From a personal point of view I needed a challenge to keep this frail old body ticking over and as I love the Lake District, cycling and I am always up for a challenge so the Fred is ideal.

The Fred Whitton Challenge is regarded by many as the hardest one day ride in the UK. 113 miles, 13,000 ft of ascent (including gradients up to 30%). &  7 major climbs including Kirkstone Pass, Honister Pass, Newlands Pass, Whinlatter Pass, Blea Tarn and Hardknott and Wrynose Passes (reached after 98 miles in the saddle).

I came across the Fred many years ago and it was something of a dream and perhaps a t-shirt too far. However since then with support of friends I have increased my training regime such that I might just do it. And I intend to buy the shirt! 

I hope you can donate even a small amount to this worthwhile organisation namely the The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) which brings pioneering, doctor led, pre-hospital care to the scene, coming to the aid of hundreds of severely injured or ill patients every year. They rely on three aircraft to cover an area of about 8,000 square miles, able to handle challenging conditions and land in varied environments such as mountain ranges, urban centres and busy motorways. The charity needs in excess of £5million to keep our doctor and paramedic crews available 365-days a year for people in the North East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.

I will include further info in separate posts, shown below, together with updates of the training. Thank you all for your support.