were realistic and I truly fancied my chances.

The Plan:

Harry Bulstrode asked if we could ride the Fred Whitton together as he had never ridden something like this before and although a lot younger than myself and certainly a lot fitter I think he felt he needed the experience of myself to help him get through this event. He had only ever raced 90 minutes and had not done any rides over 2 hours 30 min in training so he was going into this event with some apprehension. This was to be to his advantage on the day.  

 

The Excuse:

The weekend before the Fred Whitton I rode on the Saturday by myself and feeling pretty strong I was cruising at an average of 20 - 21 mph and hammering it up all the hills. After completing 85 miles I returned home feeling pretty pleased with my ride and was looking forward to the Sundays club run the next day which was to be 10 monster hills and over 120 miles.  During my Sunday ride I was feeling on top of the world and riding like a man possessed hammering it up each hill with plenty to spare. I completed 7 of the 10 hill efforts as I had been out since 09:15 and had to return home for husband duties before 16:00. 125 miles clocked for the day and again I was feeling super, confidence was oozing out of me. Monday was a Bank Holiday and I was testing my race bike up and down the street when I felt a twinge in my left knee. Gutted! This wasn't there on Saturday or Sunday! It was worse when I got out of the saddle or put any effort in but ok when in cruise mode. This injury was to later effect the outcome of my goals or so I believe.

Riding to the Start:

We (that is all bar one rider from Thames Velo) stayed in our usual Hawkshead YHA  B&B which allows for a warm up ride up and over Hawkshead hill to the start. This year the YHA seemed to have more than the usual Fred Whitton riders. This set-up a great environment for pre-race chat on the Saturday evening between a number of the riders when sitting out outside enjoying a pint of the local beer. As Harry and I planned to start at 08:00 am we were the last to leave the YHA. I always enjoy this part of the ride to the start as we descend Hawkshead hill we pass other riders who have just started and are coming up Hawkshead hill. You can almost hear them saying "You are going the wrong way" and "Crazy Nutters - does the Fred Whitton not have enough hills for you" etc.......

The Start:  

The day started cool but temperatures were expected to rise to a max of 26 degrees. If this was true then this was going to be long tough day in the heat of the Lake District, and it was. As Harry and I rode over to the start, Harry picked up a slow puncture. This was duly fixed at the start by the local bike shop mechanic. It was not until then did Harry realise he may be traveling rather light. One spare tube and a tyre lever. I asked the guy who fixed his puncture if he had a spare tube so now with 2 spare tubes and a tyre lever Harry was happy. Harry, at a touch over 70 kgs, was of the belief that due to the number of hills he was going to ride over he did not want to carry any excess luggage. I on the other hand at 91 kgs, believed that you need everything just in case (something my dad taught me), as it is you bike that gets you there and without a working bike you will not finish. Take last year for example. So with a saddle bag weighing about a kilogram and another kilogram added with my shirt pockets packed full with food for 10 riders (Mike Inder calls me the pack horse), we started our race.

Buzzzzzzz:  

The plan was to spend the first 30 minutes just finding a group we could ride with and try to focus on NOT attempting to go to fast to early. We found a large group just at the bottom of Hawkshead hill, Great. We breezed up Hawkshead hill in no time. I remembered it being a lot tougher last year. Then it was the fast route down to Ambleside.  Harry and I were riding on the front of the group when a bee decided to hitch a lift in my helmet and I panicked unclipping my helmet while riding and losing ground to Harry and the group, I eventually off loaded the bee, Relief. Now to try and do my helmet buckle up while on the descents at speed. It was not working. I eventually stopped and quickly did it up. Harry was up the road and became worried as I was not around. He waited and then saw me as we then had to chased down the group we were riding with.  Calm again as we rode around Lake Windermere.

