2024 Subscriptions Darryl Gunson Posted March 28, 2017 Author 2024 Subscriptions Report Share Posted March 28, 2017 cheers Mark. I've a Thule towbar carrier which would get in the way of the Saris. Hopefully see you at the Drumlanrig. Darryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions George Posted April 3, 2017 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 Arrived today: New chain-check 11-32 cassette-check 50-34 chainrings-check long cage rear mech-check Miracle fat loss potion........ Darryl Gunson 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2024 Subscriptions Darryl Gunson Posted April 8, 2017 Author 2024 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 8, 2017 A nice short description of what to expect. Let's hope for the weather they had https://whosatthewheel.com/2016/05/12/hardknott-wrynose-and-perfect-reflections/ DavidC and alexb 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions DavidC Posted April 8, 2017 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 8, 2017 If we get the weather, this will just be training for Majorca Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions robster82 Posted April 8, 2017 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 8, 2017 Sounds great! Thinking of just rolling with my 52/36 and 11/28, any thoughts on this? George 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2024 Subscriptions Darryl Gunson Posted April 8, 2017 Author 2024 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 8, 2017 I think you'd be fine Robbie. One time I did it - 10 years ago (lighter, fitter, faster) - on a 50/34 12x29 and I still walked on Hardknott. Although, on the other hand, I made it the previous year on 39x29. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions George Posted April 8, 2017 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 8, 2017 Sounds great! Thinking of just rolling with my 52/36 and 11/28, any thoughts on this? Wear walking boots.... robster82 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions robster82 Posted April 23, 2017 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 23, 2017 2 weeks today 😀 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2024 Subscriptions Darryl Gunson Posted April 23, 2017 Author 2024 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 23, 2017 yup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2024 Subscriptions Darryl Gunson Posted April 24, 2017 Author 2024 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 24, 2017 Hi Folks The Fred is nearly upon us, and, judging by some of the chat in the bunch, it is starting to worry some. No need to worry, it is just a long day out and should be fun. However, it is not to be underestimated either. The following tips from nammynake on Bikeradar chime well with my own experience: 1. Pay close attention to the weather forecast and dress appropriately. If it's raining, the wind-chill going over Cold Fell can be pretty bad (as in the 2013 event). I'd much rather carry a slightly bulky rain jacket than risk taking something light without sufficient protection.2. Try to pace the early climbs. You'll be feeling really fresh are raring to go, but your legs will thank you later if you reserve some energy for Hardknott.3. Get into a group on the long flat section towards and through Keswick (but take your turn on the front if you're feeling fresh). The A66 section is pretty open to the wind so save your energy for Honister.4. Be careful on the descents. Even if you're competent descender, you'll be riding in close proximity to inexperienced riders, so give everyone enough space and expect the unexpected. There are some nasty corners which catch out riders every year.5. Be cheery with the marshalls. They are all volunteers and stand in the same spot for hours on end. A cheery wave or simple "thanks" is really appreciated.6. If you want a decent time, don't fanny about at the feed stops. Fill your bottle, scoff a banana or whatever and get cracking. It's easy to spend 20 minutes pottering about, which can add a big chunk onto your time if you repeat this at the second feed stop. You won't benefit from 'resting' for that amount of time, and if anything your muscles will cool down which could hamper you until you've warmed up again. Note that the first feed stop is IMMEDIATELY before Newlands Pass. This is a pretty tough climb and you wouldn't want to tackle it with cold muscles. Also note that the queue for toilets can be long at the feed stops, so maybe find a suitable hedge before/after.7. Hardknott - this has reached almost mythical status for those new to the Fred Whitton. Yes it's a very very tough climb, but try not to be intimidated by it. It doesn't help that you can see it looking in the distance as you approach along the valley floor, but keep your legs spinning easily so they're not loaded with lactic acid before you start. It's really two climbs, interlinked with a very gradual incline where you can get your breath back. So tackle it in two sections. Focus on getting up the first bit by sitting in your lowest gear and alternate in/out of the saddle if you're able. Note that on the steepest corners your front wheel may lift off the ground so try to get a good balanced position if seated. Keep spinning that easy gear on the gentle bit and try to bring your heart rate down before you reach the final section. This is the steepest section and where the photographer cruelly awaits. Get your 'relaxed' face on and out of the saddle to attack this short