Get on the drops for the steep descents! You need the extra grip on your bars and once you’re descending Honnister/Hardnott/Wrynose/Blea tarn you wont be able to move your hands as it’s too steep and bumpy.
This is fantastic. Thank you so much for your insights. Coming down Hardknott last year put the fear of god in me, it was really tough, but amazing nonetheless. Thanks again. See you out there! 👍🏻
Great tips, thanks for taking the time and including footage - the descents look terrifying, tempering the excitement a wee bit! I started following not long before your knee injury so it's awesome seeing you back out on the bike.
@@CycletheNation morning Scott. Yes. Definitely. I have some of the big descents on my channel too. Always worthwhile. Did you see a lad fell off on The Lakeland Loop on the two corners just before Calder Bridge - did his femur head. Do you have that bit on Camera in full too?
I do now! Went out after work yesterday and got Newlands, Whinlatter and Cold Fell descents. Still got Kirkstone to do,, but it's closed until May 1st. I'll be publishing every descent in full over the next few days
@@CycletheNation yes. I saw on Strava. I was watching my up and down of Hardknott the other day. In my descent I did swap to the drops half way down. 🤪and Honister this morning before work. I’m off to do my last weekend of prep tomorrow. Laps of Honister, Newlands and Whinlatter.
Hey Scott, I'm doing the Fred next month and would appreciate any videos you've got on the descents. Many videos focus on the ascents, so any information to keep safe on the descents would be much appreciated. Hope your knee's improving ☺️
@tmilner762 Hiya. I've got the 4 descents mentioned here in full. I'm going to try and get out and record the others too, and I'll publish them all. Kirkstone is closed at the moment (for another week I believe), and Cold Fell is a fair drive away, but I'm gonna try for you all!
Really excellent clip. Good advice. I dud the (in)famous 2012 Fred and people were walking DOWN Hardknott......and i didn't blsme them. Id personally say Wyrnose is worst, always seems 2b an accident on there, might be different now as back then it was last decent and msybe folk relaxed s bit 2 much
An excellent video, thanks Scott 🙏 - will be my second time, but learned a load. And for sure the road surfaces were a little agricultural in places on a recent recce !
Many thanks, and for the subscription too (I'm sure you're aware of how much this means to people!). I'm going to publish every descent in full too over the next 2 weeks, but Kirkstone Pass is closed until May 1st (they're resurfacing) and I've just got to get out to the others.
@@CycletheNation an absolute pleasure. I thought your presentation on this video was really engaging, and you clearly have a lot more experience than I on the bike. I look forward to seeing how your journey back to fitness goes, and the Dragon ride, plus also the amazing challenge to come to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy 💯💪
@@CycletheNation I think a lot of people who haven't done the route before would benefit from seeing these sections in full. The more familiar people can become with these roads the better. Getting an idea for what the road surface is like, where the bends are and how sharp they are might just ease a few nerves and save a couple of close calls. I appreciate you highlighting the sections you mentioned in this though as they could easily catch people out.
Great video thank you. I am a decent descender but Hardknott and Wrynose really scare me. Where are good places for spectators? Arranging for the family to meet me on Whinlatter, after that is Cold Fell an option? Going out this weekend to do a 70mile route including the 2 biggies. I will be taking it easy, just want to give Hardknott a 3rd go and not bottle it on the 33% section!
Thanks! Personally - indeed Whinlatter is by far the best place. I'm not so sure on Cold Fell really as it will have cyclists all over (however, they'd be spread apart by now), and the road to get there is shared with the sportive - there's a narrow bit just after Lorton that can get snarled up. Santon Bridge could be a decent option though, there's a pub (Bridge Inn) that has a car park.
Hey Scott - yesterday my rim brakes felt really good on descents of The Fred and i had confidence in them. However, when looked at home afterwards they look quite worn. Are there any disadvantages to changing brake pads now before the Fred, given i am unlikely to get a good deal of miles in to bed them in? Sort of a 'if it aint broke dont fix it' moment.
How worn? If there's plenty of wear left, leave them. It's 1 day. Have you checked the wear indicator on your rim too? In 2022 I did the Fred on my rim brake bike and changed the pads 2-3 weeks out, and just made sure I'd done a few rides and properly bedded them in.
@@CycletheNation Thanks. Front pads were worn below the limit! Funny as yesterday they felt the best ever :-) replaced front pads and will get some miles in. (Luckilly have some 16% hills from the door on a 1mile loop)
Hi John If I'm honest, you'll not be needing any there. It's really close to the start. There's a shop in Glenridding, but that might not be open at that time on a Sunday.
