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Fred Whitton 2012

by whos_daddy
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 09:47
12

I have just seen my name on the list, now time to really step up the training.

This is my first time in this event & I have never ridden further than 85 miles.

Any advice / pitfalls to avoid?

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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12 comments

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keithsimpson | 12 years ago
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If any of you have failed to get on the over-subscribed Fred Whitton, have you considered Wrynose or Bust as an alternative on April 29th?

The guys at Fred Whitton recommend our event to their over subscribed riders and Cycling Weekly wrote...

The sold-out Fred Whitton Challenge is testament to the popularity of riding in this area, and now Wrynose or Bust looks set to follow in its wheeltracks.

Log on to www.wrynose.org for further information of our cracking 112 mile event (with a 60 and 37 mile options).

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whos_daddy | 12 years ago
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good call.....never thought of that & yeh, its all Ultegra, bonus!!

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whos_daddy | 12 years ago
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I have a few mtbs with XT & XTR 9 speed long cage rear mechs on but I'm a little confused as my road bike is 10 speed...

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dave atkinson replied to whos_daddy | 12 years ago
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whos_daddy wrote:

I have a few mtbs with XT & XTR 9 speed long cage rear mechs on but I'm a little confused as my road bike is 10 speed...

doesn't matter: rear mechs aren't indexed and the mechanical advantage is the same for mtb and road, assuming you have shimano shifters.

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dave atkinson | 12 years ago
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beat me to it joemmo 1

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joemmo | 12 years ago
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@WD - I've got a 28 with an ultegra long cage and it will run as long as the adjustment screw on the mounting point is all the way in so you might struggle with a 32. If so, a long cage shimano 9spd MTB mech will do the job.

Good luck with the event, I'm usually in the lakes around that time and the weather can be so variable it could make or break the ride. Looks fantastic though, maybe next year.

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whos_daddy | 12 years ago
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Thanks Dave. I actually ordered an Apex 32 cassette yesterday, I just hope it works with my rear mech ok which is an Ultegra SL GS (6600).

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dave atkinson replied to whos_daddy | 12 years ago
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whos_daddy wrote:

Thanks Dave. I actually ordered an Apex 32 cassette yesterday, I just hope it works with my rear mech ok which is an Ultegra SL GS (6600).

if you wind the b-tension screw all the way in you'll probably be fine, if not just get a cheap shimano mtb mech

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dave atkinson | 12 years ago
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Quote:

Any advice / pitfalls to avoid?

1) Don't over-gear. Hardknott is insanely steep and Wrynose and Honister aren't much better. I did it on Apex (34/32) and wouldn't have kept going on the 30% bit without it

2) Don't underestimate the back section. There's no real passes to tick off between Whinlatter and Hardknott but there's lots of climbing and it's very up and down to Calder Bridge. Plus it's exposed and if there's some weather, you'll really feel it on Cold Fell.

3) There's a nasty kick of a climb after the Wrynose descent and before the finish. Doesn't look like much on the profile but it sorted me out alright 19

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swallis77 | 12 years ago
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I didn't get a place 20 haven't done it before but going up with the family for a week. If anyone has an entry they want to transfer please let me know. thanks.

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whos_daddy | 12 years ago
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MTB shoes are easier to walk in than Roadie shoes. I know which pair I'll be using (with overshoes on ofcourse) 3

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JohnnyO | 12 years ago
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Me too. Having seen the Wrynose videos, I think I need to make sure I can walk in my cycling shoes 22

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