A MAN has achieved his dream of taking part in the Wheelbase Fred Whitton Challenge.
Scott Mitchell, 44, who lives in Endmoor, took up cycling in 2017 and said the Fred Whitton Challenge had always been on 'the list' of things he would like to do.
Scott said he was 'immensely proud' to finish the route in eight hours and 25 minutes, while congratulating Tim King who completed his 10th Wheelbase Fred Whitton Challenge.
Scott said: "My journey with exercise has been a relatively intense one as I do it all to challenge myself in order to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy UK as our son Alex suffers from Becker MD, and with local friends from Kendal Tri Club and Kirkby Lonsdale Cycle Club bringing it up in conversation with alarming regularity, I decided to enter the ballot for 2022's event and was lucky enough to get a place."
The Wheelbase Fred Whitton Challenge consists of a 112 mile sportive around the Lake District. Starting at Grasmere and taking in climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott, Wrynose and Blea Tarn passes, with 11,000ft of climbing.
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Scott set off around 7am and expected quiet roads, which he did not get.
"Throughout the whole course there was not a single moment where you weren't either very close to or with other riders," he said.
Scott said when he was riding through Cold Fell his legs were starting to feel the pain.
"Cold Fell is one of those that seems to go on forever," he said. "However, the next feed station was approaching quickly, where I stopped to take on the provided food and liquid. It's from here where the work really starts, and everyone knows it."
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When you arrive at the finish line you get 'amazing support from all at the finish line' Scott said.
"Fellow club members, friends, family, support in general - there's untold stories to collect and share with them all, all whilst clapping other riders coming in," he said.
"A huge thanks to everyone involved in running this event. It's something that depends on the kindness of others and those that compete are grateful for it.
"Well done to everyone who completed - you've done an amazing thing.”
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