Kirkstone Pass

5 km, height gained 394 m, average gradient 7.9 % (max 25%):  

All the riders started to go quite as the next climb was coming. Soon we were up nearing the top, I pointed out to Harry the beautiful views behind us (must absorb the scenery I told Harry as this is the only way to get through the day) and then down towards the start of Kirkstone pass. A slow long grind. This year I actually enjoyed Kirkstone. Harry and I chattered most of the way up where as last year I could not speak for lack of oxygen. We passed Mark Nathan and chatted to him for a while before pressing on up and over Kirkstone. Descending Kirkstone I clocked my fastest speed for the day 48 mph yes nearly 77 kph. Yippeeeeeeeee, you don't want to come off at that speed.

Honister Pass

3 km, height gained 243 m, average gradient 7.9 % (max 25%):  

We meandered along Ullswater Lake before our next climb - NOT classified as one of the big 6 though. Yes there is not just 6 hills to climb during this event but millions or it feels like millions. You spend your day either pointing up or down. Not an event for those who do not like climbing or descending. Harry and I shot up and over this one easily.  Now onto the A66 which is always fast and with a slight tailwind Harry and I were pushing the pace of the large group in tow. We had a couple of other riders helping out at the front and soon we arrived in Keswick and out the other side. We came up to Martin Porter and I rode up next to him before giving him a little pinch on the rear buttock which gave him such a fright he nearly fell off his bike. We chattered for a while before the approach to the first big climb of the day at Honister.  The groups pace slowed as we approached this monster.  Last year I did not get this far as it was just before this that my bike broke. I could not remember it all that well so was going into it with some apprehension. As we approached Honister we met Michael Mills who was just preparing to start the climb. Harry and I had a brief chat to Michael before getting out of the saddle to climb the beast. People were already walking at the bottom and others riding from side to side (zig zagging) to reduce the angle of ascent. Harry lead the way and I followed close behind as we weaved our way through slower riders onwards and upwards. I was feeling great. It was tough and although I rode up all the way my thighs were screaming. Harry seemed to breeze up and was a little way ahead (about 200 metres). He did not wait as he knew I would come down the other side like a mad man.  Soon were together again both feeling really good and enjoying the ride. Harry was almost like a young puppy out for a walk pulling on the lead wanting to go faster. I had to keep reminding him that there was still a lot of hard work head. We arrived at the first feed station of Buttermere for a dib and to grab some water and off again as quick as we could. No hanging around.

Newlands Pass

2 km, height gained 210 m, average gradient 11.6 % (max 25%):  

We then started our climb up Newlands. Harry and I rode together on this one most of the way until the last bit when he broke away to be caught on the other side by myself. We then rode comfortably chatting away when we saw a rider who had obviously come off his bike. His rear end was raw and his shorts were ripped to shreds. He also had his elbow strapped heavily. This event does take its toll and certainly claims its casualties over the day. He was the first and certainly not the last rider we would see with some sort of injury etc.

Newlands Pass - Nearly there and……Just happy to be on my bike……..

Raw and sore ...

Whinlatter Pass

4 km, height gained 228 m, average gradient 5.7 % (max 25%):  

The next part of the ride was great as we started our assent up Whinlatter through the pines. Harry remarked that it was like one of the alpine climbs he had done Europe. It was lovely and cool as the sun was pretty high now and hard to hide from. My favourite part of Whinlatter is the top where the spectators write on the road, ring cow bells and will you on to the top. Each rider always get a loud cheer and applause. It made me feel special. Soon over the top and down the other side.  I was really enjoying myself by now. Harry could not believe how well we were travelling. I kept on having to tell Harry we still had a lot to do and to ensure we kept enough In the tank for those last 2 biggies Hardknott and Wrynose.

Gutted…….:  

The next part of the ride becomes a roller coaster and is a lot more boring. This is the only part of the ride I tend not to take too much interest in and just get on with riding to get the miles spun out and onto the second feed. As we started to approach the 90 mile mark I could feel my left knee aching and then when we came to the next incline I was in trouble. I tried to get out of the saddle to climb and almost as quick as I got out of the saddle I dropped back into it. I realised to carry on I would have to ride seated. I also had to back off the pace a little and this started to show when Harry was getting away more often when we came to any thing that was not down hill or flat. I kept riding for the next 5 miles and noticed that our average speed had dropped. My heart sank. I needed to save myself to finish this year. The goals of 7 hours and breaking the club record were now a distant dream.

