A group of Mayo mountain bike enthusiasts are taking on the Everesting challenge – ascending and descending a total of 8,848 metres, the elevation of Mount Everest, to raise much-needed funds for Croí, the heart and stroke charity, and Mayo Mental Health Services. The off-road cycle challenge, happening on June 19th, will take place on the iconic pilgrimage trail of the Western Way, which is located on the Westport side of Croagh Patrick.
The trail being used in this challenge, known locally named as Skelp, is 700m long with 88m of elevation per ascent. To achieve the 8,848 meters needed to complete this challenge, the team will ascend the mountain over 100 times! This challenge will be intensely physical and will be a huge test of the group’s physical, mental and technical endurance.
The mountain bikers are among the first-in-Ireland to take on an off-road Everesting challenge, also claiming three extra Everesting achievements with the route ticking the classification of ‘Soil’ – requiring you to get dirty whilst climbing; ‘Short’ – you have to go steep; and ‘Significant’ – a climb that is iconic.
The Mayo mountain bike group, led by Padraig Marrey from Ballinrobe, are trying to promote off-road cycling and bring it to the masses. “If we can get kids off-roading from an early age it will make them better bike handlers. It’s so much fun and a great way to keep kids involved in cycling,” says Marrey.
Donate now in support of this incredible challenge, in aid of two local charities. Visit www.idonate.ie/everestingoffroad or contact padraigmarrey@gmail.com
