AFTER climbing the Grimsel Pass, I was eager to take on the other climbs in this area of Switzerland.

After all, the reason for this trip was to cycle as many passes as possible.

In fact, as I sit looking online at my results on the Grimsel Pass, I can see how some other riders did the other big passes here one after another on the same day.

I ask myself, “is it possible?"

Then I pause and think that’s my ego kicking in. There is no need for me to do such a challenge. Let’s face it, I’m guessing the names I am looking at have not had 12 years of surgeries on their CVS.

I wrestle with my ego and agree to doing each one of them on separate days.

The first to follow the Grimsel Pass is known as the Furka Pass; most famously a feature of the James Bond movie Goldfinger, this climb wasn’t as long as the Grimsel. But with some steep sections halfway up it tested me.

I didn’t set off until 4pm. I knew I could get up in under two hours, but I wasn’t ready for one section that must have gone over 15-per-cent gradient.

I remember thinking, "I am going have to stop" as I zig-zagged across the road. Thankfully it was quiet so I could use the whole surface.

Climbing this road from the west side has me pass the 11,000-year-old Rhone Glacier that runs all the way to Lake Geneva, before tracking its way all the way to the Mediterranean.

The glacier has been receding 10cm each day which feels like it is disappearing right in front of your eyes.

Cycling up the first few kilometers of this pass gives you a beautiful view of the glacier and the water running off the mountain.

This view kind of distracts me from the pain in my legs and my ever-increasing heart rate.

The Furka Pass is Switzerland's fourth highest mountain pass, and its summit is 2436 meters above sea level with breathtaking switch backs.

As the road winds to the top there is a special feeling when you have cycled up this incredible course.

I didn’t hang around long at the top as it was cold and I had forgotten the back light for my bike, so getting off before dark was my priority and back for a warm shower and food.

Descending this road with the water running off the glacier was a very special moment in my life.

A reminder of staying present.

Not wanting to rest to long, the next road was the Susten Pass. If I wasn’t already tired this pass was going to push me well into the red.

Featuring 27km of constant climbing as it navigates the jagged Esturay Gorge, the road is in the shadow of high mountain peaks and the Stein Glacier. It is possibly the most stunning road I have ever cycled.

Built from 1938-1945 and officially opened on September 7, 1946, it felt extra special to be cycling this a couple of days before its 76th anniversary.

As it’s often closed from the beginning of November until June due to snow this road was always going to busy. I made the mistake of cycling it on a Sunday.

It was like a moto GP racetrack, with a constant stream of motor bikes buzzing past me.

And it wasn’t just the climb that was hard work, the constant worry of a bike or sports car pushing me off the road added to the stress on the body.

I edged into the middle of my lane. The closer I got to the edge, I kept thinking if I get pushed off here, it’s over 100m of a drop in places.

The Susten Pass reaches a peak at 2260m, so it was a long climb on the bike and made even slower with just the one leg, but the feeling of reaching the top of this climb was one of relief.

I had made it safely to the top and lived. All that was left was a long descent back to the hotel and to celebrate with some pasta and a good night’s sleep.

One more climb in Switzerland then it’s time to get back in the car and make my way to France.