Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page for the Fred Whitton sportive.

Described as the second hardest cycling sportive in Europe, this isn't just 112 miles cycling through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Lake District, it is one of the most painful and arduous cycling undertakings this country has to offer!  

There are over 10 excruciating peaks to conquer, all of which put the gradient on Jedburgh High Street to shame (some of them are 25% and 30% inclines!).

It includes the two TOUGHEST climbs in the UK (Hardknott Pass and Wrynose Pass) - n.b. you may need to copy & paste the link below to view the URL: 

http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2012/jul/20/britains-top-10-toughest-cycle-climbs

All together, it has 6 in total from the UK's top 100!

It's taken me nearly a year of getting up at 6am on Saturday and 7am on a Sunday nearly EVERY weekend without fail (and right throughout one of the wettest winters we've ever had!) to go out cycling to get myself ready for this ... and I'm still not sure I'm quite there yet!

This short and entertaining video gives a view of what Hardknott looks like to someone on a bike:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PKbLIr-2Oo

(Have a look at the cyclist struggling 2 mins 20secs in!)

Here is a short video of me describing the event:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTzgms7rj2M

The event is hoping to breakthrough the £1m fundraising barrier this year, and with your support I hope we can make a small contribution to this target.

Many thanks, and wish me luck!

Mark

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