Fred Whitton
One of Britains most popular and hardest spotives
Distance: 113 Miles / 181 km | Elevation: 12,000ft
Summary
‘The Fred Whitton Challenge is one of the most popular sportives in the UK and is also famed as being particularly difficult. Dubbed ‘The Daddy of them all’ by Cycling Weekly, riders rank it alongside European events such as the Marmotte in terms of difficulty. The ride is a real challenge and everyone who completes it has a true sense of achievement. The Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge is a charity event in honour of the late Fred Whitton who was a great advocate for cycle sport in Cumbria and North Lancashire and sadly passed away in 1998 at the age of 50. It is with respect to Fred and his ideals that the event remains just that’, ‘a challenge’. – Fred Whitton challenge
The ride
How can I put the Fred Whitton into words? Well, it is a beautiful but brutal experience. It pushed my limits to the absolute max. I suffered for 7 plus hours in weather conditions that changed constantly from lashing rain to glorious sunshine. I relished in the moments when the roaring crowds shouted comments of encouragement on the side of the roads, through towns, and up some of the steepest hills. It taught me about myself, what I am capable of, and the true meaning of suffering.
I haven’t ridden in the Lake District much, but I knew how strenuous it was going to be. The route takes in all of the Lakeland passes such as Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Matterdale,Whinlatter, Wrynose, Blea Tarn and, Hardknott pass at 98 miles with a max gradient of up to 30%. It was going to be a test of the mind and the legs. All I had to do was keep on pedalling, go at my own pace and remember that the pain and suffering won’t last forever, but the achievement will.
You start the route on some of the main big climbs, which were Kirkstone, Newlands, and Honister. It felt like this was just a warmup for things to come, although it took me a while to wake my legs up, and I didn’t feel great to start off with due to the early start and lack of sleep. I found that the environment had the power to spur me on. It was beautiful, even when it rained.
After tackling the first couple of big hills, I started to feel better as the day went on. I began to get into what felt like my own flow state and rhythm. My body started to adapt to the challenging terrain, but I knew it was only going to get harder. It was also a good feeling to always have someone in front of you to catch, it helped me to keep focused and remember that I wasn’t alone in this. As the day continued, the crowds began to become bigger and bigger. The locals were incredibly positive, ringing cowbells, clapping, shouting comments of encouragement. It lifts you and makes you feel like you are in a professional event. I’ve never experienced anything quite like it, especially up Whinlatter, that was something else!
As I rode over Cold Fell and into Eskdale, it was onto the main climb of the day, Hardknott Pass! It was always in the back of my mind. It was going to be a real big test, it’s a 10/10 climb, it’s brutal. I can confirm it was just that. I was almost crawling, lots of people were walking but I was determined to get to the top without stopping, it’s so steep! Once at the summit I had this euphoric rush and spiritual feeling. I felt quite emotional. My mind began to cast back to being in hospital, learning to walk. The memory came flooding back ito me so clearly. I’ve never had that before, but I guess it was just a reminder of how far I have come.
By this point the adrenaline was kicking in, I knew I hadn’t long until I finished. Over Wrynose and Blea Tarn, then that was it. I had completed the Fred Whitton. As I rode over Wrynose and to Blea Tarn, the clouds lifted, and the sun came out. It was a great end to the day as I rode the final few miles towards Ambleside, greeted by huge crowds before the last stretch all the way to the finish in Grasmere. Ending with a well-earned steak pie and mushy peas.
As i finished I had an overwhelming feeling of joy and achievement, and anyone who completes it should be extremely proud too. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, the Fred Whitton in itself is a huge achievement.
