The RedRaw Beast

The original RedRaw Beast was a five day monster that would set the tone for all future challenges. Day 1 was a very chilly 5.3km open water swim in Buttermere Lake, edged in ice and literally freezing. Day two followed, cycling 169km across the country to the beginning of Hadrian’s Wall on the east coast. To finish, days 3, 4 and 5 were spent walking the 135km long wall. Those last few miles were absolutely grueling. We were dead on our feet, but delighted to complete with the full team in tact.

The second RedRaw Beast took the annual Fred Whitton challenge (described as the toughest cycle ride in the country) and extended it! A 180km loop around one of the UK’s most mountainous regions, incorporating six of the country’s steepest roads – Hardknott Pass is recognised as the UKs steepest, hitting 33% at its steepest point! Very little of this ride was flat, and none of it was easy, riding deep into the night! Nice way to spend a day, for athletes. Athletes we are not!

Our third RedRaw Beast was a test of physical endurance and mental stamina, climbing 20 of the Lake District’s finest mountains in one continuous 36 hour slog, day and night, without rest. Each participant carried what they needed for the challenge, and worked hard to keep up each others spirits. A true beast of a challenge, that started with a few injuries on Helvellyn. Onwards and upwards!

The fourth RedRaw Beast put us back in the saddle for an epic two day challenge. Novice cyclists tackling 260 miles of Scotland’s most mountainous district across two days. Starting at Neist Point Lighthouse on the Isle of Skye and finishing at Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven to the East, we rode the widest part of the country… even a ski resort was passed! High winds, torrential downpours and a chilly nightfall. True to form, Scotland gave us it all!