Hardknott Pass… the climb that broke me. Twice.
The first time I took it on during the Fred Whitton, I wasn’t ready. At 120kg, I had no choice but to get off and walk.
The second time? I came back stronger, lighter, and more prepared… but it still wasn’t enough.
Since then, it’s been in the back of my mind constantly. Sleepless nights, replaying it over and over, asking myself one question…
Am I good enough to ride Hardknott?
This ride was different.
After months of training, weight loss, and pushing myself harder than ever before, it all came down to this one climb. Hardknott isn’t just steep… it’s a rite of passage. A test every cyclist knows about.
And this time… I wasn’t stopping.
🎥 Watch to the end to see if I finally made it to the top without putting a foot down.
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17 Comments
ooooh cant wait!
Well done, that man, harder on the fred due to all the carnage on the climb on the day 👏
Well done 🎉
Inspirational stuff! No one deserves that more than you, Russ. Talk about putting the work in. Love it! 🙂
Awesome!! Well done!!
Congrats mate, hard earned, well done !
Just seen you say about joining you and Scott, I’ve not rode since the Fred last year, but you have properly inspired me to get the bike out the loft
Well done fella 🎉 I live in Cumbria as well, near the top in Cockermouth. Never done the Fred and never ridden Hardknott/Wrynose but have done the others, Newlands, Whinlatter, Kirkstone & Honister. Good luck when the time comes, you’re putting the hours in so you’ll be fine I reckon 😊
Chapeau Russ 😀👏👏
Fair play mate, I’m a lot lighter than you & I don’t think I could get up that. Obviously different after 100 miles of the Fred but that will give you the confidence you can do it. What gearing are you running?
Well done mate. Super proud of you and all you've achieved with your hard work and dedication
A good effort! Done the Fred twice, walked Hardknott and Wrynose both times. Due to do it again in May. I am very much not ready. 🤣
Nice job Russ! Out of interest, what’s your weight? The context of your FTP is pretty meaningless otherwise – always better to know the w/kg for the audience 🙏
Scott in aero socks to go up Hardknott 😂
Yes would definitely join. I was out and around there on my bike that day too, saw your strava's later on the day. I'll be getting back out and doing the same thing next week or too.
And we'll done 👏👏👏👏
Looking trim, great work. You know it’s steep when it looks steep on camera..get in.