A group of Mayo mountain bike enthusiasts took on an 'Everesting' challenge earlier this summer and in doing so raised nearly €7,000, which was split evenly between Croí, the heart and stroke charity, and Mayo Mental Health Services. The fundraiser attempted to raise awareness of the importance of looking after your physical and mental health.
In June, five brave and resilient mountain bike cyclists attempted an off-road Everesting challenge on a local hill called Skelp, which is located on the Westport side of Croagh Patrick. The bid was not for the faint-hearted as it involved cycling up and down a gravel path 105 times. It took between 15 and 21 hours to complete the gruesome challenge.
For any person to achieve an Everest it is a personal lifetime achievement, as it involves climbing the elevation of Mount Everest at 8,848m. To do it on a mountain bike requires a certain mind-set and skill level that few dare attempt. The five Mayo participants are the only known cyclists in Ireland to achieve such a feat.
Their achievements earned them four badges that are now recorded on the hall of fame of the world governing body’s website for Everesters known as Hells 500. The badges they earned were: Soil, Significant, First known and Short.
The five mountain bikers were Padraig Marrey, Ballinrobe, Rachel Nolan, Ballina, Bryan Hyland, Westport, Colin Loughney, Hollymount and Trevor Costello, Islandeady.
Crew chief on the day was Noel Brady from Westport with Padraig McLoughlin from Newport as mechanic. Both ensured the event was professionally run and that the team had all the support they needed to complete their challenge. Medical and physio services were provided by a range of professionals from the Westport area.
The organisers would like to thank the local landowners, all their supporters, various media outlets and all who helped make the bid so successful.
