We departed Pooley Bridge at 03:52 having picked what I hoped was the best weather day for the week.
Good conditions with a fresh breeze meant Joe Fisher and I arrived at Kirkstone Pass ahead of my 17 hour schedule at 07:40. We were delayed slightly (possibly 10-15 minutes) by the absence of my support, but happily we were soon back in action departing Kirkstone at 08:05.
John Wootton and Joe Fisher supported me very efficiently over leg 2 arriving at Dunmail Raise at l0:42. I was still feeling good at this stage. John and Joe departed Dunmail for home whilst Andy Llewellyn led me well over leg 3.
Between High Raise and Rossett Pike I started to feel leg pains mainly on the steeper descents, although I was still ascending quite well. The weather was still good to us- dry, clear with some cloud, but an increasing wind speed (as forecast).
Andy decided he could continue and do leg 4 with fresh support from Nigel Wadsworth. We departed Sty Head 1 minute down on schedule (15:53)– I was delighted with that, but still had some doubts whether I could complete the challenge- my support team were having none of it! I ascended Great Gable ahead of schedule possibly helped by a fighter jet jolting me out of a weary mind-set! Those things creep up on you and are so loud!
The steep descents were becoming increasingly painful and slow, but I continued to ascend quite well and had a reasonable speed on more level ground. The wind speed had by now increased considerably (south westerly) with strong gusts which certainly added to the challenge. I had a brief dizzy low point part way up Pillar but a magic gel and more fluid picked me up again. Great support really boosted me and focused my mind over the last few hills.
I arrived at Greendale Bridge at 21:11 which was 17 hours 19 minutes after leaving Pooley Bridge.
It had been a great day out; I was a tired, but very happy man!
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