Re: Autumn 2016 | Page 105

Because it is (virtually) there expecting to get soaked at least once). The hours of darkness and tiredness are mentally quite tough, and when wet meant that concentration was hard, but the only thing to do is keep going. Coming in to the dawn I was happy to see the sun rise, but still had plenty of reps to do. Moving into the late 50s for repetitions was the hardest part, a lot of climbing has been done, you are many many hours in, but know that you still have a lot to go. Hells 500 refers to the time over 7,000 metres as the “death zone”. The mental boost of getting past 60 reps was huge. “It all started with a bunch of guys who liked riding in the hills. Too much.” So says the web-site o f the Hells500 Cycling Club otherwise known as “the Keepers of the Cloud” and the maintainers of the Hall of Fame for those who have completed the Everesting Challenge. What is that? It is a challenge that asks the cyclist to ride 8,848 metres, the height of Everest, on one hill in one single ride. As you have quickly worked out there are no other hills in the world of the same height so multiple repetitions of any chosen hill are necessary to be able to complete the height. Riders can take natural breaks and stop to drink and feed as they wish, but sleep breaks are not allowed and the attempt must be a single ride, The first credited Everester was George Mallory, grandson of the climber George Mallory who was lost on the mountain itself in 1924. The younger George rode 10 laps of Mt Donna Buang in the Victorian Alps whilst training for a climbing attempt on Everest, and still has one of the fastest times for the challenge. News of the ride was picked up by Andy van Bergen, a keen Australian cyclist, who with a group of friends liked riding out in the hills rather than racing on their bikes. In May 2015 with a group of friends I took on the challenge on Box Hill. We needed to complete 65 climbs from Ryker’s Café and up to the top of the famous Zig Zag road. Unfortunately for me I suffered a knee injury on that occasion and had to stop after only completing 32 climbs. However, I was determined to emulate the success of my friends who were able to complete that day, and were able to wear the distinctive Grey Stripe kit that comes with entry into the world-wide Hall of Fame for successful Everesters. I had unfinished business. By the last few reps I was immensely tired, but there was no way I was not going to finish. The last rep was so pleasant, and the descent to the finish was a great feeling. After preparing once for 2015, then having to wait to go again, it was really satisfying to tick off the unfinished business and email Andy in Australia to say there was another shirt order on its way. By Dean Orgill So I planned another attempt this summer. More hours of daylight are an advantage. I looked for a similar profile of hill. You do want to balance enough metres of height on each climb with a gradient that is not horrific. Across from Box Hill is Denbies Wine Estate, and they kindly allowed us to use the hill that runs up through the vineyard. A mere 73 repetitions would be required. Setting off at 8.00 a.m. I expected to be at least 24 hours to complete. The first few hours passed very pleasantly, and after a light shower in the afternoon we were treated to several stunning rainbows. As night began to fall the temperature began to drop, and just after dark the real rain began to fall. Torrential rain caused a few riders to pause. But I reasoned that once wet I would get no wetter and just kept going (I had packed 4 sets of kit 103