The Fred Whitton 2017
Comments
-
Must be somewhere around Hillsborough. Something in the water round there leads to MASSIVE exaggerated numbersWebboo wrote:Where in the Sheffield area is 38%?
There's a hell of a lot of short, very steep climbs followed by equally steep descents but no possiblity of maintaining momentum due to tight corners and shit surfaces. Its very different to the lakes where the climbs are longer0 -
Peaks of steepness don't mean much. Above 25% is difficult to keep the front wheel on the road, but it's down to technique more than anything and you do need very short gears. The hard thing about Hardknott is the 2 km at 14%... it's the average gradient that kills you... there aren't many climbs in Europe that boast 2 km at 14%. Honister is 3 km at 10%, which again is very steep, but more doableleft the forum March 20230
-
stu227 wrote:How's everyone's training going? I went up to the parents in Sheffield (I live in Essex) at the weekend, and to my delight discovered that part of my training run was 38% - and I made it to the top. Gonna head to the lakes in a few weeks and see if I can get up Honister without walking...[Castle Donington Ladies FC - going up in '22]0
-
stu227 wrote:How's everyone's training going? I went up to the parents in Sheffield (I live in Essex) at the weekend, and to my delight discovered that part of my training run was 38% - and I made it to the top. Gonna head to the lakes in a few weeks and see if I can get up Honister without walking...
All good so far. Managed to keep up a decent weekly mileage through the winter and now trying to focus on including some steep hills in every ride.
Just entered the Forest of Bowland sportive early next month which should be a decent warm up. I'd ideally like to have a few centuries in the legs for the year by the time in comes round. Weather is looking ok for a good shift tomorrow.
Honister really isn't too terrible. One very steep pitch about a third of the way up before it eases off for a while and then it kicks back up at the end.
The key to Hardknott is recovering well on the flatter section in the middle. If you haven't got your breath back by the time you reach the top section you are in trouble because that final zig zag and grind to the top is truly inhumane...0 -
I've got a day in Cumbria next week to try my hand at some of the climbs - I'll be happy if I can do Honister, quite resigned to walking at least part of Hard Knott. (again!)
The 38% is near Chapel en le Frith - very brief, but hit the point nonetheless!0 -
stu227 wrote:I've got a day in Cumbria next week to try my hand at some of the climbs - I'll be happy if I can do Honister, quite resigned to walking at least part of Hard Knott. (again!)
The 38% is near Chapel en le Frith - very brief, but hit the point nonetheless!
I highly recommend this loop, it's the opposite way up Honister, just as hard if not harder, much more scenic
https://www.strava.com/routes/6121267left the forum March 20230 -
ugo.santalucia wrote:stu227 wrote:I've got a day in Cumbria next week to try my hand at some of the climbs - I'll be happy if I can do Honister, quite resigned to walking at least part of Hard Knott. (again!)
The 38% is near Chapel en le Frith - very brief, but hit the point nonetheless!
I highly recommend this loop, it's the opposite way up Honister, just as hard if not harder, much more scenic
https://www.strava.com/routes/6121267
Newlands is easier for the most part doing it that way but the final ramp up to the top of the pass is very nasty indeed.0 -
MrB123 wrote:
Newlands is easier for the most part doing it that way
Yes, but the descent is more... interesting :shock:left the forum March 20230 -
sebbyp wrote:Got a rejecton email. Cant believe it. never been to the lakes. :-(
Have you asked to go on the Reserve list? I applied last year, missed out on the ballot and then got in on the reserve list. I think they have a lot of people drop out in the run up to the event, injuries, not enough training, didn't book accomodation...
I did it last year in the spectacular sunshine. Someone posted on here that if you can do a century, you can do this. I would say that's bollocks, it is very tough. If you go by Strava suffer scores, mine was 630 for the Fred, the only thing tougher that I have done was Everesting Boxhill at 703. I did a lot of hill training before the event, but only one century. If I do it again, I will definitely do more centuries beforehand, and even more climbing.
The route is stunning. I found the start of Honister tough, the descent is very scary, then there is a feed stop and you are straight into Newlands. Hardknott and Wrynose did for me, 95 miles in on a hot day and I had nothing left. I actually stopped and a had a lie down in the heather between Hardknott and Wrynose!0 -
DaveP1 wrote:I actually stopped and a had a lie down in the heather between Hardknott and Wrynose!
Not a bad spot for a nap... left the forum March 20230 -
Last year's weather was just amazing. Having done 3 previous Freds in rain, wind and even snow I doubt 2016 could be bettered!
Good luck to everyone this year0 -
alexjones5 wrote:Last year's weather was just amazing. Having done 3 previous Freds in rain, wind and even snow I doubt 2016 could be bettered!
