FAQs
Can I do It?
Yes, but you need to put in some leg work.
How long is the ride?
112 miles
Will It Hurt?
Yes
How many metres are climbed?
3950m
What is the maximum gradient we encounter?
30%
What is the food like at the feeding stations?
All types of sandwiches, cakes, fruit & drinks
How many feeding stations are there?
Two – at Buttermere YHA at 50 miles and Calder Bridge at 86.6 miles.
How old do I have to be to enter?
Sixteen years old
Can I ride a mountain bike?
we do allow mountain bikes but advise to use slicks. Tandems are also allowed.
We Do Not allow the following —
Small wheel bikes, Choppers, Fat bikes, Electric bikes, Fold up bikes, Fix Bikes.
Do we / I have to be in a cycling club to enter?
No
Is there an after-ride meal provided?
Yes, for all riders
Can we ride as a team?
Yes, up to 4 riders can enter on one entry form
Are there camping facilities on the sports field?
Sorry, no camping allowed on the showfield. See our Accommodation page for details of some alternative sites.
Are there showers, toilets and changing rooms?
Yes
Are there cafes and restaurants nearby?
Yes, Grasmere village has plenty of both, all within walking distance of the event HQ.
Is there Youth Hostel accommodation in the area?
Do all riders have to wear a helmet?
Yes, Helmets are compulsory and to be worn at all times, this will be strictly enforced.
Can I use tri-bars?
No, we consider them dangerous for this event, so tri-bars are not allowed on your bike. This rule will be strictly enforced.
Can my friend drive round and give me drinks or support?
No.
No following (or leading) cars or motor cycles are allowed. See Terms & Conditions page for more info
Can I enter on the weekend of the event?
No, you must enter in advance. Entry normally happens in December & January – for details see our website in the December before the event. Some cancellation places are usually available later, typically in April, but these are first offered to people who didn’t get a place in the event and asked to be put on our reserve list.
If I have to cancel will I get my entry fee back?
No, entry fees are non-returnable and non-transferable. See our event terms & conditions for more information.
Is there a maximum time limit I’d have to complete the ride in?
There’s a cut off time at Braithwaite at 12 noon and 3.30pm at Calder Bridge, but if you start early (you can start from 6am) you’ll have at least 12(?) hours to do the ride.
Who organises the Fred Whitton?
The event is a charity event that organised by volunteers. lt was started by the Lakes Road Club, a racing club in South Lakes, and many members of the Lakes RC and other Cumbria cycling clubs, plus many other volunteers, are involved.
What are your terms & conditions?
A full list of our Terms & Conditions can be read here
What kind of bike can I ride?
This is specifically a normal Road Bike event, we do allow Mountain Bikes but advise to use slicks. Tandems are also allowed.
We Do Not allow the following —
Small wheel bikes, Choppers, Fat bikes, Electric bikes, Fold up bikes, Fix Bikes.
If I raise more than £500 do I receive a free entry the following year?
Only if the money raised is for one of our own special charities.
If I cannot finish the event will I be collected and taken back to HQ?
We do have staff placed around the course but we cannot be in every place at once, we will do our best to help. Please refer to the riders notes, where it states:
‘it is the responsibility of the rider to organise themselves back to HQ’.
This is part of the challenge, always have some money with you so you can book a taxi or find a place to have some food while help arrives.
Do I need a Rider Photo ID?
Yes all riders must produce Photo ID at registration
Are tandems allowed?
Yes
