Organisers launch spectator guide with a weekend full of activities!

With just over one week to go until the iconic Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge (13 May), event organisers have created a spectator pack which hopes to make the weekend an enjoyable experience for specators as well as participants.

2,500 riders will be coming from across the UK to tackle this world-renowned cycling event, so there will be plenty going on at the Grasmere HQ all weekend. View the full spectator guide or pick it up at the event village on the weekend, for additional local discounts and information.

Saturday 12 May

• Casual cycle : A 40km signposted cycle route will be laid out for families, casual cyclists and anyone hoping to give their legs a warm-up on Saturday between 12:00 and 15:00.

Sunday 13 May

• Spectate like a pro! : With riders heading out from 6am on Sunday, organisers suggest some key places to catch the best of the action. Check out their recommendations below!
• Guided walks : Alternatively, leave the map at home and join a guided walk with The Lake District National Park Volunteer Wardens to explore the vale of Grasmere, leaving Stock Lane Car Park at 10am.
• Food & drink : There will food and drink available all day at Grasmere HQ from local suppliers including a bake sale from Grasmere Primary School, and a local ales from The Good Sport, who brew their beer in Grasmere.
• Kids cycling : If the kids want to get a slice of the action, British Cycling Go-Ride coaches will be delivering a taster session with off road skills and racing techniques on Sunday 13^th May 2018 between 11:00 – 16:00, for children aged 5-16 years old.

Best spots to check out the action:

• Keswick: Park up off the route using a pay and display car park or use on the road parking and view the event by foot. Riders are expected between 07:45 – 11:15. This gives you lots of time to enjoy a coffee and piece of cake in the local cafes once the riders have passed by.
• Whinlatter Pass: This is a great climb to view the event from and is easily accessible from Keswick. There is a limited amount of parking at the Visitor Centre. We are expecting participants through this section of the course between 09:00 – 13:00.
• Little Langdale: Wainwrights Pub in Little Langdale is a great place to spectate in the latter stages of the course. The riders will be tired at this point and will need all the support to help them reach the finish. We are expecting our riders to pass through this section of the course between 11:30 – 17:30.
• Cockley Beck: Cockley Beck can be reached by driving up the Duddon Valley. This year there will be a road closure at the top of the valley which will stop access for cars onto Hardknott and Wrynose. If this is the spot for you, you can park south of Cockley Beck and walk up to the course. We are expecting cyclists through this point between 11:00 – 17:00. This is a great place to spectate as riders have just conquered the famous Hardknott pass and are about to tackle Wrynose Pass which presents another really tough obstacle

If you are getting involved with the Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge over the course of the weekend, we ask you to kindly support Macmillan by donating to friends or family participating, or giving a cash donation on the day.

Click the links to view the full spectator guide, spectator map, and check out all key information on the event website.

Posted by Russell Holden on Thursday, May 3rd, 2018 @ 10:21AM
Categories: Uncategorised

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