Oh, and did I mention that the hardest road climb in the U.K that you can do on a bike comes at around the 99 mile mark?
Oops - sorry about that.
With all this in mind and given that I had ridden the original route four times, I decided to invite two of my pals from the South of England, James and Dean (the ex-machine), who stayed for a few days in the Stable. We were joined on the ride by Leo who lives further North.
And so it was that the intrepid foursome left the car park in Coniston at around 8am with all the nervous tension that you might expect from good (but definitely amateur) cyclists.
The route heads via Hawkshead Hill to Ambleside before turning at Troutbeck and up and over Kirkstone Pass - the first two of many - but to name the well known ones, Matterdale End, Honister Pass (from the Seatoller and arguably harder side), Newlands Pass, Whinlatter Pass, Cold Fell, Wrynose Pass and of course the renowned Hardknott Pass, which is a major challenge on fresh legs, never mind tired ones.
If you are a fan of the "Greatest Cycling Climbs" book (or App) by Simon Warren, this ride will get you four from the top 200 and North West Regional book. If you want to get Wrynose, Kirkstone and Honister, you will have to go back another day and do those from the other sides.
Here are a few shots of the day and if you ever get the chance to ride the Fred, you definitely should....... It can be tricky to get on the main event as the numbers are limited, but feel free to take a look at the Original route here, The Fred Route and you can download it to your head unit and take on the challenge in your own time
Good Luck and should you wish to the enter the official event with the new route you can here !!