Lake District Adventures, including Official 100 Climbs Wrynose Pass & Hawkshead Hill

[@murielboudet5639]

Phill, why don’t you make a video on equipment one day ? I would love you speak about Jerseys, or about your favorite short , cycling shoes... which brands do you wear ... You have this legendary English elegance so you are the one to talk about this better than anyone else ... Anyone here agree with me ? Please comment...

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Hi Muriel - that’s beyond generous of you 🙏😊. And once I’ve completed the Fred Whitton in mid September, I’ll make the video and explain why I value the stuff I’m using . Thanks ever so much for the excellent idea 👍

[@johnmullen1955]

Dear Sir I have no wish to belittle your achievement but I feel I must say I was riding Wrynose and hardknott passes 56 yearsago when I was only seventeen. We rode up from Blackburn and rode over both passes followed later by Blacksail pass and Honister riding back to Blackburn on the Sunday.I hasten to add we all rode steel touring bikes with dynamo lighting saddlebags and mudguards .My bike had 40tooth chainwheel and 26 tooth sprocketand this was considered alow gear in that time. as a consequence of all this I wonder what all the fuss is about.I rode with CTC north western section and these weekend rides were not considered anything special.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

No worries - and nice one for your own experiences as a youngster. This was simply a piece of content aimed at people curious about cycling (many of whom like me don’t have easy access to beautiful countryside and challenging hills to climb - and when I was new to cycling. Aimed at showing the beauty of the area and what it’s like to cycle what is regarded as one of the more beautiful and challenging climbs in the UK … and as fast as I was able to (then aged 46). This holiday gave me as a Londoner a love of the Lake District. After this I returned to complete the Fred Whitton and have been back a couple more times after that. Love this part of the world - I think even more than the French or Swiss Alpes …… and on a par with the Stelvio National Park or the Dolomites 🤩

[@AtakanCOBAN54]

Wowww woww woww 😀😀😀 an excellent climb, great places and roads, excellent music. You are awesome Phil. With hello and with hello Sister Jane too... have a nice day mate. 👏👏👏🚲🚲🚲⛾⛾

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Hi Atakan - thanks ever so much for checking this one out and for all your amazing encouragement 🙏💯 . Jayne bids you hello and happiness - all the way from the French Alps ! 🤩

[@titaniumben9923]

Love watching these to distract myself as I roll out the last mins on zwift

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Ben! Happy to oblige, Sir 💯👍

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Ben! Happy to oblige, Sir 💯👍

[@SILVERSNOWMAN72]

Nice one Phill, very good indeed. I find that point on a steep hill particularly awkward when you ride up behind a walker at just above walking pace and the awkward few seconds when you're level then creep forward very slowly, then inject some effort to get yourself out of the strangeness with the walker that is riding at almost walking speed!!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

For sure Wayne - agreed it’s pretty embarrassing to grind past the hikers at a glacial pace 😅 - but I hide behind my POCs and try to sale hello as nonchalantly as possible 🤣

[@SILVERSNOWMAN72]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy sound advise Phill, enjoy your holiday both of you!!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Wayne 🙏 Hope you had a good bank holiday weekend 👍

[@derx6666]

I don't think I want to ride that one yet. Not sure I could get to the top without getting off the bike, seeing the power numbers you have to do. But great effort again Phil. And nice edit again from Jayne. Getting quite professional.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Jayne says thanks Marco! 🙏 I was going a little better when this was filmed … am quite nervous for the e Fred! Looking forward to seeing you again later !

[@stuart3901]

Stunning video Phil. Great scenery..just beautiful. I gotta say wearing your rampant stolen goat jersey while riding the pass was appropriate. Keep up the great videography!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Stuart - that’s massively appreciated 🙏. We love filming and editing the videos - and I do like finding the jerseys and bib shorts to compliment the bike and the scenery. Plenty more to come 👍

[@gregdelves3615]

Huge effort! A relentless climb. Well done sir.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Greg - it’s tough and then offers a serious bite in the final 1/3 - really appreciate your super kind support 🙏

[@johnmullen1955]

Thanks for your reply.It goes a long way to explain your video.I had not considered that you were not a local lad.My reasonfor commentingwas that I see a great deal of videos based on the ascent of Wrynose and Hardknott which in fairness are both extremely difficult to ride a bicycle up,then and now.Having said that modern bikes with ultra low gearing and stripped down to the basics must make the job a whole lot easier.I may be bragging now but I once rode The Struggles on my touring bike using a 44t chainwheel and a 22t sprocket try that out if you like a good thrutch.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

