@chorltonvelo - good luck at the Whitton chaps

It's almost the middle of May and that means it's Fred Whitton time. Around a thousand souls will set off early on Sunday to tackle one of the toughest sportives around - 114 miles around the lake district taking in: Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hard Knott and Wrynose passes to name but a few.

Go left, up, left, up again, down, up, down, up, down, left, up, down, left, up, up, down, up then finish

I'm not riding this year - and didn't last - but did in 2011 and got lashed on for most of the day. I recall the hail making the ascent of Honister particularly tasty.
It's a bloody tough course - especially if you're not riding in somebody's wheel. The toughest part for me was turning south toward Calder Bridge into a head wind up Cold Fell. Not the biggest or steepest by any means but I was starting to see spots in front of my eyes and had to get off. Got the knock pretty bad and freewheeled down to the feed stop at Calder and tried to rid the site of cheese and cake - did a pretty good job too!
It looks like the weather will be similar to 2011 for this year's event so good luck and ride safe to all involved.