Climbing a mountain under your own steam is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things you can experience on a bike.

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It’s possible to truly enjoy the essence and freedom of the high mountains without having to master the skills or take the risks of a climber or mountaineer. Whilst the beauty of the mountains is that they are accessible for all to enjoy on two wheels, this can sometimes throw up a few unexpected hurdles if you’re not well prepared, quickly taking you out of your comfort zone and into survival mode even when you’re on smooth tarmac and apparently close to civilisation. Unfortunately I’ve had to learn the hard way, getting caught out as the clouds roll in above and the temperature plummets is by no means a fun way to end a ride, so if you’re new to cycling then I’m hoping that some of the following points will not only maximise your enjoyment but also your safety as you venture into the mountains.