Steep UK Climbs - The Struggle in the Beautiful Lake District | Plus Remembering Loved Ones!

[@carloschiesaro3265]

What a climb! Stunning! Lake District is marvellous- hope to visit one day. Thanks for sharing!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

💯 Carlo, it’s an incredible part of the UK - and definitely worth making the journey. My pleasure for sharing this - and hope you like Sunday’s vid, where Lee Baxter took some incredible footage of a couple of super challenging climbs 👌

[@carloschiesaro3265]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy looking forward to watching it!

[@rogerkaaresen1930]

Wow, Love the effort and the view 🏆😎💪💪

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks Roger 🙏 - I must confess to underestimating the effort needed to get up that climb, but very rewarding to get it done 😅 The Lake District just delivers view on views - sensational 👌

[@gazwagon4843]

Lovely Phill, wise words and stunning vistas.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Gaz - thats really kind of you to say so! 🙏 I’ve been rediscovering the beauty of the UK through my trips to Exmoor, the Lakes and Yorkshire - all so perfect 👌

[@AtakanCOBAN54]

Absolutely awesome, thank you mate. From Türkiye with hello. Ride on...

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Massive gratitude as ever Atakan 🙏 - love the Lake District 💯👌

[@jinx6493]

Stunning part of the world and to think it’s in ‘good ol Blighty’! We are blessed with some beautiful locations in the UK for sure. Great video and ughhh that climb…looking forward to seeing the rest 😁👍

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

It sure is an incredible part of the U.K., Jinx - and I’m still only learning about how many amazing places there are to climb here 👌. I loved Yorkshire and Exmoor - and am looking forward to the Peak District also. Thanks ever so much 🙏 - and hope you enjoy Sunday’s vid, where courtesy of Lee Baxter we have some absolutely stunning video of an ascent up Hardknott Pass 👌

[@nickbrownbill3413]

Lovely video Phill, fantastic showcase for cycling in the north of England and I loved the personal sentiment there, what a great and touching way to remember your grandparents. Great effort up the climb and I hope your knee is feeling a bit better now!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Nick - you’re a true gent Sir 🙏 - and I’m learning the North of England show cases itself - absolute cycling paradise. Was too long since I’d last visited the lakes. I took an easy week and no out the saddle - and the left knee seems ok 🤞 How are you getting along after another enforced rest week?

[@littleian3757]

Very picturesque Phil 😍

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

I fell in love with the Lakes, Ian - sensational views (rain or shine!) 👌 Thanks ever so much 🙏

[@liamg9846]

Lovely part of the world, looks like you enjoyed it... and the climbing 🤣.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

I certainly fell back in love with the Lake District Liam - and can highly recommend it 👌. And you’ll see in Sundays vlog just how stunning (and difficult) the climbing is courtesy of some beautiful camera work from Lee Baxter on Hardknott Pass 👌

[@pbt2005]

Great as ever Phil. I went to the lakes in 09. Stayed in Troutbeck. Went up as a road cyclist came back a commited mountain biker. Ambleside and Keswick MTB mecca. Got to be the hardest roads in the UK and I ride in Devon so that says a lot. Brutal. 😂😂👍👍👍

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks as ever, Pete - I hugely appreciate your super positive support 🙏. I can understand why you sampled then switched to the MB in the lakes - I saw a lot of mountain bikers, and there appeared to be loads of incredible trails to explore. And agreed - for the road, the terrain was super super tough, and I can only imagine it’s harder on the MB 😅

[@davidbeagley4853]

Loved this video Phil! Great memories for me too 👍enjoy your stay and well done in some awesome climbing 👌

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much, David a that’s really kind of you to say so🙏. It’s certainly a stunning part of the world where amazing memories are forged ! Sundays vlog sees us hitting Wrynose Pass and Hardknott Pass - with some stunning camera work from Lee Baxter - so hopefully you’ll enjoy that one too 👍

[@iancarson8614]

beautiful video phil. lovely sentiments too. ❤

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Hi Ian - hope you are well Sir 👍. Jaw dropping scenery, a cyclists paradise - and as you say very reassuring to remember loved ones .

