The 2019 Fred Whitton annual challenge is regarded as the toughest one day sportive in the UK. This year the riders were rewarded by a perfect day,blue skies, no rain, no wind, and a warm temperature, the weather could not have been better. Mark was riding the “Fred ” for the first time after starting cycling in 2018.He saw this as a distant goal, and after being accepted for the “Fred” upped his training, nutrition, and attitude to cycling. His new Enigma Titanium Evoke bike with the most recent Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset consisting of a compact front mec and a 11-34 cassette offered the optimum gears for attempting all the passes.
“The best day ever on a bike” was Marks spluttered remarks on completing the “Fred” in less than his target 8 hours. “Everything was perfect,the weather, my preparation and my Enigma is a fantastic bike, I love it”.
“Roll on next year I want to do it again but faster now I know I can do it, and know the route”. You need a certain selfishness to train for months and put in the time to complete the “Fred”. But as all cyclists know time on a bike is their time, time for themselves to ride at whatever speed and effort suits their individuality. Keep Cycling… keep fit.