What a tough ride, I started at 7am and was keen to start steady but strong and passed a number of groups and riders on the way to the Kirkstone pass.
About half way up a guy on a nice Pinarello came past and I decided to hook onto his wheel. The pace was a bit too quick but I was willing to hang on for so we could work togeter on the flatter sections along the edge of Ullswater. Up Matterdale I was struggling but he said I could hold on to his wheel, which I did, this meant that we could work together all the way through Kendal along Derwent to the foot of Honister pass. Here I let him go as he was getting fresh bottles and I needed to stop at Buttermere to take a leak.
Set on up Newlands, Winlatter, round the back of Lowswater, Ennerdale to the second food stop at Calder Bridge. Riding solo and trying to recover from the early high pace.
On the final sections up to Hardknot I was feeling the effects of going so hard to start with and knew that I would need all my strength to get up this the crux of the route. Eased up on the pace, gels, energy bars, drink. Slam into Hardknot a sustained 1 in 4, I managed to ride it all but at a few points I was doing 3mph
The decent is scary corrugated road surfaces and hairpin bends. Up Wrynose and flat out for the finish.
max 48.5
ave 16.6
ride time 6:37
official time 6:47
Very cool I was sooooo happy to finish it was pretty painful this time.