I don’t know if I’m more nervous or excited for the Fred 😅. I’ve got the tour de manc the week before (same as Russ) so no tapering down yet for me yet🤣. Great video once again bud 👍🏻.
You'll be fine! Going to publish all the descents, uncut, in full over the next 2 weeks so everyone gets to see them. Just be careful and diligent and you'll be fine. ☺️
Fred week! Here we go guys!
Hoping to do this next year. Good luck to all taking part!
Thank you so much for this - first time doing Fred so found this super helpful! See you out there 🫡👏
Get on the drops for the steep descents! You need the extra grip on your bars and once you’re descending Honnister/Hardnott/Wrynose/Blea tarn you wont be able to move your hands as it’s too steep and bumpy.
Absolutely!
I find this hard when it is so steep I feel like I am too far forward.
I learned this recently after stacking it down Sa Calobra. Apparently, the drops make you more agile and improve your centre of gravity. 👍
Thank you for the excellent advice. Hopefully I’ll remember it on Sunday!
Great vid CTN! Thank you. Might see you out there!
Great advice as always, Scott. I'm doing coast to coast in June and that has Hardknott & Wrynose early on, which is absolutely terrifying!
But once you've done that you know you can do anything else in the next 130 miles 👍💪
the wonderful thing is, that I exactly know where you are sitting... :=))) this year FWC was great... hope to come back a third time...
Did the Fred , was brilliant , support was amazing , preferred going up hardknott than coming down 😂
That was brilliant Scott and loads of great info! Thank you so much matey this as helped loads ❤
Sat waiting before I do my zwift session. Looking forward to this matey
This is fantastic. Thank you so much for your insights. Coming down Hardknott last year put the fear of god in me, it was really tough, but amazing nonetheless. Thanks again. See you out there! 👍🏻
cheers mate good info. Great vid 👍👍
Fantastic video with great advice, and well produced. 👍
Great video Scott - magnificent views.
Thanks, really useful advice
Great tips, thanks for taking the time and including footage - the descents look terrifying, tempering the excitement a wee bit! I started following not long before your knee injury so it's awesome seeing you back out on the bike.
Thank you 🙂 I have those 4 descents in full. Do you think it's worth just publishing them as they are?
@@CycletheNation That would be really handy if you have the time
@@aligibb87 I'll see what I can do. Kirkstone is currently closed so can't do that at the moment.
That's a great summary Scott! Yeah, I am 100%. with you....the descent off Hardknott is one to be very very careful of. Think you nailed that.
Thanks! I have those 4 descents in full. Do you think it's worth just publishing them as they are?
@@CycletheNation morning Scott. Yes. Definitely. I have some of the big descents on my channel too. Always worthwhile.
Did you see a lad fell off on The Lakeland Loop on the two corners just before Calder Bridge - did his femur head. Do you have that bit on Camera in full too?
I do now! Went out after work yesterday and got Newlands, Whinlatter and Cold Fell descents. Still got Kirkstone to do,, but it's closed until May 1st. I'll be publishing every descent in full over the next few days
@@CycletheNation yes. I saw on Strava. I was watching my up and down of Hardknott the other day. In my descent I did swap to the drops half way down. 🤪and Honister this morning before work. I’m off to do my last weekend of prep tomorrow. Laps of Honister, Newlands and Whinlatter.
@@DuncMcNutt all the best! Got 3 ready to go already. It's being a busy week. ☺️🤦
great video, cheers
Thank you this is very very helpful
Brilliant 👍
Great advice Scott, in particular about walkers - more hazardous than the Herdy :-)
Cheers, great vid. Cacking it and excited in equal measure 😊
Exactly as you should be!
You’re a good egg. Some excellent advice in here Scott. 👍🙏
I can only try 😊
Super helpful information Scott, especially about the descents. Thank-you very much!! 😊
I have those 4 descents in full. Do you think it's worth just publishing them as they are?
Hey Scott, I'm doing the Fred next month and would appreciate any videos you've got on the descents. Many videos focus on the ascents, so any information to keep safe on the descents would be much appreciated. Hope your knee's improving ☺️
@tmilner762 Hiya.
I've got the 4 descents mentioned here in full. I'm going to try and get out and record the others too, and I'll publish them all. Kirkstone is closed at the moment (for another week I believe), and Cold Fell is a fair drive away, but I'm gonna try for you all!
Nice video Scott
Really excellent clip. Good advice. I dud the (in)famous 2012 Fred and people were walking DOWN Hardknott......and i didn't blsme them.
