Those of you who have skied with us for several years may remember Ali. Ali was one of the four founding members of New Gen. He was also an awesome guy and much loved by all who met him. Sadly in 2008 we lost Ali to cancer. But each year we remember Ali by riding the mountains he loved with our annual charity bike ride. It's an opportunity to share stores of his laughter, his wicked sense of humour and his passion for life.
Annual Cycle Challenge To Remember Ali
Each year towards the end of the summer, anywhere from 30-70 brave souls cycle the winding, 100km route from Lake Annecy to Courchevel. The route ends with a 'wee hill' into Le Praz. And by wee hill, we're talking 1600m of ascent! The routes are chosen by Ali's friend and our Peisey Vallandry resort manager John Thomas, taking in climbs Ali loved.
In 2014 we welcomed our youngest ever cyclist - aged 8, who finished the entire 100km of the course.
It was a beautiful day and the scenic routes were well received, but for the inclusion of Forclaz. From what I hear of Ali I feel sure that he would have be looking down on the riders laughing as they puffed and panted their way up this impossibly steep climb.
Then, once all the riders reached our finish point we celebrated with cake and a wee tipple. Something I'm told Ali would have been only too keen to join us in.
Each year a charity is chosen for this event. In the past we've supported Medicins sans Frontieres and Huck Cancer to name a few.
A massive thanks goes to all the riders, support teams, route planners and cake bakers. Here's to another cracking event and many more to come.
