If nothing else, so far this year I have proven that it is possible to cycle the Alps in winter - at least smaller climbs.

For the last few years whenever Winter comes along I just start gaining weight. It’s time for intervention via a mini-challenge.

My primary 2008 Challenge won’t be unveiled until January 1st, but I can’t wait until then to stop this weight gain.

Nov 25 - Today, on a crisp, cold sunny day, I completed my 2007 challenge.

It’s cold and winter is approaching but I am getting pretty close to my target of 160,000 metres of vertical ascent for 2007. I rode less in October than I have for months and the extra rest days made me feel stronger.

As the weather gets colder, I am making good progress towards my target - with a little more than 20,000 metres of ascent left - hopefully the weather will hold.
The highlight of September was without doubt 3 days cycling in the Berner Oberland in Swiss Alps.

August was another great cycling month. The highlight was easily our trip across Wales - something I had wanted to do for a long time. Beautiful, mountainous and quiet roads and my brave wife enduring 8 hard days on the bike. 5 days in the Vanoise Alps at the beginning of August […]

July was probably the best month of cycling yet this year with just under 20,000 metres climbed. Highlights included a five day trip to the Vosges mountains, and cyling up Col de la Colombiere and then Col du Galibier to watch the Tour de France.
I only cycled one of the last five […]

Half way through the year and I have climbed almost exactly what I climbed in 2006 - my silly challenges keep me motivated
June was a fairly good climbing month, although mainly local routes. I felt pretty burned out by the last week of June and took a few very light days to […]

May was a great cycling month with some big climbs.
Climbing the legendary Mont Ventoux twice as well as the lessor know but superb Mont du Chat were highlights. But I think the top ride of the month had to be the 176 km loop of Lake Geneva with Martin. Easily the longest ride […]

April was a great riding month. The weather was near perfect. I am pretty pleased to do so many big rides after surviving my minor surgery and I am feeling about 95% recovered. Lots of great rides, not least of which were two big rides in the Jura mountains, notable for the for […]