stretch. Once you're over this it's still a few hundred meters to the summit so again pace yourself. If you have to dismount and walk (many do) then please keep to the edge of the road and be aware of riders coming back (probably not much faster!). If you're completely done in, then wait a minute or two at the top before descending to get your breath back.8. Wrynose is the last serious climbs, and while it's not as savage as Hardknott it's still very tough. The decent of Wrynose is pretty sketchy and VERY fast towards the bottom, so again please take care and be aware of vehicles ascending.9. If you're still feeling fresh after Wrynose then now's your time to dig in and TT to the finish.10. Finally, enjoy it. It's a unique event and the support from volunteer marshalls and members of the public is fantastic. They come out in spades even when it's raining! If it's not p*ssing down then soak up the scenery - if you've not been the Lakes before it's a stunning place. thejanullrichdietplan, PaulL, RyanF and 5 others 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavieB Posted April 24, 2017 Report Share Posted April 24, 2017 I've got a whistle and survival bag unused from 3-peaks if anybody wants to borrow it..... Richard and Darryl Gunson 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions robster82 Posted April 24, 2017 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 24, 2017 Excellent Darryl, really looking forward to it, hope the weather is good to us. Darryl Gunson 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions George Posted April 24, 2017 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 24, 2017 Just remembered I'm booked in for root canal treatment that day. Enjoy. Darryl Gunson 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al yuille Posted April 24, 2017 Report Share Posted April 24, 2017 From memory the start of Honister is tough with a steep ramp just as you come out of the treeline. I put a foot down there as I knew it must still be a long way to the top (this is riding 39x25 mind!). Just over the ramp if eases off so dig in and keep going. Newlands was another toughie so I agree , don't get cold at the stop. On Hardknott - good luck . Shame to miss this. robster82, James and Darryl Gunson 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie Cross Posted April 26, 2017 Report Share Posted April 26, 2017 Good article about the Fred course in the latest Cyclist mag Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions robster82 Posted April 26, 2017 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 26, 2017 Folks does anyone have a plan in place regarding ETA in Grasmere? Also, any thoughts on what we're doing Saturday night? Ride, dinner, drinks etc etc Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2024 Subscriptions Darryl Gunson Posted April 26, 2017 Author 2024 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 26, 2017 Robbie I'm aiming for early evening at the YH, say 6ish. I plan on an early dinner - hostel does food and beer, but other options too. And, chill for a bit and an earlyish kip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions robster82 Posted April 26, 2017 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 26, 2017 Cheers Darryl, I'm heading down with James so we'll have a chat and probably do something similar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions ginty001 Posted April 27, 2017 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 27, 2017 Heading down with Alex, we'll be doing the same too.....no more than 10 pints for me and in bed by midnight ... Darryl Gunson, robster82 and DavidC 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions PaulL Posted April 27, 2017 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 27, 2017 Nightclub closes at 2.30am gives us 4 hours sleep and 1000s of carbs... sorted ginty001, DavidC, Darryl Gunson and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions DavidC Posted April 27, 2017 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 27, 2017 We have a spare bunk on the Saturday evening before the FW at the Ambleside YH if anyone is needing accommodation. With Paul sharing the room and the nightclub not shutting to 2.30am, we could possibly have two free bunks... Joshuam8259 and ginty001 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions iain couttie Posted April 27, 2017 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 27, 2017 I was not intending to ride this, however. If anyone is not going and wants to sell there entry I will go down. Iain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexb Posted April 28, 2017 Report Share Posted April 28, 2017 Bike finally built. New chain ring, gear cables, brakes and chain and swapped rear derailleur for 32 tooth comfort. Glad I chained chainring. 6 broken teeth and really badly worn. Just needs a shake down now. Darryl Gunson 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joshuam8259 Posted April 30, 2017 Report Share Posted April 30, 2017 Dave, asking on behalf of my father. Is the bunk still available for Saturday night ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions DavidC Posted April 30, 2017 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted April 30, 2017 Dave, asking on behalf of my father. Is the bunk still available for Saturday night ? Yes the bunk is still available for Saturday night at Ambleside YH. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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