Fred Whitton - 2018

124

Comments

  • lakesluddite
    lakesluddite Posts: 1,337
    ugo.santalucia wrote:
    I suspect they will police it if the forecast is for rain... 2 years ago they didn't, but it was the sunniest FWC on record.

    Plenty of imbeciles happy to show up in short sleeves and nothing else... the organisers have a point

    Yes, this was the last time I did it, and I think the first time they insisted on carrying a waterproof, but there was no checking as it was very mild at the start, and continued to warm up to the mid 20's. I did set off with one, but stashed it at work in Ambleside along the way - so in fact I carried it for about four miles.

    I think, from memory, 2016 was the last time that the original organisers were in charge (Lofty from the Lakes Road club), before they were 'bought out' by that ASO company - so they MAY be more strict with checking.
  • smuttiesmith
    smuttiesmith Posts: 14
    LakesLuddite wrote:
    ugo.santalucia wrote:
    I suspect they will police it if the forecast is for rain... 2 years ago they didn't, but it was the sunniest FWC on record.

    Plenty of imbeciles happy to show up in short sleeves and nothing else... the organisers have a point

    Yes, this was the last time I did it, and I think the first time they insisted on carrying a waterproof, but there was no checking as it was very mild at the start, and continued to warm up to the mid 20's. I did set off with one, but stashed it at work in Ambleside along the way - so in fact I carried it for about four miles.

    I think, from memory, 2016 was the last time that the original organisers were in charge (Lofty from the Lakes Road club), before they were 'bought out' by that ASO company - so they MAY be more strict with checking.

    Lakes Road Club and the Fred Whitton Committee still 'own' and organise the event with support from Human Race. On the day 95% of the people that you see running the event are still the same volunteers who have been helping out for years. The event hasn't been sold and, to the best of my knowledge' will not be sold.

    As far as jackets go, the rule was implemented as year after year people set off dressed far too light and ended up needing assistance from support crew around the course to ensure that no one ended up with hypothermia. Typically since introduction the weather has been great. I set off last year with a light weight jacket that was used to keep warm for the first 30 minutes. After that it went up the back of my jersey and then chucked at the top of Whinlatter.

    If there is any chance of rain please take some form of jacket with you. When descending fast or if you have to wait at the side of the road for any length of time you will cool off very very quickly.
  • mamil314
    mamil314 Posts: 1,103
    I am hoping i can get away with core west + nano flex arm warmers as i don't have a long sleeve jacket that i could stuff into pocket. My experiences with flappy bin bag types of packable size have not been good.
  • DeVlaeminck
    DeVlaeminck Posts: 8,731
    mamil314 wrote:
    I am hoping i can get away with core west + nano flex arm warmers as i don't have a long sleeve jacket that i could stuff into pocket. My experiences with flappy bin bag types of packable size have not been good.


    If by a core vest you mean a decent gilet and nano flex means reasonably thick arm warmers then yes unless the forecast is awful I think you should be OK. From an organisers point of view I can't see them demanding more than that - very few waterproofs are actually waterproof and it's really about having a few layers more than anything else.

    From an actually keeping warm point of view I've never found it quite as cold as some will tell you - and I did ride the year everyone was pulling out with hypothermia 4-5 years ago. I normally carry a Castelli race type waterproof as a backup and then summer kit with arm warmers - I have worn leg warmers at least once but only if it's a cold day - I've never actually done it when it has been warm or not rained at all. I think the cold is more of an issue if you are struggling or if you are at the slower end of the spectrum so aren't generating as much body heat but you need to be mindful anyone can have a crash, mechanical or just be taken unwell.
    [Castle Donington Ladies FC - going up in '22]
  • davep1
    davep1 Posts: 836
    I did it in 2016 when it was hot, and made some notes if I ever went back to have another go. We were at the start early, in the queue before 6 am. It was already 12 degrees then so I started in a short sleeved jersey and shorts. I was cold until the first climb up from the lake at Holbeck Lane, and stayed warm up Kirkstone. It then got cold again on the descent after Kirkstone. However I was low on water before Honsiter, it warmed up quickly.
  • mamil314
    mamil314 Posts: 1,103
    Thinking to keep 25mm Schwalbe One on the front and use a 28 mm on the back. I wonder if normal 28mm Durano would be a bit too hosy and become a drag over distance, compared to 28mm One?
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,235
    mamil314 wrote:
    Thinking to keep 25mm Schwalbe One on the front and use a 28 mm on the back. I wonder if normal 28mm Durano would be a bit too hosy and become a drag over distance, compared to 28mm One?

