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5 months is ages away!!
Should be able to get a couple of turbo sessions in.......! 😵
I can’t imagine how horrible it must be riding up Hardknott with 2000 other divs wobbling around on it.
I've done the Fred three times and instead of the 2000 other divs you're sneering at I found loads of friendly, supportive fellow cyclists. Fair enough some folk prefer riding alone, which I can understand, but personally I enjoy the sportive camaraderie, and getting to meet folk from all over the country.
As to the OP, my advice would simply be to get as low a set of gears as you can fit on your bike, don't worry too much about your time (though do do a decent amount of training) and enjoy it. It's tough at times (I've never managed all the way up Hardknott without walking bits) but a great feeling when you've achieved it.
I reckon I could train for the ups in 18 months time but I detest steep road bike descending; doing 25%+ descents with loads of other cyclists (and cars) around me fills me with dread.
I reckon I could train for the ups in 18 months time but I detest steep road bike descending; doing 25%+ descents with loads of other cyclists (and cars) around me fills me with dread.
Hardknott is closed for the FW now so no cars to worry about.
Big tyres, disc brakes and a degree of common sense help on the descents. There's almost always someone helicoptered off one of them (Buttermere is a particular favourite, there's a right/left over a humpback bridge which usually catches someone out) but hold your line, don't take stupid risks with your own abilities or when overtaking others and you'll be alright.
I generally do prefer riding on my own; to be out by myself is partly why I do it.
But I think the novelty of a sportive, or an event like Ardrock is a bit of a treat for me. Taking part in something, the encouragement and atmosphere of being surrounded by other riders, the way marking (if needed, I could probably navigate something the the FW pretty easy anyway) all make up for a different day out from my normal riding.
Plus it's a fixed target to aim for, I've got to be in good shape by April next year now, otherwise it'll be embarrassing!!
I reckon I could train for the ups in 18 months time but I detest steep road bike descending; doing 25%+ descents with loads of other cyclists (and cars) around me fills me with dread.
Some of the descents are really not enjoyable and quite hard work. Partly because of the poor road surfaces.
I’ve done the Fred three times and instead of the 2000 other divs you’re sneering at I found loads of friendly, supportive fellow cyclists
I wasn't sneering at anybody hence the word 'other'. Ergo, I am one of those divs even though I prefer to ride without the crowds.
I wasn’t sneering at anybody hence the word ‘other’. Ergo, I am one of those divs even though I prefer to ride without the crowds.
Apologies then, I misinterpreted the posting.
I've done the FW route before with friends and it is a toughie for sure, especially hardnott after 90 miles but it's doable.
As far the descents you do need to be careful. I love em and try to go as fast as I can but you still need to leave a bit of margin. I did the C2C in a day this year (FW turned up to 11) and some poor lady died in a crash coming down the back of wrynose, so it serves as a reminder for caution.