Good luck to everyone this year
It was a stunning day... the morning mist lifting as we rolled into Ullswater... the perfect reflection of the mountains onto Derwent Water, perfect blue sky most of the day... magic!
It's also the reason I won't do it again... it was so perfect that any other Fred can only be a let down... left the forum March 20230 -
ugo.santalucia wrote:alexjones5 wrote:Last year's weather was just amazing. Having done 3 previous Freds in rain, wind and even snow I doubt 2016 could be bettered!
Good luck to everyone this year
It was a stunning day... the morning mist lifting as we rolled into Ullswater... the perfect reflection of the mountains onto Derwent Water, perfect blue sky most of the day... magic!
It's also the reason I won't do it again... it was so perfect that any other Fred can only be a let down...
I felt similar, despite the *shame* of walking up Hardknott really making me want to have another crack at it. Oh, and that it is over 600 miles in the car there and back, and about £500 once you've added up food accomadation fuel etc...0 -
DaveP1 wrote:ugo.santalucia wrote:alexjones5 wrote:Last year's weather was just amazing. Having done 3 previous Freds in rain, wind and even snow I doubt 2016 could be bettered!
Good luck to everyone this year
It was a stunning day... the morning mist lifting as we rolled into Ullswater... the perfect reflection of the mountains onto Derwent Water, perfect blue sky most of the day... magic!
It's also the reason I won't do it again... it was so perfect that any other Fred can only be a let down...
I felt similar, despite the *shame* of walking up Hardknott really making me want to have another crack at it. Oh, and that it is over 600 miles in the car there and back, and about £500 once you've added up food accomadation fuel etc...
If they change the course I'll have another go... if they add the Struggle for instance... although the plan is to leave the UK by the end of this Brexit nonsense and never to set foot across the Channel again...
That is the plan at least... :roll:left the forum March 20230 -
Did honister and newlands the Fred way round last weekend - really rather nice. The sun was shining and I made it to the top of honister without walking - which I didn't achieve the first time I did it. Newlands seemed surprisingly straightforward. Fingers crossed with a bit of luck I might even ride part of Hardknott this year! Hoping for a nice sunny 7th May...0
-
I've got that pre-ride panic that this may break my fragile body!!
I'm definitely putting pride on the back burner and will be going with 11-32 on the rear...
From those who've done it before, what are the key considerations other than being able to haul up big hills?
Taking enough clothing not to get caught out seems a common theme, as does carrying enough fuel for the first stint (is it 50 miles before feed 1?). I'm also thinking tough tyres might help with what I've read about crappy road surfaces.... or am I just overthinking things and should just man up and deal with it 0 -
specialman wrote:I've got that pre-ride panic that this may break my fragile body!!
I'm definitely putting pride on the back burner and will be going with 11-32 on the rear...
From those who've done it before, what are the key considerations other than being able to haul up big hills?
Taking enough clothing not to get caught out seems a common theme, as does carrying enough fuel for the first stint (is it 50 miles before feed 1?). I'm also thinking tough tyres might help with what I've read about crappy road surfaces.... or am I just overthinking things and should just man up and deal with it
Descents and weather... especially descents in bad weather... Honister, Hardknott and Wrynose are dangerous
make sure you have enough food with you and warm clothes if needed (and at least a windproof if not)left the forum March 20230 -
First time entry for me - well excited. Training has not gone entirely to plan, but I'm just looking to get round so I think I have enough under the belt for that - 10 hrs a rough target and I want to enjoy the day, not have it be grim survival.
Not actually done any proper road riding prior to this year, so it's been a good learning experience. Psychologically adjusting to the rhythm of the rides, where you can go through a bad patch but come out the other side, eating a lot, or where you (I) need to sit in on the big climbs - no throwing a dig in like you would on a technical mountain bike climb. Different mindset.
Thought about buying a road bike but my cross bike has been fine on the longer stuff - just stuck some road tubs on. 1x10 drivetrain is not perfect [38 with a generous 34 cassette on the back], but I'm hoping will be OK for such a hilly route - should give a lot of lattitude on the climbs, and while 38 up front is small, I figured I'll be taking the steep descents v steady. I'm defo not cranking it round in a large group at any point, but be interested to see if small groups form that you can work in as the ride progresses.
Going to stick one more large one in this weekend round the Peak, then prob leave it to the turbo for a few interval sessions over the last fortnight.0 -
Arturo Belano wrote:First time entry for me - well excited. Training has not gone entirely to plan, but I'm just looking to get round so I think I have enough under the belt for that - 10 hrs a rough target and I want to enjoy the day, not have it be grim survival.
Not actually done any proper road riding prior to this year, so it's been a good learning experience. Psychologically adjusting to the rhythm of the rides, where you can go through a bad patch but come out the other side, eating a lot, or where you (I) need to sit in on the big climbs - no throwing a dig in like you would on a technical mountain bike climb. Different mindset.
