10/08/2009 by Doug.

Ravensthorpe CC was well represented here - myself (Doug), Alex, Craig Newton and Richard Creaser. Richard had cleaned his bike, and did so intermitently throughout the day. On one occasion I saw him use his tongue to do it - though that may have been purely for personal gratification, I don’t really know. Craig is very much on form - new bike, new haircut, new fitness and new strip. What can we say about a man who wears “Hargreaves” colours? Alex and I were just the same as always. We had the usual moose impressions from Alex, and I did my best to keep my mouth shut all day with varying dgrees of success (well, no success, actually). By the way, Richard, my bike was still cleaner than yours despite all your efforts; and I didn’t kiss mine once!

There were about 30 riders at the start - most of you will know the format, Fleet Moss for strters, Garrowby Hill before lunch, Woodhead Pass and Holme Moss at the end. According to my computer, actual riding time was 9hrs 58 seconds - under 10 hours - yes! After 140 miles we had all averaged 18.3 mph. At the end (about 172 miles) our average was 17.1. This was achieved with everyone taking turns on the front. Of course we had a break for lunch and some scheduled stops, but the times are pretty damn good.

 The weather was hot, hot, hot and we had 5 punctures. One lad vomitted in dramatic style after Penistone (proper projectile stuff) and them screamed in pain as he got cramp. He packed in at that point. I had a snack and carried on. God I enjoyed that snack - needed it, too. Another lad vomitted at the top of Woodhead. He carried on and told me of the incident when we regrouped at Holme Moss - by that time he had turned a shade of green. Brilliant! What more could you ask for on a day out?

The cameraderie was excellent - a good day was had by all. Would I do it again? Having done it three times now, er ……. maybe. Well done everyone!

 Doug

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10/08/2009 by jack the flying dutchman.

Don’t know if anyone heard, but you can now ride the Fred Whitton all year round thanks to the organizers, Cumbria Tourism and LDNP. They supply riders with Sportident timing cards and you can use the timing boxes at various points. Maybe an idea for a club ride? Go there on Saturday afternoon - do a little ride, find some B&B and do the ride on Sunday. Maybe somewhere early October or so?

See: http://www.fredwhittonchallenge.org.uk/fourseasons.html

Jack

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