Approaching fifty years of age, Antony Blake set himself a bucket list task of cycling fifty of Europe’s greatest climbs. He documented and photographed each ride and has finally compiled it into an impressive volume: Stubble and Steel on Mountains High.
Daniel Friebe and Pete Goding’s own Mountain High book provided Antony a worthwhile itinerary which he expanded upon by interviewing professional riders about their own impressions of each climb.
Martin Velits from Etixx Quickstep, for example, describes the Koppenberg: “Koppenberg – Steep. Steeper than it looks on TV. You have to ride it to be able to experience the gradient. I love the classics, Belgium and the cycling culture. This Climb is like a temple for them. You can feel the vibe there even when riding it up on regular day with no race or spectators in sight.”
Antony follows with his own detailed account — a layman’s point of view and, therefore, a much more relatable one. The photos are both awe-inspiring and fearful, making Stubble and Steel on Mountains High a valuable addition to any velosophist’s library.
Stubble and Steel on Mountains High is currently being funded on Unbound — head to the site to read more and make a pledge.
