A Riders perspective of the Lakeland Loop …….

Harry Carpenter , Team Rider for All Terrain Cycles view of this now famous Sportive…

Harry Carpenter of All Terrain Cycles takes on the Lakeland Hill

The Lakeland Loop, organised by Epic Events is traditionally a 69 mile tour of the Cumbrian fells, “The thinking man’s Fred” as I’ve heard it called (very tongue in cheek I hasten to add) but this year the road closure on the A591 meant the route had to be diverted eastwards, up and over Kirkstone. This meant the overall height gain was nearer 9,000ft and the distance increased to 87 miles, the route was nearer akin to the Fred (Whitton) route than ever before.

A pre ride video brief e-mailed to all riders meant the start line brief was minimal and with plenty of car parking (all part of the entry fee) close by the start was quick and stress free. Or it should have been if it hadn’t been for the menacing threat of snow looming over the Langdales……we rode out and through Ambleside before turning left up towards Troutbeck and onto Kirkstone where it became progressively more damp. A cold drop down to Brothers Water led us onto the climb up to Dockray. The damp became wet, the wet became sleet and then the sleet became snow. It was a rather cold bunch that assembled at the A66 junction, a quick bite to eat saw us chainganging along the busy road, the quicker you went the quicker you got off the road, hopefully rubber side down…..

After Keswick the weather started to improve, a quick stop at the feed station saw the route winding it’s way through the western valleys, it’s a belter of a ride with some beautiful views which were thankfully helped by the odd patch of sunshine. I missed out the second feed and after grunting my way over Hardknott, Wrynose and Blea Tarn I crossed the finish line in just under 6 hours where my timing chip was whisked away by a helpful volunteer and I grabbed some complimentary grub. The event costs £25 and in my book is well worth it, it’s great, especially if you’re considering or training for the Fred Whitton