Graham cruising past Château Rougemont; you can ride here on our Gruyère Cycling Tour
Graham Longford
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Graham
Name: Graham Longford
Role: Brevet Guide
Nationality: Canadian
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[quote]I love guiding Brevet guests because it combines my passions for cycling, being in the mountains, teaching, and motivating others to achieve their goals.[/quote]
I’m a Canadian expat who has lived in Switzerland with my family for the last two years. A former professor and nordic ski coach, I now spend as much time as I can get away with riding, skiing, hiking, and climbing in the Alps.
I love Guiding Brevet guests because it combines my passions for cycling, being in the mountains, teaching, and motivating others to achieve their goals.
In addition to my professional background in teaching and coaching, I have years of competitive experience in cycling, nordic skiing, running and triathlon. I have also lead and/or participated in dozens of multi-day backpacking, cycling, climbing and paddling trips in North America and Europe.
Favourite Swiss Climb:
It’s a 3-way tie! I can’t chose between the Col de la Croix, Passo San Gottardo and Grimsel Pass.
Riding over the top of Col de la Croix last April flanked by 2-3 metre high snowbanks was an early highlight of the season.
The long cobbled sections of the “tremola”” road to the top of the Passo San Gottardo are unique and fun to ride.
Finally, the sheer scale of the 5000ft+ climb up to Grimsel Pass, combined with incredible views of the surrounding peaks and the blue-grey waters of the Grimselsee reservoir are unforgettable.
The heart-stopping descent down the other side is equally memorable.
Favourite Brevet Holiday:
I can’t wait to ride the storied mountain passes and picturesque valley’s of northern Italy during the Dolomites Training Camp and to ride the Maratona dles Dolomites, Italy’s favourite cyclosportive. I adore Italian food, wine and culture, so the chance to sample all three is almost as exciting as the riding we’ll do.
I am really looking forward to the Alpenbrevet. Both the training days and the Alpenbrevet course will take us over some of my favourite climbs in Switzerland. I relish the opportunity to tackle the Alpenbrevet Platin course for a second time.
Although long and arduous, riders’ efforts are rewarded with stunning views and thrilling descents from the top of five high mountain passes. Last year’s Alpenbrevet was one of my favourite days ever on the bike (and certainly the longest!).
Favourite Moment on a Brevet Holiday:
Taking turns dunking our heads in an icy spring near Les Diablerets after a scorching ascent of the Col de la Croix, followed by cold beers while swapping stories about the day’s ride.
Favourite Swiss Meal and Wine Choice:
Cheese is a major weakness of mine, so fondue of course, with a side of viande sechée. A glass of chilled Epesses from the Lavaux, or any red from Valais, to wash it down with.
Personal Goals:
After familiarizing myself with many of the classic climbs in the Swiss and French Alps last year, I’m hoping to explore further afield with trips to northern Italy and the Pyrenees in France. My own training will be focused on completing the Maratona and completing the Alpenbrevet Platin Course before nightfall would be icing on the cake!
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Name: Tom Eeles
Role: Directeur Sportif
Nationality: British
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View From The Team Car
Graham’s enthusiasm for the mountains is infectious. That he can’t decide which is his favourite climb is typical. Truth is he wants to be climbing all three, right now, with you. Then he’d like to climb them again the next day to see if he could do better.
Graham loves climbing and his head is always on a pivot – checking our guests are OK and soaking up the views.
If you share a passion for the outdoors and love being in the mountains then you will enjoy riding with Graham.
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We are motivated by sharing the riding that we love with like minded guests.
We are looking forward to riding with you!
