Last week I went to Dorking to hear you talk and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. I was hoping to buy a signed book before or after the show but there didn’t seem to be such an opportunity. Nevertheless, I drove home and ordered one immediately from Amazon, not knowing that signed copies were available via your website. Nevermind, I hope there will be more opportunities to hear you speak and maybe sign my book.

The main reason for my mail is that I’m not a climber, have never climbed and probably never will. I’m 39 and from the age of 12 until 36 was a dedicated runner (cross country, road & track). However, over the last couple of years I’ve become an avid cyclist and last year went to the French Alps with a friend to ride some of the Tour de France Alpine ascents because we thought a) we could and b) it might be a laugh.

The route we chose, without any real planning, save for referring to a Michelin road map is commonly known as the ‘circle of death’ taking in four climbs, all either 1st category or ‘unclassified’ (i.e. a bit harder).

Everyone we spoke to was amazed at our attempt. People advised we needed to set off early as the sun went down behind the Galibier quite early (it was September). Others warned it would get cold and we would need arm warmers, long fingered mitts, additional tops and something to keep the head warm. Others said we needed to carry 6000 calories each.

We ignored everyone and set off with some malt loaf, jelly beens, energy drink and a spare gilet (in case it got a bit nippy). After all we */are/* British.

During the ride, when it started getting dark and very cold and our food had run out, one of us would intermittently say to the other ‘shall we stop & try and hitch a lift’ but the other would only hear ‘shall we carry on?’ to which the other would have to say ‘we’ll carry on then’.

The morning after we drove away from the Alps, not looking over our shoulders at the splender of the peaks or talking about cycling.

Parts of your talk seemed to mirror the exact mentality we set off with and what eventually got us round. If you really want to do something, you will do it.

My friend and I have both had failures since, but we’ve both got over them and are planning more rides this year. Not because they’re particularly well known, but because they’re there.

Thanks for the motivation, laughs and insight into climbing.

cheers