[@abedfo88]

Ahhh Ambleside and the struggle many childhood memories ensconced there. Big fan of Brothers water too.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

A trip down memory lane for you also Andrew 👌. I’d not heard of Brothers Water - is it nearby?

[@abedfo88]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy if you turn left at the top of the struggle (which i think you did) its the lake at the bottom of the following descent, there is a good campsite there!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

@@abedfo88 ahh yes, I rode down to that lake on the Tuesday, in order to climb back up Kirkstone Pass. It was very beautiful and also peaceful down there 👌

[@cdwilson12]

I descended The Struggle a few weeks ago after going up Kirkstone. It's a craxy steep descent and you definitely appreciate how hard the ascent must be. Absolute brute of a climb and its definitely one for 2024. You put some power out there Phil.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

The Struggle is indeed aptly named 💯! And without doubt the Lake District is one of my favourite places to cycle - especially on a half decent day !! It’s a great mini objective for you to put a revisit back into your 2024 mini objectives, and whilst there is very much recommend Blea Tarn then Wrynose Pass . I’ve a video called my Perfect Ride - and both of these are in it. For my money the most beautiful part of the Lakes 🤩

[@kevstephen9393]

Stunning location, cant wait to see hardknott as the struggle looked like better road surfaces from what I can remember of hardknott ;-)

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

You called that right Kev 💯 - you’ll see more than a couple of pot holes on Hardknott 😅. And thanks ever so much - it was an absolutely stunning area to cycle around 👌

[@robflel]

Beautiful Phill. I was very fortunate to live in the Lakes including Ambleside (half way up the struggle) for four years. Nowhere quite like it.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks Rob 🙏 - and indeed you were very lucky 💯 - I’d forgotten how beautiful the Lakes are (rain or shine) - I absolutely fell in love with the area 👌 Living half way up the Struggle would make every bike ride a bit of a challenge though 😅

[@martinclemas2170]

Great vlog Phil. Takes me back to holidays there with my wife before we had kids.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Much appreciated Martin 🙏 - ahhh the freedom of life pre kids ….. I remember that in the very dim and distant past also! Mine are now 17 and 18, so less inclined to holiday with me..unless we are going to Ibiza ! 🤣

[@tonystrange7224]

Great video this one Phill, cracking Lake District views and boy I could feel my legs screaming just watching you on those 2 climbs. Looking forward to the next video.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Tony 🙏 - and about 2mins into the climb when the penny dropped and I realised the steep section would go on for some time more, the level of concern hit a peak 😅 And then the final KM was literally a leg sapper - and I was TrueType telling myself to keep pedalling …keep pedalling ! I very much hope you enjoy Sunday’s video - we have some beautiful footage of Hardknott and Wrynose . 👌

[@DennisNowland]

Brilliant.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Dennis - you’re a gent 🙏

[@shaunedwards4362]

Beautiful video phil.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Shaun 🙏 - super kind of you 💯 Loved the Lakes 👌

[@danielhastings3707]

I did The Struggle yesterday for the first time. I was chuffed to get up this without stopping in 26:56. Im from Norfolk so this type of gradient is a whole new challenge for me! Great video. I relieved every moment with you! If people ever ask me what it was like, ill show them this video! Thanks and well done 👍

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Daniel - that’s really kind of you 🙏. And congratulations on your successful ascent - I too found it a massive shock to the system - the first 1.2km seems to go on for miles. And the final 1km is proper hard even after the brief respite 😅

[@agnesrosalinde]

Lovely video. The climb (wow how long and steep), the beautiful environment, beautiful villages. I bet you both enjoyed that very well .

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

I fell in love with the Lake District Agnes - it’s sensational even in the rain (indeed very atmospheric )👌. And for sure we loved pottering around the countryside, and have a really lovely video to release for Sunday, with one of the toughest climbs in the U.K. - and beautifully filmed by Lee Baxter 💯👍

[@agnesrosalinde]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy Yes and you have so many good memories there too. Looking forward to the next.

