Hi there DJ. I'm very race-shy and tend to aim for ALs mainly, so can't recommend any BL/AMs. These ALs can also qualify you for 3Ps, as well as being good (hard) fun!

The only 2 I've got in mind before year's out is Three Shires & Tour of Pendle.

As for the climbing, most folk up the steeper stuff will at some point break into a walk, nothing to be ashamed of there. You'll find though that with hill specific training this will get easier, and may be able to last longer before hitting the walk.

Now, descending? That's another story...

Welcome aboard.