    I did 300 km on the Durano last weekend... they are not the most supple tyres, but given the current state of most roads, I'd rather go for a robust tyre than a quick one.

    FWIW I am keeping them on for next week LWL 400 km
    left the forum March 2023
  • mamil314
    mamil314 Posts: 1,103
    I had similar thoughts, thanks, ugo.
  • DeVlaeminck
    DeVlaeminck Posts: 8,731
    The roads aren't too bad by uk standards, it's a long hilly ride but the only thing that sets it apart are 2-3 extreme gradients and the fact you are up against the clock. A Durano isn't a bad tyre (Ive never used 28s) but in general I'd use whatever your go to fast Summer/race tyre is. I always rode it on 23mm ProRace or latterly 25mm Vittoria Open Corsa.
    [Castle Donington Ladies FC - going up in '22]
  • mamil314
    mamil314 Posts: 1,103
    Still some time to decide ^ ^

    In other news, from accuweather: 14 degrees, An a.m. shower, mostly cloudy

    Sounds perfect.
  • arturo_belano
    arturo_belano Posts: 65
    mamil314 wrote:
    Still some time to decide ^ ^

    In other news, from accuweather: 14 degrees, An a.m. shower, mostly cloudy

    Sounds perfect.
    Liking the sound of that, hope it stays that way.
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,235
    mamil314 wrote:
    Still some time to decide ^ ^

    In other news, from accuweather: 14 degrees, An a.m. shower, mostly cloudy

    Sounds perfect.

    Have you ever heard of a two week forecast ever materialising?
    left the forum March 2023
  • specialman
    specialman Posts: 22
    Just got a waiting list place so not at all prepared for this year's event but I couldn't refuse when I got the email through...

    Can't really figure out if I'm anywhere near where I was for last year... I think last year, enthusiasm and adrenaline sorted me on the big hills; this year I don't know if experience will play for or against me. I'm truly scared of the thought of doing HK in anything but perfect conditions. Loving the fact they've thrown in Blea Tarn at the end, as if the ride wasn't challenging enough :)

    Going up with a few mates who are first-timers so that'll be fun. Roll on next weekend...
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,235
    So far, the rule of alternate weekends has proved very reliable... this weekend looks good, so that means the next one will probably be crap... :-)
    left the forum March 2023
  • mamil314
    mamil314 Posts: 1,103
    This man should be banished from the village. A witcher!
  • nammynake
    nammynake Posts: 196
    Well that's the last weekend of training done. A hard 80 mile training ride with the club on Saturday and an 80 mile hilly route to view the Tour de Yorkshire yesterday. Just need to eat sensibly and do 2 or 3 short rides this week to keep the legs ticking over. Forecast is looking a bit damp (but mild) at the moment but I'll wait until later in the week to start thinking about kit choice.

    I was hoping to do sub-7 this year (after 2 years off) but a lack of decent miles and the new extension to the route means this is probably not on the cards. It takes some pressure off and means I can just ride the event for 'fun'. I've even fitted a 32t cassette after having sworn never to ride it again with a 28!
  • arturo_belano
    arturo_belano Posts: 65
    nammynake wrote:
    Well that's the last weekend of training done. A hard 80 mile training ride with the club on Saturday and an 80 mile hilly route to view the Tour de Yorkshire yesterday. Just need to eat sensibly and do 2 or 3 short rides this week to keep the legs ticking over. Forecast is looking a bit damp (but mild) at the moment but I'll wait until later in the week to start thinking about kit choice.

