Dec 9, 2025
Winter has officially knocked on our door here in the Swiss Alps. It snowed. A lot. Enough for me to grab my touring skis and chase powder on the mountains around home, because let’s be honest, indoor riding is not high on my agenda.
I will still sneak in valley rides whenever the weather allows, but up high, the 2025 cycling season is over. And it closed in the best possible way: with a fun, simple personal project.
Over the past few weeks, Lillie and I went out for a series of mini photo shoots around our house, chasing the last miles of autumn and that fleeting moment when every ride feels like it could be the last. No brief. No campaign. No deliverables. Just the desire to be outside together, to create, to breathe after a big year, and to have fun.
Here are the moments we captured:
Sunrise on farm roads
I was secretly excited that Ben was away at ski training camp. It meant we could leave early and finally shoot at sunrise, something we can’t do when he’s home. But, oh well, the sun rises behind the mountains at 9 a.m. in late October, so no need to set the alarm early after all. Frost on the grass, cold fingers on the bars, breath hanging in the air: the world was slow and quiet, just us and the first light. At 9 a.m.
Sunset on the secret spot
I picked a stupidly steep road we usually avoid, just below our village. But the view is pretty cool, especially in autumn. We missed the perfect shot because Ben called from home just when the sun was disappearing, asking where we were and saying he was hungry. Such is life. We laughed, took the next best photo, and watched the last light drop behind the peaks.
Col de la Croix, one day before winter closure
Autumn colors in the Chablais vineyards
Hanging around in bike clothes at home
Because we all know the feeling. Still in bibs, no shoes, no shame – like a news anchor with no pants behind the desk. Coffee in hand, a magazine on the table… staring out the window at the mountains. Does it count on Strava?
This little project reminded me how good it feels to slow down, to create without a goal, to tell stories simply because they make us smile. And how cycling, even in its final, chilly weeks, gives us moments worth holding onto.
A big thank you to the partners who supported my year on the bike:
Scott Sports for the Addict RC that kept my aging legs fast.
Velocio Apparel for keeping me warm and stylish at 2°C dawn starts.
Julbo Eyewear for photochromic prescription lenses that let me look straight into sunrise and sunset light.
With their support, we can continue to do what we love and share these moments with fellow riders, with you.
And one more thank you: to Lillie, my partner. Not the kind you tag in a caption, but the one behind the lens, behind the scenes, and behind me in every sense (she also reminded me to write this while proofreading – as usual, she’s right).
So yeah, another season done. Legs tired, and here ChatGPT told me to add: “heart full”. I would rather say: “a bit burnt out”. Anyway, now it is time for snow. Thanks for riding along this year, literally or through these photos.
See you in the spring,
Alain
As winter settles in, it is time to prepare for 2026. A few exciting projects are already in the works and the calendar is filling quickly. If you are a brand, a destination or have a fun idea you want to bring to life with us, get in touch. Let’s make something memorable together.
Gear featured in these photos:
Bike: Scott Addict RC
Shoes: Scott Road RC Ultimate
Helmet: Scott Centric Plus
Glasses: Julbo Rush Reactiv 1-3 RX
Jerseys: Velocio Luxe Merino Long Sleeve Cameo Blue & Velocio Luxe Thermal Long Sleeve Deep Lichen
Jacket: Velocio One Jacket Marigold
Bib tight: Velocio Thermal Bib Tight Black Olive
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