Running 2:30:36 [3] 18.5 mi (8:08 / mi)
2 peaks recce of Pen Y Ghent and Wernside.
Setting off at Horton in Ribblesdale and following the requested recce route all the way to Hill Inn. I nearly continued for a bit here as i was ahead of schedule- but decided to consider myself lucky to even have got round with my knee so called time.
A great day for a recce and was really lucky with the weather all weekend. I absolutely loved the route
The climb up Pen Y Ghent was good fun and nothing to worry about other than not going too hard really. The descent was interesting at the top section was very boggy and I didn't trust my Roclites. Once I had a word with myself and pushed them a bit though they didn't let me down with grip.
The descent from PYG was fine but i know I will lose time here as I just can't let fly like the good guys do.
I really enjoyed the run over to Ribblesdale, nice XC feel to it and would be good fun in a pack.
Cant say much for the climb of Wernside, although when I summited and looked at the race route I totally shit myself- I couldn't see myself getting up that with my fear of edges! Luckily a naughty boy was coming up the race route on a recce showing that the race line is less severe and more manageable!
Initially the descent looked decent…until it hit the steep bit. I couldn't really work out a good way to get down so here is another section where I will lose a lot of time.
So, a very worthwhile weekend. Really chuffed I got to do it with the injury worries. Knee really sore now. Need to get on top of it.
Disappointed not to find any killer lines on the descents and to miss the coveted 4X4 tracks off Ingleborough.
Happy that knee aside I'm in really good shape, despite this I know that this route is going to expose my big Fell running weaknesses. Although I would hope to be competitive with some of the guys on the flats and climbs any time gained/maintained here will not compensate for the probable minutes I will lose on the 3 descents.
Looking forward to a fab weekend though and beers after