HAE

Now you have the chance to give your old rope a second life – as part of “The Second Line”.

1000 kilometers along the Rhône – with skis, gravel bikes and packrafts 18 days. One tent. Three modes of transport. And a river that connects everything. Guillaume Bonvin set out from his home in Valais to follow the Rhône from its source to its mouth – on skis, by bike, and in a packraft. An adventure through Switzerland and France. From glaciers and vineyards to the sea. Starting point: Home "Start from home" – that was the idea. No flight, no shuttle, no support team. Just Guillaume, his equipment, and a bit of courage. From his home village above Sion, he rode his gravel bike to Goms, skis mounted on the frame, toward Gletsch. The goal: the Rhône Glacier. But the terrain was tricky, and the avalanche danger was too high. And so the first big decision of this trip was made: to turn back. Instead of trudging to the source at all costs, Guillaume turned around just before reaching his destination and began his journey toward Lake Geneva. Sometimes the bravest thing to do is not to go any further. Switch without limits: From the saddle to the water Part two began in Geneva: The bike was mounted on a packraft – an inflatable kayak – and Guillaume swapped asphalt for water. The Rhône showed its calmer side. There was little current, lots of paddling, and the occasional headwind. But there was plenty of freedom. And quiet moments in the middle of the river. Not every day was easy. Handling the packraft and bike was unfamiliar at first, especially during the first rapids. "I cursed a lot," Guillaume admits. But eventually, the boat became a floating base – with lunch on the water, power naps between stages, and a whole new perspective on progress. On the road with croissants and curiosity Seven croissants were eaten on the water. He counted them for fun – perhaps also to feel the rhythm of the days. Paddling in the morning, cycling in the afternoon, pitching tent in the evening. Sometimes in nature, sometimes near small villages where fresh bread and unexpected encounters awaited. Guillaume used his bike to provide himself with flexible supplies – and to take a little stroll in between. Destination: The Mediterranean After 1,000 kilometers, 18 days, and countless paddle strokes, Guillaume reached the coast: Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Sand under his feet, salty air in his nose, and his packraft and bike in hand. His reception? Confused looks from sunbathers—but also a broad grin from himself. A trip that lasts What remains from such a trip? A lot of sore muscles. Even more memories. And the feeling that adventures often begin right outside your front door. You just have to let them happen. Guillaume's packing list: - Gravel bike - Touring skis - Packraft - Tent - 7 croissants And lots of curiosity HAE says: Thank you, Guillaume. For having the courage to turn a crazy idea into a real adventure. Guillaume is already on his next mission: He wants to climb 13 of Austria's highest peaks by gravel bike and ski. If you want to know more, you can follow his projects on Instagram .

Some things deserve more than an end. You deserve a fresh start. Second Line is our way of giving climbing ropes a second meaning. They once carried lives – today they carry stories. A project between function, emotion and responsibility. Handmade in Valais. Inspired by the mountains.