The Fred 2023
Two weeks on from The Wheelbase Fred Whitton Challenge 2023 it’s time to look back and reflect on another fantastic year.
Firstly, a brand new course record was set by Finlay Hawker of Zappi (5:26:03!), closely tailed by Harold Evans of Freeride x Le Col (5:26:27). But The Fred Whitton Challenge isn’t just about individual successes and best times; it reflects the grit, determination, and perseverance of every rider who takes part- don’t forget- it is a challenge after all! A staggering 2013 riders took on 112 miles of some of the most beautiful, if not pain inducing, scenery in the UK.
The team at steveflemingphoto.com must say that we saw an utterly superb attitude on display this year; which is very much in the spirit of the event. Joyous cyclists in good spirits, happy to be out with their bikes, is what we love to see on this sportive.
So many of you said your hellos, thank yous, or made completely unnecessary excuses to us, and made the ride feel like what it is- a community endeavour for good causes. With all that said, it doesn’t matter if you walked up the 30% section of Hardknott or if you plowed up in mere minutes- don’t forget, “A good effort”. You all made one.
Finlay and the Wheelbase riders begin their attack on Hardknott:
It was, by all accounts, a lovely day over on Newlands Pass:
For those of us on Hardknott however...
It was a distinctly different story.
We're still undecided which was more daunting- being able to see what you'll have to ride up, or not knowing where in the mist the summit is. Let us know what you think!
Despite the hills and the mist The Fred Whitton riders were an unfailingly cheerful bunch this year:
"Wheely good time" and other similar jokes.
And there were some very snappy dressers:
Sometimes, despite every effort, something just goes a bit wrong
Fortunately there were plenty of good spirited sorts ready to lend a hand and a firm shove.
Tom Simpson would be proud, "Put me back on my bike!"
Success!
It is a challenge though don't forget! Good thing there was plenty of encouragement on the roadside.
Those that ride up the steepest part of the hairpin are a special breed!
If you want to see your Fred Whitton Challenge success immortalised magazine cover style, or want a sky that reflects your mood on the Hardknott, or just don't fancy sharing the road with anyone else- then check out our Photoshop packages!
There were plenty of heroic poses too
Great to see the Wheelbase riders out in force, as always.
When you hit the ramp towards the hairpin there's nothing to do but dig deep and grind it out!
There's still always time for a smile/grimace though.
Go on, Rose!
There we have it! Another fantastic year of The Fred Whitton Challenge.
Above is just a brief selection of the 12796 photos our team took on the day- be sure to check out our galleries to see pictures of your ride.
Firstly, a brand new course record was set by Finlay Hawker of Zappi (5:26:03!), closely tailed by Harold Evans of Freeride x Le Col (5:26:27). But The Fred Whitton Challenge isn’t just about individual successes and best times; it reflects the grit, determination, and perseverance of every rider who takes part- don’t forget- it is a challenge after all! A staggering 2013 riders took on 112 miles of some of the most beautiful, if not pain inducing, scenery in the UK.
The team at steveflemingphoto.com must say that we saw an utterly superb attitude on display this year; which is very much in the spirit of the event. Joyous cyclists in good spirits, happy to be out with their bikes, is what we love to see on this sportive.
So many of you said your hellos, thank yous, or made completely unnecessary excuses to us, and made the ride feel like what it is- a community endeavour for good causes. With all that said, it doesn’t matter if you walked up the 30% section of Hardknott or if you plowed up in mere minutes- don’t forget, “A good effort”. You all made one.
Finlay and the Wheelbase riders begin their attack on Hardknott:
It was, by all accounts, a lovely day over on Newlands Pass:
For those of us on Hardknott however...
It was a distinctly different story.
We're still undecided which was more daunting- being able to see what you'll have to ride up, or not knowing where in the mist the summit is. Let us know what you think!
Despite the hills and the mist The Fred Whitton riders were an unfailingly cheerful bunch this year:
"Wheely good time" and other similar jokes.
And there were some very snappy dressers:
Sometimes, despite every effort, something just goes a bit wrong
Fortunately there were plenty of good spirited sorts ready to lend a hand and a firm shove.
Tom Simpson would be proud, "Put me back on my bike!"
Success!
It is a challenge though don't forget! Good thing there was plenty of encouragement on the roadside.
Those that ride up the steepest part of the hairpin are a special breed!
If you want to see your Fred Whitton Challenge success immortalised magazine cover style, or want a sky that reflects your mood on the Hardknott, or just don't fancy sharing the road with anyone else- then check out our Photoshop packages!
There were plenty of heroic poses too
Great to see the Wheelbase riders out in force, as always.
When you hit the ramp towards the hairpin there's nothing to do but dig deep and grind it out!
There's still always time for a smile/grimace though.
Go on, Rose!
There we have it! Another fantastic year of The Fred Whitton Challenge.
Above is just a brief selection of the 12796 photos our team took on the day- be sure to check out our galleries to see pictures of your ride.