It was time to tell Harry to press on. Like a puppy not wanting to leave its owner he said “No way, we ride together”. Well being the more experienced I then had to tell him to go and break the 7 hours and the club record. One final check “Are you sure? ,I am happy to ride with you” again I told him to go. So to it, off he scampered up the final bit of the climb we were on soon to be surprised when down the other side I came pass him like a freight train. He shouted out to me “That’s not fair” and caught me just before the next climb. Well that was the last I saw of Harry until the finish. I could ride comfortably with power on the flat and down the hills but on any small incline I suffered with my knee. So it was easy up the hills and hard down them and along the flats. Another 30 minutes went by and I came across not one but two Thames Velo riders who had started ahead of me that morning. They were both sitting on the grass verge about 1 km apart fixing punctures. First I passed Paul Redman and then Derwent Jeffery who had hit a large pothole and unfortunately picked up a front AND a rear puncture. After exchanging a few words to ensure both were Ok, I pressed on.

De-Hydration:  

It was now the middle of the day and the temperature had reached 26 to 28 degrees. It also felt hotter in some places where there was no wind and the air was pretty still. I was starting to run out of fluid. What with re-filling at the first feed with 2 x 900 ml of fluid I needed to get to the second feed as quickly as possible. With this in mind and pretty much a rolling section to the feed, I upped the pace as much as I could. I soon saw another Thames Velo rider up ahead and realised it was the figure of John Nicholls. I rode with John for 5 minutes or so and asked how he was. He replied with, well, words I can not repeat hear but basically NOT WELL. I tried to instill some encouragement and asked if there was anything I could do. John reply was “Thanks but No Thanks”. I say bye and pressed on to the second feed at Calder Bridge. When I reached the second feed I needed to fill both my bottles and take on more fluid as I was feeling de-hydrated. I think I consumed about 1 and a half litres of fluid at the stop. I was in no rush to get going and was making sure that all was well as regards my hydration before climbing on the bike for the final stretch home. I then saw John Nicholls, Graham Giggs, Derwent Jeffery and Paul Redman and had a quick chat to most, if not all before leaving with Graham Giggs. We followed a group of riders who were ahead and soon caught them. Graham and I felt they were going too slow so passed them and shot off up the hill pretty comfortably.

Getting lost…….:  

We crested the hill and with Graham in front I put my head down and gave it some gas with Graham tucked in close behind me. Oh how I love the feeling of speed, downhill and the wind in my face. Towards the bottom we came to a cross roads and I looked up to see the directions. I did not recognize them and looked ahead to see if I could see any riders. Nothing. Graham shot passed giving it full gas now as I looked behind to see whether I could see the bunch we passed on the hill. Nothing. I then shouted to Graham a number of times but we was off up the road and could not hear me. A car came up behind me. I flagged it down and the lady pulled over. I asked her for directions to Gosforth and she said we had passed the turn off a couple of miles back. With a quick thanks and bye I chased after Graham who had by now disappeared over the top of the small rise ahead, flat out down the other side and up another rise to the top. I could not see Graham for love nor money. Gutted that I had lost my team mate I had to make a decision. We were both off the course and now about 2 to 3 miles passed the turn off to Gosforth. I decided that Graham would eventually realise and head back. So with that in mind I turned around calculating the mileage back to Gosforth at 3.2 miles. That meant I had added a further 6.4 miles to my journey which I could do without. I also lost a team mate and was feeling pretty dejected. I am sure you have all been there sometime. Gutted.

