Simon Fell

[gofasterstripes]

Hi ,

Could someone give me an indicator of how long the ascent of the very steep portion up to usually Ingleborough takes .

I've started to incorporate hill reps up the side of box hill which take approximate 5-6 minutes and I'd like to make sure I do enough before the race. I'm aiming to get up to 5-6 during my long rides over the next couple of weeks

cheers

Danny

[Lemansgtman]

Danny,

I see that some people have read your post but no one has replied - I suspect that's because nobody really knows the answer or can't find their GPS files from previous races, or in fact because it actually doesn't matter very much...

I think it takes us mortals about 15 - 20 minutes to clear the very steepest part of Simon Fell (faster though if you're Rob Jebb!) - but as I say it's almost completely irrelevant.

You also have the slog UP to the steep bit first of course - and once you're over the 'top' you're only on the lower summit and still have plenty of climbing / hiking to do to get to the checkpoint on the top of Ingleborough. Then you have the (IMHO) the tiresome slog up Whernside and then the horrifying descent down the other side :0D (but not joking) and finally the long grind up Pen-Y-Ghent (dodging all the riders coming back down the lane - and vice versa when you're descending)...

Sooo... do as much hiking with a bike on your back as you're able or care to do - but don't focus or obsess too much about one part of the race...

Ian Briggs
Capital Bicycle Racing Club New York
LUTON, Bedfordshire, UK
(AKA Lemansgtman)

[gofasterstripes]

Hi Ian

thanks taking the time to pen your thoughts . As a first timer without access to the course before the race it's given me a really good indication of what to expect on the ascent up to Ingleborough

I've managed to find plenty of detailed descriptions of the other summits and the terrifying plumments back down , but apart from the iconic pictures of people shouldering bikes up a very steep slope until now I've not managed to find much other detail

I've got a much better idea of what to expect for the whole course now........pain and fear!!

cheers

Danny

[CraggyHardcastle]

I'd reiterate what Ian says. There is not a lot you can do to improve your speed up Simon Fell as its a steep and crowded slog for most of us, but you can prepare your legs to survive it by running up steps and getting used to carrying your bike. The calves are badly stretched by the gradient while the muscles along the top of yopur knees and thighs are used to push yourself up the hill. Whernside has quite an extensive section with steps built into the hill and there is much more scope for making up time here where the field is more spread out and people are more tired. Practicing climbing and descending on 'bobbly' rocky and uneven trails will also help you stay on the bike longer - its surprising how many people walk along rideable sections, for me every time I have to get off the bike it feels much harder than riding.

[lanterne rouge]

On my first 3 Peaks - a very long time ago - someone told me to keep to the left on the steepest part of Simon Fell. I asked if it was less steep there. No, he replied, but you can hang on to the fence or use it to pull yourself up! He wasn't joking.

Hope you enjoy your first Peaks. I said I'd only do one, but still haven't completely got it out of my system!

[hollandmap]

I would say for the average person who wants to see the finish a steady plod up Ingleborough basically dont go mad as we all know theres 2 more after that!

[pete ward]

Danny - as a peaks 2 timer i found you need strong quads and calves so try plenty of squats in the gym - plus as other replies train by going up uneven steps with your bke on your back - you need to get your legs used to clambering up the rocks - also pacing up ingleboro is important as cramp can kick in later in the race.
best of luck - 3 peaks is awesome.

[gofasterstripes]

thanks for all the responses guys, the advice is invaluable

I'm finding increasing steeper and longer unrideable hills to scramble up carrying my bike while I go and thinking its normal........as well as increasingly harder descents although I doubt I'll be able to replicate anything that I've seen on the videos posted on you tube and vimeo

Pete , the gym work covered, although I hide it well :O)

see you all at the start and hopefully the finish

cheers

Danny