Thought about buying a road bike but my cross bike has been fine on the longer stuff - just stuck some road tubs on. 1x10 drivetrain is not perfect [38 with a generous 34 cassette on the back], but I'm hoping will be OK for such a hilly route - should give a lot of lattitude on the climbs, and while 38 up front is small, I figured I'll be taking the steep descents v steady. I'm defo not cranking it round in a large group at any point, but be interested to see if small groups form that you can work in as the ride progresses.
Going to stick one more large one in this weekend round the Peak, then prob leave it to the turbo for a few interval sessions over the last fortnight.
I think you are doing everything right... you will be fine!left the forum March 20230 -
Did Wrynose in the middle of a sixty mileish ride at the weekend. Cannot imagine being able to ride up that and Hardknott, with a hundred miles in the legs.
Have done the Struggle before and thought it was a breeze in comparison to Wrynose.0 -
ugo.santalucia wrote:make sure you have enough food with you and warm clothes if needed (and at least a windproof if not)
This /\ really. I was fine for food with a couple of bars in my pocket and the feed stations but its hard work riding in base layer,Jersey, gillet and full wind/showerproof all at the same time.
I suspect that as it was in my early roadie years the clothing wasn't up to scratch (read - Aldi jacket) so I suspect that armed with better quality items you could drop a layer or two.Advocate of disc brakes.0 -
Anyone doing the Lakeland Loop on Sunday? Should be a good warm up for the Fred.0
-
On clothes, be prepared to "start cold" as the effort you're putting in soon heats you up (if you own a Gabba don't forget to pack it)
Gilet over full rain jacket if only drizzle forecast, even decent rain jackets make you sweat too much
Alot (not all) of road surfaces have been improved due to (televised) pro racing up there last year
It is a long run to 1st feedstop, is well stocked mind, but bear in mind you roll out of there a mile later you're on a long, very scenic, climb. Being full of cheese and pickle not ideal! So i do suggest decent pocket loading and grazing over first 60miles so you're not too bloated after the stop0 -
Yes I think it depends what kind of rider you are. If you are looking at circa 7 hours you are probably working hard enough to wear less than someone going round in 10 hours ish.
I did it a few years ago that year when people were quitting with borderline hypothermia so you do need to be aware of the potential for bad weather but at he same time I felt ok in summer jersey, arm warmers and lightweight race type waterproof (which I only put on on the Cold Fell/Fangs section) because I was fairly fit that year and able to press on. If I did it now I'd probably need a Winter coat.
Every other year I've never had to wear the a rain proof even when it has drizzled and been cold though I think I'd need a pretty good forecast not to take either a jacket or gilet and arm warmers as insurance and you never know if you do blow up you can start feeling a lot colder than you expected.[Castle Donington Ladies FC - going up in '22]0 -
pm sentmemsley89 wrote:If anyone knows of a place going spare... give me a shout! :?:0 -
specialman wrote:I've got that pre-ride panic that this may break my fragile body!!
I'm definitely putting pride on the back burner and will be going with 11-32 on the rear...
From those who've done it before, what are the key considerations other than being able to haul up big hills?
Taking enough clothing not to get caught out seems a common theme, as does carrying enough fuel for the first stint (is it 50 miles before feed 1?). I'm also thinking tough tyres might help with what I've read about crappy road surfaces.... or am I just overthinking things and should just man up and deal with it
I'd bet that if there was a pro race stage that went up 1 in 3's there would be more than a couple running compacts and 32's on the back...0 -
Long term weather forecasts are all looking hopeful so far. Fingers and other body parts all crossed. I can only begin to imagine how unpleasant some of those descents would be in the rain. Good luck to everyone - and if anyone's interested, I decided to ride for charity this year, wrote a little explanation of why here (apparently it's a bit emotional): http://wp.me/p3SS4i-e0
-
stu227 wrote:Long term weather forecasts are all looking hopeful so far. Fingers and other body parts all crossed. I can only begin to imagine how unpleasant some of those descents would be in the rain. Good luck to everyone - and if anyone's interested, I decided to ride for charity this year, wrote a little explanation of why here (apparently it's a bit emotional): http://wp.me/p3SS4i-e
I did a smaller reverse loop last summer, the roads were a bit damp from earlier rain... coming down Newlands was truly scary... basically I locked both wheels and was sliding down on the 25% stretch... Honister was a bit better, mainly because it was a tad grippier.
Some patches of tarmac are very slippery when wet and the gradient make them very dangerous... I am glad I did it on a bone dry day... 8)left the forum March 20230 -
I had to walk down the top part of Wrynose one year - the road had essentially turned in to a river bed and brakes were entirely useless, it was raining so hard. You really need to be prepared for everything when doing the Fred!0
