Eddy and Luke’s Alps cycling adventure

07 September 2011

Eddy Fogg and his friend Luke Rumbelow challenged themselves to cycle three of the famous Tour de France climbs in the Alps to raise money for us.

Their challenge began On 12th July 2011. Here is Eddy’s account of their adventure:

"Our aim was to cycle up three of the famous climbs used in the Tour de France: Mont Ventoux, Col du Galibier and finally, the most famous of all, Alpe d'Huez.

We decided to do this for charity and after much debating chose CHILDREN with CANCER. It seemed the most appropriate on our list - I knew friends and relatives who had sadly passed away from numerous forms of the condition, the closest being my father who fought it twice before it finally ended his life. Donating to this cause was close to home.

Blue sky met us at the beginning of the final climb of Alpe d'Huez - the pinnacle of most, if not all, cyclists' dreams.

We started the journey in Great Yarmouth with a tedious 16 hour drive to our first destination in France.

Mont Ventoux

Our bike ride began with a 22km climb of Mont Ventoux. With temperatures hitting 30°c + and gradients of 10% for long stretches, it was a long hard task but after two and a half hours the summit was in sight. After the last 1.5km of the day, we finally reached the top - and boy the view was out of this world!

Col du Galibier

Our second climb was the Galibier. At 8,500ft above sea level, this was the highest. Although the climb was easier, some stretches surpassed 12% gradients. Again, the weather was fantastic and the views even more so!!

Alpe d'Huez

On our final day we set off early to avoid the blistering temperatures. But by 9.30am it was already scorching. Blue sky met us at the beginning of the final climb of Alpe d'Huez - the pinnacle of most, if not all, cyclists' dreams.
We turned the first of the 21 hairpins to be greeted by a road that just went up and up.

The climb is famous for its hairpin corners. We turned the first of the 21 hairpins to be greeted by a road that just went up and up. From that point we knew we had a tough ride ahead. After one hour the top was in view and with a final push we made the summit!

That was it, our task was done. We had a fantastic time and it truly was for a worthy cause.

For anyone wishing to do anything like this, I say go for it! And for all those who are suffering from cancer remember there is hope - fight with all your might, the battle can be won!

All in all we have raised almost £500 and are keeping our JustGiving site open - please help us increase our total: http://www.justgiving.com/alpsride "

Photo: Eddy Fogg (left) and Luke Rumbelow (right)

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