For sure the light bikes and the generous gearing makes a big difference - I had a 32 cassette on the rear of the bike in the video (albeit it’s not light by modern standards). I like the fact that a fast ascent up these climbs require a good pacing plan - to leave enough energy to go as hard as possible on the steepest bits . Big fitness to do it as you did, John 💯💪

[@Spikey_Mikey]

There are some amazing views and looked like a brutal but beautiful climb, after all the climbing you have done this year now it would be interesting to see you do a top 10 video of climbs you have done and why 😁👍

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Lovely idea Michael - and for sure this is definitely my favourite climb in the Lakes - it’s got it all, variable gradient, some huge challenge and also incredible views from the top. It’s best climbed this direction and also to descend back the same way. I’ll turn my hand to that video over the Autumn 👍

[@lorddilego6805]

Scaring Sheep Without Mercy! Actually, I was a little disappointed by this video, I was told there would be rhinos. ;P Well done, Phill! Wow...that climb scares me even at a distance. I promise you, meeting that hiker at the very steepest bit towards the top would've destroyed Pritchard, trying to push away from the hiker while looking effortless as he does. xD

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

A new edition of Scaring Rhinos Without Mercy is in planning for 2022, Lord 🤣. It’s probably my favourite climb in the Lakes - and a very very tough 2nd half 🥵. It’s quite a challenge passing a walking when the gradient is so steep - you’re thinking press on a bit to glide past… but at all costs don’t blow …do not blow 🤣

[@tonystrange7224]

Nice video Phill, all good practice for the Fred. Not long to wait now. Funny when you're watching the video how the steep gradients don't seem so steep. If only that were true.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Tony - apologies for not replying to this! I was sure I had 🤯 Yep - was good practice and I rode it again the Saturday before the Fred, last weekend! And I’ve got some film that manages to capture the steepness 🥵

[@markheeles5994]

I did kirkstone pass but started at windermere love the lakes

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

I too love Kirkstone pass from that start point, Mark, It’s a lovely long climb from Windermere - especially as you get up high and ride parallel to the mountains - absolutely stunning part of the world

[@kevstephen9393]

Another stunning location with the pretty stone houses along with the dry stone walls. your certainly can pick the Phil

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Absolutely epic part of the world Kev - and nearly as pretty as your bike and new wheels 🤩

[@htukmumfie]

you have definitely mastered the nasty climbs now, phil. great effort. have a look at my winking sheep ride from bank holiday sunday in the north pennines, as it may open up some extra ideas for future rides in the north east.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Paul - really appreciate that coming from you🙏. And for sure that looks like an incredible ride in the NE - and boy did you complete it at an impressive pace 💪

[@PeterChilcott]

27% farkle!. Splendid indeed.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

The gradients are insane, aren’t they Peter! 🥵

[@danielhastings3707]

Im going to Lake District at the end of the month and trying Wrynose amongst others..i keep telling myself that a compact up front and 34t at the back will be enough but im not so sure! I best pack some spare cleats for the walk!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

I hope you have an amazing time Daniel (and some decent weather💯🤞) - the 34 and compact will be a big help. And my top tip is pacing - save energy for the steep bits - and be prepared to get out the saddle - and on the low inclines and false flats go to zone 2 to recover for a few seconds 👍

[@GiorgioCoppolaCycling]

2 brutal climbs and 2 great efforts 💪 the Lake District climbs are just brutal 😅

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Wrynose is my favourite in the lakes - and brutal is the word 🥵 - albeit not as bad as the first lap of an MB race 🤣

[@agnesrosalinde]

Wonderful environment but tough, very tugh tough climbs. 25% OMG!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

You said it Agnes 💯 Super super tough!!! 😅. Hope you have had a little time to get some sunshine ☀️

[@agnesrosalinde]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy Yes, I have tomorow and the weekend, Phill.

[@nicksidell4797]

It’s always worth the reward at the end I say phill 👍

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Nick ! 🙏 Always the rewards to the climbers !! 👌💯

[@johnfickling9318]

Another inspirational masterpiece phil 👍👍👍

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much John 🙏 - loved my time in the Lakes - a wonderful place to film a little adventure 👌

[@D.J.Hunter]

I find these videos really relaxing viewing, maybe the chilled commentary and music, not the case for you! Also what time of day is this? Very few vehicles (or good editing?)

