Haute Route Alps

4 Weeks and Counting

On the 23rd of August i'll be boarding a plane for Geneva. All the months, weeks and hours on the bike are over and if I haven't done enough, well it's too late now. A month out and I won't lie, I am bricking it. I'd like to say that physically i'm prepared and I know what I am capable of but I won't actually know until the first turn of the pedals on stage one. The real test for me now is the mental game. This is going to push me to my absolute limits.

It all ties in well then with the cause i'm doing this for, Jigsaw - Young People's Mental Health. For anyone who may not have heard of Jigsaw, they are the National Centre for Youth Mental Health in Ireland. Since founding in 2006 they have supported the mental health and well being of over 25 thousand young people across Ireland. I don't know about you but I know that at some point in our lives we have all experienced a dark period so this charity is extremely close to my heart and I want to support them in any way I can.

Course Map

So essentially this event is the closest an amateur cyclist will get to experience taking part in the Tour de France. 7 days, 8 stages of some of the most brutal but spectacular climbs in the world. Taking in Courchevel, Alpe d'Huez, Serre Chevalier, Pra Loup and even a TT stage up the Col d'Izoard. Now you can understand a little better my previous statement that I am bricking it...

The "Rest Day"

Stage 5 of this years event is called the "Rest Day" purely because we are not moving hotel and remaining in the same town. It is far from a rest day as it is also the TT day. If you're idea of a rest day is a timed Time Trial up a mountain, well I guess we have a very different idea of what rest means. This years event takes us up the Col d'Izoard and from the route profile, it's going to hurt...A LOT.

Looking Back

To recap then, approximately ten months ago I thought it would be a great idea to take on the mighty Haute Route Alps 2019 and then for the charity Jigsaw. Thinking about it now, so close to the event, I had no clue what I was letting myself in for. The continuous updates from the event organisers themselves about route maps and planning has been enough to give even the most seasoned cyclist nightmares. With just shy of 800 kilometres in 7 days and over 22 thousand metres elevation to climb, this is not for the faint of heart.
If you sat me down now and asked would I still take on this mammoth event knowing then what I know now? ABSOLUTELY!

Why not pop over to my dedicated Facebook page for the event, Haute Route HERO Challenge...HERE

Here you will be able to see my regular training updates, valuable information about Jigsaw and the work they do. A little insight into my own background and why I am doing the event and my EVERYDAYHERO fundraising page. I would love as many people's support as possible, because in the cycling world, we are all just one big community. Thanks all and wish me luck.

choosing the right cycling jersey

with Spin11

Gary Cullen

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