A CYCLIST from Frome has successfully completed the renowned amateur Haute Route – the ‘highest and toughest cyclo-sportives in the world’.
Rupert Waterhouse cycled over 2,500 kilometres from the Atlantic coast of France and through the Pyrenees, the French Alps, the Swiss Alps and the Dolomites.
Rupert said, “I loved it as much as I hoped I would. Having done the one Haute Route last year I knew what to expect; the organisation is excellent, and you quickly get into a routine with the daily off-bike preparation and recovery, so you can concentrate on enjoying the cycling – and I do very much enjoy cycling up hills.
“I did think that my preparation would be enough as far as my legs were concerned, and it turned out to be. I was setting out to enjoy every day, not to race, but the daily timing and ranking does give you encouragement to keep going and sometimes make a greater effort (when the scenery is not so breathtaking that you have to keep stopping to take photos!), and I managed to come 27th in my age group in the Pyrenees, 8th in the Alps, and 20th in the Dolomites (in each case out of just under 100); and 11th overall out of the 30 doing the Triple Crown. So very pleased with that!
“As it came near to the end, the hardest bit was making sure that I still enjoyed each day for what it was, rather than just counting down to the finish.
“The overall experience was fantastic. On a good day in the mountains, climbing a hill under your own power, freewheeling down, a song in your head, taking in the scenery, the views, seeing the immensity of it all, makes the world – just there, just then – the most beautiful and the most peaceful place. The pain and suffering that too often fills the world, fills the newspapers, and the bits of baggage that you carry around with you are gone in that instant. Just you, your bike, that mountain. Joy. Those were my hopes and expectations, at least one of those moments, every day. They will stay with me for a long time. And at the same time I managed to raise some money to hopefully help other people who do not have my good fortune.
“The highlights are always reaching the top of every mountain and taking a moment to look around – and down! We were very fortunate with the weather, as it only rained for one day on each of the three rides. So, some occasional damp and cold moments, but nothing unexpected – and you soon warm up when you start going uphill again!
“I am very pleased with the amount I’ve raised so far. For me, it was more of an aspiration, rather than a hard target.
“The response has been great. Currently £2,600 with Giftaid included. I still have some promises to chase up when I get back home, including one hopefully substantial donor, so I am confident that I will get well over £3,000.
“To donate, visit www.justgivingcom/fundraising/Rupert-Waterhouse
