Fred Whitton Start Times?

pigeontoes
pigeontoes Posts: 73
edited April 2015 in Road general
Can anyone explain how the Fred Whitton start works? Is it first come first to start on the day? Also does anyone have any suggestions on the best time to go during the starting window. My guesstimate is that I'll take 8 to 8.5 hours to complete it. I'd like to break 8 hours but I would need to get on a group to tow me along the road to Keswock and Across Cold Fell to do stand a chance of doing it.

Comments

  • Brian B
    Brian B Posts: 2,071
    Not done it for a few years but have done it six times before and if I remember correctly you just line up at the start which has a timing mat that will record your chip and your off. Other sportives start off in groups around twenty or so riders every couple of minutes.

    The Fred is not like other sportives as you can start (or used to) over 3 hours but you will always be on the road with other due to the high volume of riders in this event.

    I am an average sportive rider and my times have been between 7Hrs25min to 8hrs10min but I was riding on my own(but putting in 100% effort) as I don't like the groups in the Fred as there are too many inexperienced group riders or idiots trying to go outwith their skill set when descending.

    Its the best UK sportive for atmosphere and there no other event like it so enjoy and good luck with your time.
    Brian B.
  • pigeontoes
    pigeontoes Posts: 73
    Thanks. I was in the Lakes last weekend riding the main climbs and descents I had'nt done before. It was really windy and although I normally prefer to ride on my own I could see that it would be good to be in a group on the the road to Keswick. I can understand not wanting to be in a group on the descents. Both Kirkstone and Honister are deceptive because there aren't any blind bends but the camber made things quite difficult. Really enjoyed the Newlands descent as you can go flat out virtually all of the way.
  • bigburnsgeoff
    bigburnsgeoff Posts: 35
    I did it last year. I'd recommend getting to the start early particularly if you are driving to the start line as the traffic will back-up to enter the car park quite quickly. Last year there was quite a significant tailback and we hung around for an hour just trying to get-in which then led to a bit of a panic getting ready and getting on the road. They will set you off in groups of 20 or so from the start line and it is on a first come first serve basis. Watch out on some of the narrower descents (particularly Wrynose) as the outcome can be pretty bleak as demonstrated last year with a number of helicopter lifts off the mountain. Enjoy.
  • richardkershaw
    richardkershaw Posts: 15
    We're camping the night before and driving over for about 6, hoping to get going around 7.

    I'd like to say 8 hours but in reality I'm expecting 9-10 depending on food stops.
  • pigeontoes
    pigeontoes Posts: 73
    Thanks. I'm staying about 30mins away and my wife is going to drop me off so I guess based on the previous posts it would be best to do that without needing to go into the car park.
  • leodis75
    leodis75 Posts: 184
    She would be best dropping you on the A591 either at the Wordsworth Trust or Swan hotel depending on direction of travel.
  • lakesluddite
    lakesluddite Posts: 1,337
    I echo what others have said - that road is the main artery through the central Lakes, and once it gets blocked up it stays blocked up. Last year I got there around 6.30am (from memory), and it wasn't too bad, but when I set off on the ride going back towards Ambleside there was at least half a mile of tailback. Last year was the first time that the ride had set off from Grasmere, so I'm not sure if they will do anything differently this time to alleviate the problem, but I can't really see how they can.

    There is a National Trust car park about a mile towards Ambleside (White Moss) which might be a good drop off point - it'll mean you can scoot past all the queuing traffic (and give your legs a good warm up).

    I had volunteered to help out this year, but I haven't heard anything back from the organisers yet, but I may yet see all you 'Fredders' in about three weeks.
  • pigeontoes
    pigeontoes Posts: 73
    Lakes Luddite,thanks. I know the National Trust car park you are on about, sounds like a good plan. We'll do a recce on the Saturday when I register.
  • styxd
    styxd Posts: 3,234
    Get dropped off at Skelwith Bridge. Quick ride up the hill to the top of Red Bank to get your legs warmed up, then it's downhill all the way to Grasmere.
  • pigeontoes
    pigeontoes Posts: 73
    Styxed, I had thought of that as we are staying the other side of Hawkshead but I really don't fancy doing an extra hill.
  • styxd
    styxd Posts: 3,234
    Get dropped off at the top of Red Bank then ;-)

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