Impossible Climb | Time for Coffee

Mildly bored at work today? It could be worse...

Remember France? The nanny state where bureaucracy runs amok and health and safety has gone mad? Well, it also plays host to 'Impossible Climb' a series which, despite running since 1984, looks so amateurishly organised and inherently fraught with danger that you question why anyone would even take part, let alone accept the liability of organising.

Much like Iceland's Formula Off Road, Impossible Climb involves competitors launching their vehicles up the side of an insurmountably steep slope with the aim of getting as high as possible before the inevitable happens. The main difference, of course, is that while Formula Off Road features purpose-built roll-caged 4x4s with plenty of protection, Impossible Climb is attempted from the saddle of a hastily modified scrambler.

We say hastily, but these are serious machines despite their cobbled-together appearance. Putting out in excess of 100hp, or over 200 with the help of NOS, the extended swingarm and spike/paddle enhanced tyres provide the stability and traction to keep them on course. In theory, at least. In practice the majority of riders end up cascading head over heels back down the hill, their bikes often careening toward spectators protected at best by a poorly built tyre wall and at worst only by their own alertness. In fairness, there do also seem to be some rappellers in t-shirts and bicycle helmets to try and catch(?) them, too.

Despite being largely repetitive and often cringe inducing, it nonetheless makes for strangely compelling viewing. So, whether we understand the motivation behind it or not, we salute all those involved for keeping it going. Let's all pop the kettle on, put our feet up, and all be grateful it's not us!