In July 2007 I successfully completed my self-penned charity challenge for “M.A.G.” http://www.maginternational.org/ In 26 days of cycling, with just two car transfer days and one rest day, I rode over 317 Cols. I climbed 82,000 metres over a total distance of 4,600 kms through the Alps, Pyrenees and the Ardeche/Cevennes region at an overall average speed of 22.8 kph.
I began riding the occasional Audax event ten years ago, having acquired basic fitness through commuting by bike to work. When I started participating in organised Cyclosportives I discovered a natural talent for climbing, as well as a passion for extensive views, heavy breathing and high-speed descending. After steadily improving my placings in the Etape du Tour over five years, the idea of a challenge even greater than the Etape came to me as a way of ‘celebrating’ my 50th birthday in 2007. Inspired by an article I read about someone who had ridden 100 Cols, I thought 200 sounded even more exciting. In the end, by adding on another hundred I had a great excuse to swap a month off work for a month on the saddle.
The concept of a Cent Cols Challenge came in the wake of my experiences in July 2007. To anyone who has ridden the Etape it may seem pure madness to set oneself the task of riding it ten times, back to back! Indeed,to ride the equivalent of 26 Etapes in 29 days caused me more than a few sleepless nights in the lead-up to 01/07/07. But I did it. I had dared to do something I had previously thought to be impossible. I had also lived an extraordinary cycling experience. To spend eight – ten hours a day cycling over mountains that sometimes peak at 2,000 metres altitude is very hard. It is also a Way to Cycling Nirvana. Once I had found my way back to ‘real life’, I wanted to offer others the opportunity of achieving a lifetime cycling high.
I firmly believe that these challenges are possible to accomplish without being an ex-pro or being fortunate enough to be able to live on your bike. A serious training programme over the months leading up to the events can channel natural talent, if combined with sufficient experience and piles of motivation, into a successful and proud ‘C.C.C.Rider’.
Philip Deeker