[@barryhambly7711]

Very lovely end to a great ride and climb nice to see, years and years ago I was in that part of the world. A climb like that you have to back off at the bottom to make sure you have it at the top but if you do not know a climb it is always hard to pace. Well done!!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Barry - the Lake District is truly sublime - a cyclist’s paradise 👌 But to your point, I certainly learned the value of holding back a little in order to complete the climbs strong. If you blow up on those gradients, its very hard to find the way back 😅 And on Sunday’s vlog where we take on Wynrose and then Hardknott, you’ll see I’ve very focussed on keeping the power very disciplined at the start of each climb 💯

[@derx6666]

Epic scenery, and massive but beautiful climb. I hope I'll be blessed to be able to ride that climb one day.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

💯 Marco - it’s every bit as tough and rewarding as it looks 👌. And I couldn’t agree more - let’s hope you can travel here and me to Europe . To better times Sir 🤞💪

[@paulmorrison30]

Lovely vid Phil 👍🏾. I found it quite emotional as I lost my mother just over a week ago and it’s so important to remember loved ones both past and present 🙏🏾

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Paul, I’m ever so sorry to hear about your Mother, and please accept my most sincere condolences. Unbelievably difficult and stressful. I remember vividly my Uncle Robert telling me about his perspective on the afterlife, and genuinely believe the that those loved ones who pass on, live on through how we live our own lives and treat others. Many are the times I think of a grandparent and what they would have thought or how they would have reacted - and it’s the same for my Mum who is still alive. We are a product of the shadow they cast, and I have no doubt that your Mum cast a very positive shadow indeed - and will live on through you and your family. Take care in these difficult times. Phill

[@paulmorrison30]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy Thanks Phil, it’s greatly appreciated. As long as we remember them, they’re never truly gone.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

@@paulmorrison30 thats my belief, Paul - and I very much hope you and your family are able to grieve and then remember her at her best 💯

[@foundfoundfound1]

an undiscovered hill-one not previously ridden-is one of cycling’s genuine joys. the footage looks top. only omission: rather think you should have shoved a spot of wordsworth in for the occasion. “these beauteous forms/ through a long absence….” etc.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

It truly is a special experience hitting a hill you’ve never ridden at full tilt, FFF - exhilarating 💪💯 And thats a great point - Dove Cottage is by Grasmere, and I didn’t even mentioned daffodils 😔 The vlog on Sunday contrasts my riding style with Lee Baxter’s - with some beautiful camera work from Lee as we ascend Hardknott Pass 👍

[@crankgreenwatts]

Awesome scenery, commentary, and everything we look forward to from BRWM 👏

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

You’re a gent Phil 💯🙏 - and I hope you now have your refund from WattBike 🤞. I very much hope you’ll enjoy the vid on Sunday - we have some epic climbs and scenery - with really nice filming courtesy of Lee Baxter 👌

[@crankgreenwatts]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy Not yet, collection is being arranged, and then they need to evaluate how much to refund 😢 Enjoy the vids, like Ed's and others, as shows different views from a riding perspective 👍

[@stephen-itsmyfishingblog]

Looks spectacular! I must go 🤩 ☀️ 👊🏻

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Stephen - it’s sensational, and you have to go 💯. I fell in love with the Lakes - and as you’ll see on Sundays Vlog, where the filming is spectacular, it’s a cyclist’s paradise 👌

[@lorddilego6805]

As usual, the contrast of the lovely scenery and delicious cake with the horribly steep climbs. Enticing and scary at the same time. :D 8:18 Very wise sentiment from uncle Robert there. Truly words to live by regardless of beliefs concerning a potential afterlife. :) It really did look like you were in people's gardens there at the end. Good call bringing Jayne along for any moments that may require navigation though. ;P

