Hi folks, I’m back doing yet more ridiculous things for cheridee, and this one’s a cracker! It was originally described to me, by a so-called friend, as being “over your birthday weekend”, which I naturally interpreted to mean it was a two day event.

 

But in fact, as I only noticed while filling out the application, the Fred Whitton Challenge is a 112 mile ultra-hilly (mountainous!) bicycle ride challenge over all the famous Lake District passes in a single day. Yes, one day, not two… 112 miles… over mountains! It starts and finishes at Coniston, and the route includes the climbs of Kirkstone (454m), Matterdale End (343m), Honister (356m), Newlands (333m), Whinlatter (318m), Cold Fell (290m), Hardknott (393m) and Wrynose (393m) passes, as well as half a dozen other equally steep if less high peaks. You can find out more at www.fredwhittonchallenge.org.uk.

 

Anyway, what else would anyone possibly want to do on the day after their 40th birthday? Slight hangover, lie in, nice lunch, glass of wine, watch a movie? No, no, no, not for me, thanks… I’d rather get up at 6am and cycle 112 miles over Cumbria’s finest. Apparently!

 

The Blind Leading The Blind...

 

So, to make it all a bit more worthwhile, I figured you might like to put your hands in your pockets in support of Guide Dogs for the Blind… seeing as this is a venture I was led into blind.

 

It’s perhaps worth pointing out that – fortunately for Guide Dogs – all contributions via this site are pure donations, and not in the least bit related to whether I actually manage to complete the feat! I’ve cycled (more than) 112 miles in a day before several times, and I’ve probably been up and over a total of about a dozen mountain passes too… but I’ve never put it all together, so please donate with your eyes wide open!

 

Donating is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – I raise more, while saving time and cutting costs for the charity.