England : Cumbria Fred Whitton Challenge 2021

[Tim Bennet.]

As the winter solstice approaches, it signals we're in prime 'Dark Fred' season. That's the Fred Whitton at night, ridden sometime over the Christmas holidays in the couple of weeks either side of the shortest day (but luckily the longest night), and finishing by dawn.

In order to guarantee the high passes are ice free, it probably means you have to go when it's wet and windy rather than still, cloud free and frosty.

Living locally helps get the timing right, but last December it all came together:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5Tr13d2yx8

 

[cougie uk]

You crazy fools !

 

[PaulSB]

As the winter solstice approaches, it signals we're in prime 'Dark Fred' season. That's the Fred Whitton at night, ridden sometime over the Christmas holidays in the couple of weeks either side of the shortest day (but luckily the longest night), and finishing by dawn.

In order to guarantee the high passes are ice free, it probably means you have to go when it's wet and windy rather than still, cloud free and frosty.

Living locally helps get the timing right, but last December it all came together:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5Tr13d2yx8

10/10 chapeau. I rode the Fred for the first time this year. Loved it and hoping for a place in 2022.

I think you're all crazy but absolutely well done! 👏

 

[Tim Bennet.]

10/10 chapeau.

Not to me - I didn't ride! As we were in the middle of last winter's covid restrictions, we had to give some thought to who could provide back up support to the riders in an emergency and a lift home if necessary, etc. So my partner rode with Andy (who instigated it all) and I was her back up. She had a lovely night out and as I understand, was well able to 'socially distance' the other two on the climbs.