Life In The Saddle

To complete an 'Everesting' you must ascend the height of Everest (8,848 metres); in one ride; on one climb. The challenge takes the concept of #insearchofup to new heights. On June 24th 2017, I took on an 'Everesting' of St. Boniface Down, Ventnor (Isle of Wight). From the seafront, to the radar station at the top of the climb. 38 repetitions would be required, to meet the magic number. It was one hell of a hill climbing session... Preparation The preparation for the big ride starts weeks before the pedals make their first rotation. Gearing is chosen. Bikes are fettled. Nutrition is prepared. Bags are packed. It begins... dawn depart Up before the sun, even this close to the summer solstice. Porridge and coffee, at 4am. Empty roads and dark skies at the start-line. Mountain in the mist Fog, wind, and rain. My own mountain, shrouded in cloud. Brothers in Arms The first few hours are a solo affair. T...

Everest stands at 8,848 metres above sea level. The highest mountain peak, and one of the greatest climbing challenges on earth. 'Everesting' is a concept dreamed up by an Australian club Hells 500 , and the rules are pretty simple: climb the same route, descend the same route; until your cumulative elevation gain is equivalent to the height of Everest. The idea of a riding an 'Everesting' found its way onto my Bucket List  a while back. As someone that uses the #insearchofup hashtag a lot, it seemed a fitting masochistic challenge. This year, I've decided to tick it off. For a good cause - The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust The date chosen for my Everesting actually sits almost exactly mid-way between the two equinoxes, close to the summer solstice. The 'Equinox' side of the challenge has a deeper meaning though; my hope is that through raising sponsorship, the challenge will help to support an Isle of Wight based charity, which tries to provide...