Gerald Cowham
We have just lost a friend.
Gérald joined the club in 2003 and has participated in numerous trips. He has worked for the club for many years as a translator (articles on our website, trip registration forms) and author of the saga of the Parpaillon (compilation of articles published in the magazine from 1970 to 2020 on this legendary mountain pass). This summer, he agreed to take on the role of National Delegate for the United Kingdom and Ireland, replacing Jérémy Chandler, who was experiencing health issues.
He was supposed to take part in the summer holiday in Vaison-la-Romaine, but on 19 August, he told me that he had to give up because his illness had made him so weak that he was unable to make the trip.
A lover of the Ubaye region, he stayed at the Cheval Blanc hotel in Barcelonnette for 25 years and was its most loyal customer. Crossed on 26 June 2025, the Baisse de Péguiéou FR-04-2400a was his last mountain pass.
Paulette Autric, who knew him best, told me: «He was carefree, he didn't see the danger.».
Christophe Badonnel CCC5799
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Memories in Gilette in 2015 in the room with Kris the Belgian and in 2017 in Ceriale with Michel Portal. With Jeremy the Englishman every evening, it was aperitifs with Lambrusco and Italian charcuterie. He enjoyed it. We will miss his British accent. I last saw him during my stay in Porticcio. We had a long chat.
Gerald rests in peace.
Gérard Depagne
Gerald's passing is a great loss to the Club des Cent Cols. His availability and expertise were a great asset to the Club. Personally, I remember him as a wonderful person, ironic and friendly, and a truly strong cyclist.
It was with great emotion and sadness that I learned of Gerald's death.
I got to know Gerald during our stay in Gilette in 2015, and his great kindness and caring personality were unanimously appreciated.
He was often seen on mountain bike trails with his road bike fitted with foam heating pipes to make it easier to carry.
In 2016, he lost the derailleur clevis on his red «BOB WHITTAKER» while descending a Corsican track. Around twenty of us got together to look for the missing parts (clevis, chain rollers, screws, washers). Fifteen minutes later everything was found and Gerald was delighted when we explained to him the meaning of the French expression «Avoir le cul bordé de nouilles» ('having your arse in a pot').
https://photos.app.goo.gl/rkfWBjr9YUzFJknf9
The last time I met Gerald was in Porticcio in 2024. On the San Sisto ridge mountain bike circuit. After a difficult and trying crossing - in good French there were a few of us complaining about the difficulty of the circuit - Gerald came up to us with a big smile and an amused look on his face, pointing to the Gulf of Sagonne at our feet and saying: «What a joy to be here! ..... You were so right, Gerald!
Gérald loved the Ubaye and regularly visited this region, and tonight the Chambeyron mountains must be very sad.
My deepest condolences go out to his family.
Alain BENOIST CCC 5663
PS: I found a message in my mailbox from Gerald with a beautiful slideshow in the Queyras, you can find it below
Gérald wrote
Hello everyone,
On 22 September I climbed 3000m for the first time, and just in time, because it snowed at the top during the night. Following an exchange on the mailing list between Natalie Mauret and Guy Ruffié last year, the choice fell on the Cristillan, and I wasn't disappointed. Three passes over 3000m, the most impressive mountains I've ever seen, and, most surprising of all, no difficulties. Even with a road bike (28 tyres), the trails were very rolling, then easy pushing, and portage (easy) only for the last 500m. A highly recommended tour.
Here are a few images:
https://goo.gl/photos/HKXh4Dzva1K5fMqC9
All the best,