The Swiss Peaks 360 is a linear route running from the glacial source of the Rhône, in Oberwald (1365m), parallel to Le Valais, finishing at Le Bouveret (390m) on Lac Léman (Lake Geneva to you and me). Overall, it’s a downhill race, and as the 360 refers to the distance in kilometres, not miles, it could be worse. It appealed when I became aware of it last winter, due in part to the bliss of ignorance; it was my back-up plan should I fail to get a place in the more notorious Tor des Géants. Registration was simple: pay your money, fill in a form to say you’re responsible for yourself and off you go; no points, no vetting, no background checks on competence.
Seven months later, Graham and I were on the start line (nearer to the front than would be my habit, but I wanted to hear what he had to say). Seven months and 120 hours later we crossed the finish line together, following a series of individual and combined adventures, which are too long for the news page but will be in the journal. The photos will make more sense then too!
John Ryan