    I was hoping to do sub-7 this year (after 2 years off) but a lack of decent miles and the new extension to the route means this is probably not on the cards. It takes some pressure off and means I can just ride the event for 'fun'. I've even fitted a 32t cassette after having sworn never to ride it again with a 28!
    Sounds like you're in good nick nammynake. Do you reckon the new finish will be longer then? It's shorter in distance, but obv goes over a hill that the old route didn't.

    I'm in less good nick myself - doing it on an 8 week block that has actually gone pretty well fitness wise, but have had problems with muscle conditioning, esp the abductors [not a roadie so the legs aren't used to longer rides]. Have to see how it goes - take it steady round to Honister, then over Newlands and Winlatter I'll know where I stand. It's not like I was on for a fast time anyhow, so even if I have to dial it right back and bimble round I'm not that arsed tbh.

    Need to patch a tubeless tyre tonight for the weekend - think I need to change sealant. I use Stans just because it's what I've always used on the MTB, and IME it will seal a road puncture up to ca. 40 psi and get you home, but then won't hold a higher pressure afterwards.
  • smuttiesmith
    smuttiesmith Posts: 14
    Arturo Belano wrote:
    Sounds like you're in good nick nammynake. Do you reckon the new finish will be longer then? It's shorter in distance, but obv goes over a hill that the old route didn't.
    The new route is both longer (+2.6 mile) and hillier (+300ft) than last years. My rough guess is it will add about 8min 30sec for 7 hour riders. Obviously if you are pushing on Hardknott & Wrynose it will likely add more time on.
  • arturo_belano
    arturo_belano Posts: 65
    smuttiesmith wrote:
    Arturo Belano wrote:
    Sounds like you're in good nick nammynake. Do you reckon the new finish will be longer then? It's shorter in distance, but obv goes over a hill that the old route didn't.
    The new route is both longer (+2.6 mile) and hillier (+300ft) than last years. My rough guess is it will add about 8min 30sec for 7 hour riders. Obviously if you are pushing on Hardknott & Wrynose it will likely add more time on.
    Didn't realise that, had the wrong hill in mind - thought it was just going over red bank for some reason and round to Grasmere. Guess that would have made it easier, not harder!
  • cruff
    cruff Posts: 1,518
    A word of warning to anyone riding and looking at the forecast if it's good. Even if it says wall to wall sunshine, it's still likely to be b*stard cold going up Kirkstone first thing in the morning. Last year we couldn't have hoped for better weather all day, but there was still a cold mist going up from the top of Holbeck Lane which didn't clear until well after the descent off Kirkstone - the only part of the day where I needed arm warmers. Also, Holbeck Lane is a cheeky way to start the day - it's steeper than it looks and if you attack it at the bottom, you'll be knacked for the rest of the climb up Kirkstone