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Always love your incisive summaries Lord 👌. And my Uncle Robert was indeed a really lovely and wise person 💯. This is a little taster for the Lakes, I’ve got a really stunning video due to release on Sunday - with 2 of the hardest climbs in the U.K. 👌- and Lee Baxter guiding me through them. Jayne and I were wandering along the footpath and found ourselves in the Farmers field and then his back yard! I’m not blessed with the navigation skills though… as you rightly identify 😂 Hope all is well Sir 💯

[@MichaelBoogerd]

Nice vid Phil! My favorite part of the UK, also a yearly tradition to go holidaying around Ambleside/Windermere or camping in Netherwasdale... I had the privilege of being on the side of the road when the peloton rode up the Struggle in the milk race way back when sometime at the end of the 80s probably... was my first impression of road cycling... and I was hooked from then on!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Chris - that’s hugely appreciated 🙏. And I too have fallen in love with the area 👌. To see a peleton take on the struggle is something else - must have been controlled carnage 😅 - no wonder you were hooked . We take on Hardknott and Wrynose on Sundays vid - and Lee Baxter gets some sensational video footage also 👌

[@simonbrown3993]

Looks amazing up there in the sun Phil. Let’s hope it is still like that in September 😀😀😀

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

I fell in love with it up there Simon - especially in the sunshine (was also great in the rain!). Some Sun for the Fred would be very welcome though . You’ll see Hardknott in all it’s glory on Sunday’s vid - steep is not the word 😅

[@simonbrown3993]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy. I do like it up there too Phil, and yes the sun for the Fred will be very much appreciated.. what size cassette you using up there?

[@katefulford8599]

Briiliant video. You & Jayne need to set up a separate you tube channel for your countryside adventures 😂 White Trainers are definitely a no no in the English Countryside, wellies or 🥾 all the way. Kudos to Jayne for keeping them white 👌

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

🤣 Pena - yes we were not exactly blending in with the countryside ! I think we may have to invest in some walking trainers - which seemed to be the fashion in favour of the traditional walking boot amongst those in the know 😁 I was as keen as Jayne to keep them white - I do love a pristine box fresh look to the trainer 👌

[@jaynes6813]

It wasn’t a very wise choice of footwear Pena (although the intent had been to walk on the road until Phill decided we’d try a new route home!) 😊

[@zaahierstanley955]

Wow! Lucky you having all those lovely steep hills outdoors whilst we stuck indoors. Amazing views for sure! Glad you had a good time. God bless the souls of your family there... 30 years is a long time ! Jane is definately starting to loose her camera shyness. Hope you get to enjoy the summer weather further

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Zaahier 🙏 - got rest their soles indeed 💯. I’m assuming it’s too hot and rainy to ride out 😫. It was a long winter here - and is a big relief to get back outside consistently . Yep - Jayne’s happy to make the occasional appearance 😁. Hope all is well 👍

[@seanogization]

I’ve cycled that hill before, it’s insane. You should come to Ireland and cycle some of our hills. It makes this climb look like a juvenile climb.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

The first 2km and final 1km sure do bite Sean 😅 - and I’d love to get out to Ireland, Ian Carson tells me the same 💯. On Sundays video we have some beautiful camera work from Lee Baxter as we take on 2 very big beasts - Hardknott Pass and Wynrose Pass - both savage but absolutely stunning 👌

[@seanogization]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy amazing, can’t wait to see them. When you get to Ireland let me know and I’ll show you both scenic rides and challenging rides. Looking forward to it.👍💪

[@andrewlong1117]

Superb vlog Phill, we’re staying in the same lodges for a week in September , can’t wait. You deserve all the kudos and praise for sharing your passion but also , so does the Jayne for her massive contributions to make these so successful👏, glad she kept the trainers clean 😃. Looking forward to seeing more of your Lake District adventure 👍

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Andrew 🙏 I really loved Hawkshead - its very pretty and relaxing and easy to get to Ambleside and Kirkstone Pass or Wrynose / Hardknott. The lodges are really nice also - so hope you have a good time 💯 Sundays vlog sees Lee Baxter and I taking on Hardknott Pass amongst others, with some stunning camera work courtesy of Lee 👌