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks DJ - and pleased these help you unwind 👌. Yep - got lucky with the cars in the Dales, Lakes, Chilterns, Peaks and most recently Exmoor . They are all starting early 7am-8am which helps (and there were not school holidays for the Peaks or the Lakes rides) 👍

[@PierreAlainMaire]

7:19 on the right side of the road 😆 Beautiful images & solid effort - again ! Quick question, did you think about having a lower lowest gear ratio ?

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks Pierre-Alain 🙏😊 - much found the compact on the front and 32 on the rear to be just about ok. But I reckon a 34 on the rear would be optimal 👍

[@sagsdothedu]

Phil what gearing do you use on these climbs? I rode Winnat’s Pass soon after you and it was a real grind as I fruitlessly searched for gears that weren’t there 🤣

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Hi Mark - on the Colnago I have a compact on the front and a 32 on the rear. Makes a big difference 💯👍

[@JanekDetko]

Any tips on surviving and not blowing on those steep gradients?

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

I think my biggest tip, Janek - is the one I talked about in the video. It’s important to save as much energy as possible on the sections where the gradients are upto 12%, in order to have reserves to apply a lot more power on the steep stuff. So don’t go out too hard or try to ride a consistent power. Also getting good out of the saddle is very helpful - and getting over the front wheel 👍

[@ethangodridge6833]

Have you managed to get those apple hot cross buns yet?

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Hi Ethan - still on my list! I’ve been maxed out at work and with family and now in France -but fear not - I’ll be hunting those down 💯👌

[@ethangodridge6833]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy There's always time. Makes them more worth while.

[@stanislaogerman3743]

This is painful to watch ... ouch. Better you than me 🤣

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

It’s seriously tough Stanislao - gives me butterflies to see the top third 🥵 but very beautiful 🤩

[@vauno_83]

First, 😉🤙🏻

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Jason! Sharp cycling style and sharp on the KZbin watch button today! Thanks - and the comments segment is yours 👑💪💯

[@hugoal9987]

You have à very low cadence whereas on Zwift it's hight. How do you explain that ? On very hight percentage i understand but on 6-8% ...

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

It’s an interesting question you pose, Hugo. On the longer rides which have steep climbs outside I seem to default to average cadence of 80-85 - and much lower when out the saddle when the gradient gets past 9% (likely 55-65rpm). I find that with steep climbs my rhythm gets disrupted - and even as the gradient reduces I default to what feels comfortable and that often turns out to be 80-85. And I’ve found this translating to my roller rides (they all seem to default to the 85 range) and even my recent Zwift races (80-85 on my most recent climbing races). So I think I’ve got into a habit of lower cadence through more out the saddle - not something I’ve tried to change 👍

[@olliebollie3005]

At these gradients, 6% seems to be downhill

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Literally Ollie - 6% -9% even feels lovely 😅💯

[@RideWithGerben]

Looks like they hired Italian road builders in the Lake District. 25%?? Isn't that a bit too much? Nahh, ittt wille be fine!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Very much Gerben - Overly confident British engineering - that the cars and motorbikes are only just able in 2021 to cope with !! 🤣

[@foundfoundfound1]

a most picturesque part of england. but how shocking are the roads? undersized and dilapidated. one begins to see wot the american guest (in faulty towers “waldorf salad”) was complaining of.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

The U.K. is indeed sensational, FFF - but for sure the roads are too narrow - and even when repaired the cold and frost seems to almost immediately cause them to fail in the same places again. Much much better away from the deep countryside - but for sure not smooth like the US or European asphalt 💯

[@foundfoundfound1]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy rather. if postman pat came zipping around one of those blind corners he could be straight into alan metcalfe’s van (from “bad news tour”).

[@edscoble]

Can you make your content inclusive by formatting the auto captioning into closed captioning please? it is extremely hard to watch it relying only on the auto captioning sadly (I'm Profoundly Deaf)

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

I’m sorry to hear that, Ed. In the description I have an explanation as to how to turn on the translation . Does this not work well? And if so what do you mean by closed captioning ?

[@edscoble]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy turn on the CC symbol on this video as an example, it make content much more accessible not only to Deaf people but for everyone (e.g. in a train quiet carriage without headphone). kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJLXf3WQnZtphtE