    Despite swearing I'd never do it again after last year, I'm actually a bit gutted I'm not doing it this year now. Enjoy!
    Fat chopper. Some racing. Some testing. Some crashing.
    Specialising in Git Daaahns and Cafs. Norvern Munkey/Transplanted Laaandoner.
  • lakesluddite
    lakesluddite Posts: 1,337
    The new route takes you from 'Little Langdale' into 'Great Langdale', over Blea Tarn Road. Just be aware that although this climb isn't that bad from the Little Langdale side, it is, on the top, one of the worst roads in the area (and that's saying something!) - full of places where the road has just disintegrated, so the resulting gravel is strewn everywhere, massive potholes (probably covered in water) and the descent is just like the one coming off Wrynose (if not as long), steep and twisting. Just the thing for the odd fatigue induced chute! On the plus side, Blea Tarn is lovely!
  • davebradswmb
    davebradswmb Posts: 461
    Arturo Belano wrote:
    smuttiesmith wrote:
    Arturo Belano wrote:
    Sounds like you're in good nick nammynake. Do you reckon the new finish will be longer then? It's shorter in distance, but obv goes over a hill that the old route didn't.
    The new route is both longer (+2.6 mile) and hillier (+300ft) than last years. My rough guess is it will add about 8min 30sec for 7 hour riders. Obviously if you are pushing on Hardknott & Wrynose it will likely add more time on.
    Didn't realise that, had the wrong hill in mind - thought it was just going over red bank for some reason and round to Grasmere. Guess that would have made it easier, not harder!
    I've not been over Blea Tarn myself but I am hoping that it is easier than Red Bank, I seriously would not want to be doing that after Hardknott and Wrynose.
  • smuttiesmith
    smuttiesmith Posts: 14
    It has a nice stretch of 25% on it and is quite irregular in gradient so it’s hard to get into a rhythm. Having said that the worst is done after 5 minutes and rolls from there to the summit on the cattle grid.

    The organisation is going out and sweeping the road prior to the event (probably Saturday) so hopefully it won’t be too bad. As said above though it would be wise to be cautious.
  • 1986sv
    1986sv Posts: 83
    Excited now, staying in a cottage on the route at the bottom of Blea Tarn so I can do a nice Saturday warm up to check it out. Hoping for the same weather as the past two years, I'd rather be hot than have to deal with wet descents and 25% wheel spin.
  • mamil314
    mamil314 Posts: 1,103
    Thanks for the info smuttiesmith; 25% after double punch, fml

    Considering ear plugs - my brakes acquire quite a voice in the wet and it will be a long day
  • davebradswmb
    davebradswmb Posts: 461
    The weather is looking good. I think we're close enough now to have some confidence in the weather forecast, BBC is saying 7°C at 6.00 rising to 13°C mid afternoon and light winds. Should get away with shorts, base layer & long sleeved jersey with any luck.
  • london-red
    london-red Posts: 1,266
    LakesLuddite wrote:
    The new route takes you from 'Little Langdale' into 'Great Langdale', over Blea Tarn Road. Just be aware that although this climb isn't that bad from the Little Langdale side, it is, on the top, one of the worst roads in the area (and that's saying something!) - full of places where the road has just disintegrated, so the resulting gravel is strewn everywhere, massive potholes (probably covered in water) and the descent is just like the one coming off Wrynose (if not as long), steep and twisting. Just the thing for the odd fatigue induced chute! On the plus side, Blea Tarn is lovely!

    Enjoy the views on the descent, and don't be tempted by the ODG :D
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,235
    davebradswmb wrote:
    The weather is looking good. I think we're close enough now to have some confidence in the weather forecast, BBC is saying 7°C at 6.00 rising to 13°C mid afternoon and light winds. Should get away with shorts, base layer & long sleeved jersey with any luck.

    Maybe a wind/shower proof gilet for the morning... coming down Kirkstone is always very very cold
    left the forum March 2023
  • lakesluddite
    lakesluddite Posts: 1,337
    davebradswmb wrote:
    The weather is looking good. I think we're close enough now to have some confidence in the weather forecast, BBC is saying 7°C at 6.00 rising to 13°C mid afternoon and light winds. Should get away with shorts, base layer & long sleeved jersey with any luck.

    Yes, looking good for you this weekend, ideal really. mild temperatures, very little chance of rain and light breeze. Saturday also looking nice and sunny(ish), so a nice spin out to register and get the legs working.

    Of course the disclaimer is - it's the Lake District, the weather forecast doesn't really apply here.
  • mamil314
    mamil314 Posts: 1,103
    I no longer bother checking bbc. Both Foreca and accuweather show rain on Sunday.
    Maybe it's different town? I am checking Ambleside and Keswick.

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