[@jamesbrittles4022]

you're getting some great rides in at the moment phill!! I 💪💪I'm out of action at the moment with a sprained knee. watching you and others enjoying these rides is keeping me going! keep up the good work

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Really sorry to hear about your knee injury, James - and wishing you a speedy recovery 🍀. Thanks for reaching out with such positive energy - it’s really motivating to know it helps a tad - you’ll soon be back on the road 💪

[@joshuadavis3258]

Great video as usual Phil! I’m in the lakes this week, managed to bike to Ambleside from coniston with my partner Beth but couldn’t tempt her to ride the struggle 😃 so I will have to head back at some point with my brother to get it ticked off the list ✅ it certainly is a beautiful part of the country 👌🏼 looking forward to seeing a ride from you in the peak district, you should try and do ‘the Matlock 5’ climbs

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Hi Joshua - thanks ever so much 🙏. And I can understand Beth’s reluctance to go up it 😂. But agreed a must do climb for you and your brother - really tough but ever so rewarding, and with incredible views at the top👌. Is the 5 climbs in the Peak District a route for one day?

[@joshuadavis3258]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy yes Phil the route involves 5 climbs in and around the edge of the peaks. They are curbar edge,Rowsley bar, monsal head, riber and bank road. A really challenging but stunning route 👍

[@Shimshams]

Have done the struggle…and yes it is..🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️…for anyone thinking of doing it..check the pub is still open…it closed for a while…may still be nov.2023. Edit..forgot to say ..great video 👍

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Trackrods - and for sure a shandy at the pub post climb (Struggle or Kirkstone) is the epitome of the good life 👌💯🚀

[@Shimshams]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy from the pub / inn it’s a great ride down through trout beck to Windermere 👍

[@JamSa85]

I think we get caught up too much in data these days, looking at the profiles of the climbs and psyching ourselves out before even tried it. I bet it was much more fun going up not knowing what to expect.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers James, and agreed - I’ve been guilty of this 💯. My personal favourite is riding the climb at tempo in and out the saddle - taking in the views and enjoying the sensations 👍

[@leebaxter8654]

If the combined armies of London ever attack Cumbria, we know how to repel them. A 5ft wide muddy ditch should do the job!. Awesome vid, on a lovely day ☀✔👍

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

🤣 Lee ! Thats pretty much all thats needed… or indeed London folk being distracted by the cost of a pint of beer being sub £7 😁 The first of our vids is out this Sunday - am excited 💯 - and very much looking forward to getting back up to the Lakes . Once again thanks for making the trip so incredible 🙏

[@ryanisserow7521]

First

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Consistency personified Ryan 💯💪 - congratulations as ever, Sir ! The comments segment is yours 👑😁

[@GiorgioCoppolaCycling]

It was a good job you completed that low cadence effort last week 😅 bloody steep climbs 🤮

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Completing the Struggle Sportive and also the low cadence work on the Radio Tower were super helpful for this climb and Hardknott and Wrynose for the vid on Sunday. These climbs are absolute beasts - but very very rewarding, and it was low cadence in the saddle or out the saddle even with a compact and a 32 on the back 😅. How’s the gravel riding going ?

[@KOMHuntTV]

I would have given Jayne a piggy back you big meanie 😂👍 👟

[@jaynes6813]

It wasn’t much to ask was it? 🤣

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

😂 piggy back was not on the cards!

[@adammillsindustries.]

I like Vegan cyclist, Lantern Rouge, Dylan Johnson but you’ve got to be the No 1 cycling vlogger in the world right now. 🥂

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

wow ! Thanks ever so much Adam 🙏 - thats a huge compliment, and I’m blown away 💯 We do love making the videos, and when in the beautiful North of England, the countryside does so much of the hard work for us 👌 I really hope you enjoy Sundays video, where we get some really incredible footage of an ascent up Hardknott Pass👍 Thanks again for your super positive energy - it’s hugely motivating