On a BROMPTON
The stories behind completing the
100 Greatest Cycling Climbs of the Tour de France
A few years back, I stumbled upon a fascinating book called ‘The 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs of the Tour de France’ by Simon Warren.
It was a purchase driven by curiosity rather than any grand ambitions.
As I flipped through its pages, the thought crossed my mind, ‘Wouldn’t it be incredible to climb these epic mountains?’
It seemed like an impossible dream.
I considered my age and the fact that I pedaled a Brompton bike, but then I looked at myself in the mirror and asked,
‘Who’s stopping you?’
And so, in the summer of 2022, I embarked on a daring challenge – to climb all 100.
It was a rollercoaster ride of triumphs and setbacks, but that’s what made it a true adventure.
And guess what? By the summer of 2023, I proudly returned having completed every single one of those awe-inspiring climbs.
Can you believe it?
And all on a Brompton bike!
Join me on this extraordinary journey.
3rd Time Lucky ?
Heartbreak Hotel – The ferry is booked, the car is serviced.
All the boxes are ticked and then this ******* happens.
Folding Fascination
The Brompton.
The connoisseur’s choice.
Admired by all.
Thrill of the chase
A handlebar video on a Cycliq12.
If you can’t move over then you’re in my way.
Old Testament
‘I might ride a climb tonight’.
‘I wouldn’t do that. A storm is nearby. I think the morning would be better.’
Bonjour, Bonjour, Bonjour
Laissez-nous vous avoir?
Need for Speed
I thought “Wow”
How fast am I going?
Oh Sh*t!!
Hairpin bend – Brakes
Luz Ardiden Problem
In 2022 I rode Luz Ardiden, but I hadn’t.
The book was wrong.
So now what?
Timeline
Riding the 100
Timelines
2022 – 2023
On a Brompton?
It’s as much of a story as
Looking in the mirror and realising who is stopping you from doing things,
as it is about a Brompton and Climbing.