[Closed] Fred Witton challenge

I have ridden his route many times, a while back I rode it on a road bike with 2 mountain bikers on slicks

They struggled with the distance but made it.

[url= http://www.phased.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=12 ]Report here[/url]

I rode it last year. It's brutal to be honest!

I reckon it would be much faster on a road bike but alas i haven't got one yet, did a 90 mile mostly off road ride last year and am aiming to do a longer one this year, so reckon it should be doable. How long did it take you?

It's hard on a road bike, it'll be brutal on MTB even with slicks. About the only advantage you'll have is the extra low gears on the climbs although it may well be a bit more stable descending some of the steeper hills. Road bike is about 6-9hrs depending on fitness (FWC record is somewhere around 5.45 IIRC), MTB add an hour at least to that time.

It's quite tough. I'd get some practice in on the route esp Hard Knott and Wry Nose. People do it on hand bikes, mind, so you've got it comparatively easy on a mountain bike!

I'm sure last year there was a guy doing it on Spesh Enduro - sadist! The route is pretty hilly most the way round apart from a few sections. Try and find some people to work together with to conserve energy for the climbs. I couldn't keep up with the guys I set off with after Newlands Pass and rode pretty much solo from Whinlatter to the last feed stop before Hardknott as I seemed to be quicker than a lot of the riders in front of me. Was tough! Ended up doing it in 7 hrs 20 I think - can't recall a tougher ride to be honest.

It'll be fine, just enjoy the views and expect to take all day. You might want to use back roads to avoid the A66 from Matterdale to Keswick. Alternatively, do the Lakeland Loop plus Honister and Newlands. This would reduce the 'flatter' mileage.
[url= http://www.everydaycycling.com/edc/events/archive_event_610.aspx ]Lakeland Loop[/url]