More ladies please

Why ladies should ride the Fred

Three years ago I borrowed a road bike and started cycling. I had friends who were cyclists and had ridden the Fred and I regarded them with great respect, never believing I could aspire to such a challenge.
Five months before the 2018 Fred I contemplated the possibility of riding the route at my own pace
sometime during the following summer. My friends advised me to apply to ride the Fred and start training within a month, they told me that I wouldn’t regret it and so with some trepidation I entered the ballot and started training as soon as the new year turned. The longest ride I had ever done was a flat 65 miles, so I set realistic goals of steadily increasing my weekly mileage to 100 and then more. When my ballot place was confirmed I added one longer ride a week, initially 40 miles building up to a couple of 100 mile rides towards the end, adding in
steeper climbs when I could. My two fellow cyclists, Billy and Mac rode the Fred with me, our strategy for the day was to set off early, take it steady up the climbs and most importantly enjoy the miles. I was incredibly nervous at
the start lining up with hundreds of seasoned cyclists all around me, but Billy and Mac reminded me to approach it like any of our long bike rides and as soon as we set off I felt much better. It took me over ten and a half hours to complete the Fred and there were some tough moments. I
walked on a couple of occasions when my very tired legs refused the tougher inclines of Hardknott and Wrynose and I made the schoolboy error of falling off my bike while trying to get back on while the gradient was still too steep, no injuries other than a few grazes and a dinted pride.
However these incidents were far outweighed by all of the good ones. The encouragement from spectators, many with cowbells, some in fancy dress, some playing musical instruments including a banjo on the momentous ride up Whinlatter which was crowded from bottom to top like a stage of the tour. The comradeship between the riders and the hundreds of volunteers involved in running
the event including marshals, medics and those facilitating the refreshments and administration, supporting the riders to achieve their goals. Passing through the breathtaking Cumbrian scenery of mountains, moors, forests and lakes and the sheer delight of a long descent after reaching the top of a climb. The joy of seeing family and friends along the way offering kind words, food and drinks, but most of all I remember having a smile on my face from the very start of the ride until the end, accompanied over the last few miles with an overwhelming sense of achievement.

I later discovered that out of the 2500 riders, only 150 were women. Perhaps this low number reflects the reputation the event has of being one of the most difficult sportives around and whilst this is true I would encourage all those ladies out there who have ever wondered if they could do it, to give it a try. When I have been asked to describe the experience objectively I say it is a brilliant experience, it’s not easy but it’s do-able definitely do-able. It is important to remember that first and foremost this is a bike ride, yes it is a route that will test your resolve and stamina but it is still a bike ride that will attract all sorts of cyclists on all sorts of bikes. You will see top of the range bikes, vintage bikes, the occasional tandem bike and everything in between. Everyone has the same sense of purpose and the vast majority of riders will be there to just have a great day out riding their bikes. The experience has propelled me to a new found confidence in cycling. There’s not much to be scared of once you’ve ridden the Fred so all of a sudden it opens up new possibilities. The outcome of my Fred experience is that I’m fitter, stronger, faster and enjoying my cycling more than ever. I only planned to ride the Fred once but here I am contemplating whether to apply again for next years ride. Come on ladies, get your applications in when they open in January, you can do it,
you know it makes sense. Hopefully I’ll see you somewhere along the way.
Tracy French

Photo (Mac, Biily and myself at the finish) ... See more

A group of children from Allithwaite got together to come up with an idea on how to safely store bicycles when they ride to the King George V Playground.
The children said that they would come to the park on their bikes, but there was no safe storage except in front of the main gate which would then be blocked to others if bikes are left in this area.
They contacted the Fred Whitton Challenge (FWC) requesting help with funding to purchase and install a small cycle rack. FWC had no hesitation on helping them out and purchased a cycle rack which has now been installed.
This is well used and has encouraged the children to cycle to the park from all areas of the parish with the assurance of safe storage. A small plaque has been mounted above, recognising the FWC as the provider of the kit.
It is great to see that all children in this community can benefit from this and thanks to the FWC who continually help to fund requests such as this. ... See more

On behalf of The Fred Whitton Challenge, Lynn Whitton presents a cheque for £2,000 to Lauren Martindale and Alecia Makinson of South Cumbria Sight Advice.
Lauren and Alecia both took part in a visit to the Velodrome that is sponsored by The Fred Whitton Challenge for children who are visually impaired. We are helping out with 2 group visits a year to the Velodrome so the children can experience riding tandems on the track.
Lynn was shown a short video presentation of the time at the Velodrome. When asked if they enjoyed the visit Lauren stated “I was a little apprehensive to begin with but once on the move with my riding partner I enjoyed the experience and look forward to the next time”.
We look forward to hearing about their next visit to the Velodrome and hope they have an enjoyable time.

Photo Lynn Whitton, Lauren Martindale and Alecia Makinson ... See more

We have the Castelli Cyclo Cross coming up this coming Saturday 6th Oct - Westmorland Show Ground just of the M6 jnc 36 Kendal. A joint venture by Lake Road Club - Wheelbase, any help would be appreciated, first race 10 .30 is a novice/youths race 30min long, ideal for anyone wanting to have a go, mountain bikes are allowed. racing for all ages under 8 year old's to Veterans.

More details Lofty 716582. ... See more