Hannah M

And that's a wrap on the 2026 @fredwhittonchallenge !

I got round the course in 9hrs45 for those that are interested, but my goals were never particularly about the times.

I'm no stranger to entering challenging bike events, but I was curious with this one to see if I could actually maintain enough consistency with training to put myself in a good enough spot to:
A) Enjoy the event itself
B) Still feel excited about riding post event.

Moving house in the weeks before was not particularly helpful for this aim, however I'm really pleased to report that I had THE BEST day out yesterday!!
Aside from a very cold start and a couple of early knee twinges, I'm super proud of this body and the things it can accomplish!

I didn't cry up any climbs, I didn't even walk up any climbs! I cackled my way down a ton of gorgeous descents and screeched down some of the steeper sketchier ones.
What an absolute privilege to be riding this bike, in these landscapes, on a day like yesterday. Gorgeous 😍

Once I'd topped Hardknott I knew I was on the home straight and was on cloud 9. Then Vicki made my day by appearing at the bottom of Blea Tarn and announcing she was gonna come ride to the end! We absolutely stormed the last 10 miles and I finished feeling strong and joyful! Such a gift 😁

When I got back on the bike to head to work this morning I was apprehensive, and then pleasantly surprised to feel comfortable and at ease, and find myself daydreaming about spending the day riding instead of going to work... (Maybe not quite so many hills tho)

#youcandohardthings
#fredwhittonchallenge
#lakedistrict