Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge

Rated Event: 95.556%

MikeStoaling wrote:

What a fabulous event. The scenery, the challenge, the crowds, the organisation. If you only ride one sportive in the UK, get yourself a little fitness and if you are lucky enough to get an entry, ride this one. And don't forget to get sponsored for charity. And be lucky with the weather because I think it could be very tough in the rain and cold. Enjoy ...

Rated Event: 98.889%

keeponpeddling wrote:

HOPE TO RIDE THE SPORTIVE FOR MANY YEARS TO COME, IT IS AN ANNUAL MILESTONE EVENT IN MY SPORTING CALENDER.

Rated Event: 87.778%

mail@andrewadshead.com wrote:

Awesome experience. Honister, Hardknott & Wrynose have to be seen to be believed.

Great marshalling and safety support from local mountain rescue teams on the descents.

Fantastic well stocked feed stations with a great choice of proper food, not just modern energy rubbish. Sandwiches, malt loaf, scones etc all with lashings of jam :-)

Only slight negative was lack of available support when I punctured on Wrynose descent having suffered blow out; shredding a tyre and trashing a wheel. I phoned race support to be told to either wait (a considerable time) for the sag wagon or to walk the 6 miles back to Coniston :-(

Other than that, a fabulous experience which I'd recommend to anyone. Definitely the daddy of the UK sportives.

Rated Event: 91.111%

wizzard wrote:

really enjoyed the ride,the timing where you dib in could be better,as when i have done sportives on the isle of man you dib in at feed stations,then dib out when you are ready to go again so you get a true time of your ride

Rated Event: 98.889%

Rikardo wrote:

Exceptionally friendly and well organised event.
Superb roadside support from organisers, friends and families.
Beautiful scenery and challenging terrain, highly recommend this event.

Rated Event: 100.000%

wrote:

Superb event - and no walking!

Rated Event: 88.889%

Nick Millar wrote:

Great event as usual. Please remove Hardknott though..on maybe just make it flatter!

Rated Event: 98.889%

JamieWard wrote:

One to do, it is hard (but is easily manageable to any fit rider) but a brilliant ride that gets harder and harder throughout the day. I laughed at hardknott but enjoyed every minute.

Rated Event: 94.444%

PhilWhitehurst wrote:

ruly great atmosphere. You were cheered on passes . Cow bells were rung. Villages came out to cheer you. Marshall faultless . Police stopped traffic at dangerous junctions. Feed stations had real food like jam and tuna sandwiches. Mountain rescue and paramedics at top and bottom of passes respectively. Pastie beans and mushy peas at finish. It's how a cycling event should be run. Recommend it to anyone who wants a hard cycling challenge . I spent 3 months getting fit enough in hilly Hertfordshire . But it all paid off. Still buzzing .

Rated Event: 98.889%

Im Spartacus wrote:

The best one day sportive in the U.K.
Thank's to all who put on a great day!!!!

Rated Event: 100.000%

JonR wrote:

A superbly challenging course and well organised. Very well signed and marshalled. A brilliant day ride!

Rated Event: 97.778%

nickwill wrote:

The classic sportive event. Wonderful route, friendly efficient organisation. The one that all the others have to beat.

Rated Event: 100.000%

wrote:

My 3rd Fred and they keep on getting better and better. Well done Lofty and the brilliant volunteers that make this simply the most challenging and well organised sportive in the country.

Rated Event: 98.889%

wrote:

Fantastic event and fabulous organisation. Many thanks to the small army of volunteers who provide the sign on, food, marshalling etc etc - all make this the best run event I've done. Course is tough but you wouldn't want it any other way. On my list of Must Do events each year.

Rated Event: 98.889%

brianthesnail wrote:

The best sportive by far. Truly is the "Daddy" of them all. This was my third Fred and it gets better each time. Outstanding organisation. Well done Paul Loftus.

Rated Event: 100.000%

spagforth wrote:

The most challenging event you can do in a day. I took part in 2010 and experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, ( serious leg cramps). After this event nothing should phase you. I wanted to do it in 2011 but an 'off' resulting in a broken collar bone sidelined me for 2012. A forthcoming house move will prevent me from this year but going to make a real effort for 2013. Best advice I can give? Train train train on hills hills hills! I managed to get round in 10hrs 39 mins. Its a beast but utterly wonderful!!

Rated Event: 91.111%

wrote:

Well organised and very cycle friendly event.

Rated Event: 93.333%

wrote:

Probally the best event I ever done,a great course albeit a very tough one.Definately putting my name for this one again next year.

Rated Event: 99.900%

wrote:

Faultless.

Rated Event: 99.900%

wrote:

meilleure sportive au monde!