I’d like to wish all my customers a happy new year ! What are your cycling ambitions for 2025?
A look back at my 2024 cycling year
On a personal note I completed a 12 day self supported bikepacking tour starting and finishing in Caen and taking in Northern France, Southern England and the rather lovely Channel Islands and the Isle of Wight. Although I have completed many solo bikepacking tours I have never really documented them. This time I did and you can see my 12 Day Bikepacking Adventure Northern France, Channel Islands the Isle of Wight and Southern England (snappy title!) compressed into 24 minutes of video on my YouTube channel.
Cycling Achievements
At the beginning of the year I set myself the target of riding at least 100km every week and I am pleased to announce that I achieved this goal cycling just under 9000km for the whole year. My biggest week being 452km in August during my 3 Island tour and my worst week 100km during a cold and wet February.
More Videos…
While back down in the Alps I recorded a few videos. The first of the best climb in the Alpe d’Huez area Oulles plus also a new climb for me the Col d’Albanne over in the Maurienne Valley near the Col du Telegraphe
Cycling Tours
I organised a few Cycling Tours this year, two back down in the Alps based on the 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez and one following the Velo Maritime route between St Malo and Calais
On the first of our two Alpe d’Huez tours we tackled all the iconic climbs in the area including of course Alpe d’Huez plus also the Col de la Croix de Fer , The Lacets de Montvernier and the snow blocked Col du Galibier.
Croí Heart and Stroke Foundation
For our second Alpe d’Huez tour we were pleased to link up with Croi Heart and Stroke Foundation from Ireland for their first Alpine Challenge Tour. You can check out the video from that tour here and also their epic ascent of Alpe d’Huez in the rain perhaps based on this alone you should consider giving a donation on their fund raising page !!!
Finally Quite possible the most frightening bike ride I have ever done !!
During my self supported bikepacking tour I tackled the intimidating Pont de Normandie that joins La Havre to Honfleur on the Velo Maritime loop. It was the one time that I was relieved to get off the bike. Filming it was pretty frightening too as you can see from the video