Hardknott Pass

2 km, height gained 299 m, average gradient 15 % (max 33%):  

I had now found my way and was riding as if on a Sunday club run just wanting to finish this event which started so well and had turned for the worse what with not been able to ride with Harry to the end due to my knee and then getting lost. I hooked up with a number of riders riding at a sensible pace and soon reached the bottom of Hardknott. I was determined to ride up Hardknott this year before I had started the event. With my knee really sore on the climbs I was not sure whether that would be achievable but I was going to give it a go. Geared down and then bang! into it with 2 kms of climbing ahead I had to remain calm and seated as I could not get out of the saddle.
I progressed nicely until the mid section where it flattens for brief spell and was recovering and preparing myself for the next section which had the very steep 33% gradient around 2 bends and then eased off a touch. I was riding behind 2 other riders keeping about 5 to 8 bike lengths behind so that should they have a problem I could plan my route around them. I hear you say problem. What kind of problem? Well at this part of the event the legs are so tired and the hill so steep with riders attempting to ride up Hardknott, cramp and the lack of shear power gets the better of you and you just cannot get the crank over the top. Within seconds you are rolling backwards and in a flash on the deck in a heap. Funny but not so if you are on the bike.

Hanging on to the wall while the 2 riders pick themselves up……

This happened to the rider 2 ahead of me and what made matters worse a car had parked on the fatter part of the bend where riders tend to ride up to before turning to climb the next stage of the 33% part. He fell off and the rider behind him fell off, both blocking the road. Well I could only watch and then panic set in I had no where to go as these 2 riders were still on the deck with their bikes trying to pick themselves up.
Not so easy to do a track stand on a 33% hill, so I rode up to the wall and hung on for dear life. Once they picked themselves up and started to walk the rest as it was too steep to re-start I then realised I would not be able to restart. So I to had to get off and walk. Soon over the real steep part I got back on and rode the rest to the top. Over the top and then on the brakes for the next 400 - 600 metres or so as the descent was so steep and the road zig zags down. I eventually made it to the bottom and was pretty relieved.

You can’t sleep here there's a car coming…..Another unfortunate faller.

Wrynose Pass

3 km, height gained 172 m, average gradient 5.7 % (max 25%):  

Wrynose, this was the last climb. Not as bad of Hardknott but back to back and at the end of a long ride. I was able to ride the whole way up and over this one. Pretty pleased as previously I had to walk the last stretch. I crested the top of Wrynose to be greeted with black clouds and a dramatic display of thunder and lightening. This was my sign to hammer it home as fast as I could but not before getting to the bottom of the descent of Wrynose and then it was full gas. I really enjoyed this part of the ride as now all 6 monsters had be conquered and it was nearly all over. I check the time and realised I was not quite going to make sub 7 hours. Ho Hum…….I time trialled the last flat and down section with another rider taking it in turns on the front. It was as if we were away in a break and we knew we were nearly home. We crossed the finish line together both saying a big thank you to each other for the fun we had had on the last stretch as it made it feel a lot shorter and took away any thoughts of how sore the legs were.

The Result:  

I dibbed at a time of 7:08:27. I was really pleased with my time considering I had to back off on the climbs and got lost after the second feed.

What if…… ? Oh don’t go there…….

I was greeted by Harry, a hot soup and the buzz of chatter as everyone was talking about their ride, what their time was, what happened to them etc.

I collected my certificate and sat down on the grass thinking what I had just achieved over the last 7 hours or so, waiting in eagerness for my fellow Thames riders to appear. Worried that one or more may not finish for what ever reason. Soon we had all 10 home and a great feeling of success for the Thames Velo riders all getting Personal Bests this year at an event that I truly love and feel is a fantastic event. A great race. Great bunch of guys doing it. And most of all nice to see so many Thames Velo riders this year.

I had consumed about 6 and a half litres of fluid on the bike and about 2 litres of fluid off the bike at the feed stations, then spend the rest of the day and evening consuming fluid to re-hydrate.

Will I be back ? Sure I will, that’s if I can get my entry in on time and accepted.

Ian Lowe