Lakeland Loop - again!

Last year I entered the Lakeland Loop for the first time, a 110km cyclosportif route around the lake district organised by EpicEvents. It takes in two massive climbs towards the end, namely the infamous Hardknott and Wrynose passes with their ball-bustin' 33% gradients. Last year I fell off both so this year I had some unfinished business to attend to - I was absolutely determined to get up both. I could have made life a bit easier and changed the gear ratios on my bike, but that would have been "cheating", I wanted to be able to get up using my improved bike strength.

Seven of us from ManTri set off together on what was a glorious day, but shortly after the first climb up Red Bank we split into two groups. The three of us at the front, me, Stefan and Rob, joined two "men in black" and the five of us powered around Thirlmere and through Keswick, each taking turns on the front. When we hit Whinlatter hill, we slowed down and at the first food stop split up, with two of us opting for some tea and cake.

Stefan and me then worked together around the western part of the route finally arriving at the second food stop where we refueled before taking on Hardknot and Wrynose. As we approached I got slower and slower as my legs filled with dread - I knew what was coming and it scared me! Looking up the valley you can see Hardknot switchbacking all the way to the top, it's a sight to behold. Finally, I got to the red phone box that marks the start of the climb and the work began.

It's very steep at the start, 30%, and it was out of the saddle, grinding hard, heart rate going through the roof. Then you hit the easy bit, "only" 20% but at least now my heart rate recovered and I could sit back down to rest the quads. Then it's the final ramps up to the top and I was surrounded by carnage - the vast majority of people are having to walk up, cars are wheel spinning to get past, then getting stuck behind other riders etc etc.

But I pushed on, out of the saddle, HR maxing out at 183 bpm while my cadence bottomed out at 36 rpm, giving it absolutely everything, straining every sinew, pulling on the handlebars almost as much as I was pushing on the peddles, shouting at myself to "c'mon!" Finally I crested the top - what a victory but still Wrynose to go. After recovering on the descent and the intervening flat bit I felt good and, long story short, got up Wrynose too. Just the small matter of one last final hill and it was back to the start.

Total time, 4:48 including the two feed stops so time in the saddle, 4:32. Recovered at the end, waiting for the rest of the guys then off to the pub for food. Awesome day out, more interesting stories here, including one about a car that drove off the edge!