There's snow on them thar hills!

This week's weigh in

Weight 99.9 kg (again,again)
Weight loss last week NIL

Miles last week 175
Longest ride 68 miles

This weekend saw the Lakeland Loop Sportive, which was initially intended to be a two person activity with Brett. Unfortunately, he considered that the Hardknot and Wrynose were far too difficult and, to get out of it, hit one of the opposition players in the elbow with his face while playing football on Saturday.

I decamped to the Lake District while he was still in casualty, and got a fitful night's sleep in the YHA at Grasmere. My wife will, no doubt, be amused that someone kept ME awake by snoring.

Sunday morning was, simply, stunning. Sunshine, little wind, no clouds, and snow on top of the Langdale Pikes, Helvellyn and Blencathra to name but a few.

The climb of Red Bank after just 5km was a rude awakening, as was the horrifying 25% drop into Grasmere. Dunmail Raise went slowly under the wheels, but went nevertheless, as did Whinlatter Pass and Cold Fell. It was at that point that the beauty of the early morning Lakes was contrasted by the industrial spectre of Windscale, but it soon passed in a flying descent to Gosforth.

If only I could say the same of Hardknot and Wrynose Passes. I almost made it up the first steep pitches of Hardknot, but failed with 1 hairpin left. The heart rate was fine, but the legs wouldn't respond after Thursdays 80 mile commute (PB both ways). After a brief re-mounting for the middle section, the top was a fine walk, tempered by the fact that I don't think I'd have stayed on the bike without the front wheel disappearing backwards over my head. Chapeau to those like Alec who managed to ride the whole thing.

Following an arm-wrenching wrestle with the brakes down the other side, Wrynose Bottom passed quite quickly, only for the pass to once again degenerate into a walk-fest. Another 'gripping' descent taught me another cycling lesson. Never try to stop on a 25% downhill gradient. Even if you manage it, as soon as your weight leaves the saddle, your bike does a rear-wheel wheelie. DO NOT TRY THAT AT HOME!! Rapid release of front brake prevented face and gravel coming together, but not before I wobbled and half-hopped a good 10 yards down the hill.

Blea Tarn had me off again for about 50 metres before the final descent, and a much-needed leg massage. All-in-all a stunning event, and one I shall definitely do again next year.

Biggest regret? No, it wasn't the walking, but not taking the camera. I shall probably never again cycle on such a perfect morning in such surroundings. But then there's always the Pyrenees........