Id personally say Wyrnose is worst, always seems 2b an accident on there, might be different now as back then it was last decent and msybe folk relaxed s bit 2 much
An excellent video, thanks Scott 🙏 - will be my second time, but learned a load. And for sure the road surfaces were a little agricultural in places on a recent recce !
Many thanks, and for the subscription too (I'm sure you're aware of how much this means to people!). I'm going to publish every descent in full too over the next 2 weeks, but Kirkstone Pass is closed until May 1st (they're resurfacing) and I've just got to get out to the others.
@@CycletheNation an absolute pleasure. I thought your presentation on this video was really engaging, and you clearly have a lot more experience than I on the bike. I look forward to seeing how your journey back to fitness goes, and the Dragon ride, plus also the amazing challenge to come to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy 💯💪
Not so sure on the experience thing! Will have to get together one day for a spin out
Watched this twice already just so it sinks in.
Me too mate. Proper nervous 😬
I have those 4 descents in full. Do you think it's worth just publishing them as they are?
@@CycletheNation I think a lot of people who haven't done the route before would benefit from seeing these sections in full. The more familiar people can become with these roads the better. Getting an idea for what the road surface is like, where the bends are and how sharp they are might just ease a few nerves and save a couple of close calls. I appreciate you highlighting the sections you mentioned in this though as they could easily catch people out.
@@bradnorthcott7507 I'll get them posted over the next few days then. :)
Great video thank you. I am a decent descender but Hardknott and Wrynose really scare me. Where are good places for spectators? Arranging for the family to meet me on Whinlatter, after that is Cold Fell an option? Going out this weekend to do a 70mile route including the 2 biggies. I will be taking it easy, just want to give Hardknott a 3rd go and not bottle it on the 33% section!
Thanks! Personally - indeed Whinlatter is by far the best place. I'm not so sure on Cold Fell really as it will have cyclists all over (however, they'd be spread apart by now), and the road to get there is shared with the sportive - there's a narrow bit just after Lorton that can get snarled up. Santon Bridge could be a decent option though, there's a pub (Bridge Inn) that has a car park.
Hey Scott - yesterday my rim brakes felt really good on descents of The Fred and i had confidence in them. However, when looked at home afterwards they look quite worn. Are there any disadvantages to changing brake pads now before the Fred, given i am unlikely to get a good deal of miles in to bed them in? Sort of a 'if it aint broke dont fix it' moment.
How worn? If there's plenty of wear left, leave them. It's 1 day. Have you checked the wear indicator on your rim too? In 2022 I did the Fred on my rim brake bike and changed the pads 2-3 weeks out, and just made sure I'd done a few rides and properly bedded them in.
@@CycletheNation Thanks. Front pads were worn below the limit! Funny as yesterday they felt the best ever :-) replaced front pads and will get some miles in. (Luckilly have some 16% hills from the door on a 1mile loop)
Just packing my stuff but are there places to get water around Patterdale?
Hi John
If I'm honest, you'll not be needing any there. It's really close to the start. There's a shop in Glenridding, but that might not be open at that time on a Sunday.
@@CycletheNation Thank you. It is my first. I am aiming to get round in about 9 hours ish.
@@johnmorrissey41 all the best with it, gimme a shout if you see me out on the course, I'll be recording all day. ☺️
Invaluable tips. For HKP do you think it's better to attack it rather than sit in and conserve?
There really is no attacking there, unless you're Pogacar. 95 miles in, steep and long. You'll be at 'just keep the legs turning'
@@CycletheNation hold my beer.
@@fLowKnows keep us posted!
"you'll have had a coach, you'll have had a training plan" 🤣🤣
Yeah, yeah! Some will! 😂😂😂
I don’t know if I’m more nervous or excited for the Fred 😅. I’ve got the tour de manc the week before (same as Russ) so no tapering down yet for me yet🤣.
Great video once again bud 👍🏻.
All the best with both! Have a restful week inbetween (maybe 1 or 2 short easy rides) to keep the legs moving without taking all your rerserves
@@CycletheNation thanks bud. Will keep an eye out for you on the day 👌🏻.
Will get a sports massage booked in between both too 😂
I was bricking doing the Fred....now i think i have dropped a few bricks after watching this video 😢 thanks for the heads up
You'll be fine! Going to publish all the descents, uncut, in full over the next 2 weeks so everyone gets to see them. Just be careful and diligent and you'll be fine. ☺️
Thanks, really helpful advice