Young Cyclist Completes Everesting Challenge, Raising Funds for Charity

Strategic Insights -

Dominic Collis Zak Burgess, at just 14 years old, has become one of the youngest people in the world to complete the Everesting Challenge, a grueling cycling feat that involves ascending and descending a chosen hill multiple times to reach the altitude of Mount Everest. The challenge was met with tough weather conditions, including heat and cold, but Zak persevered, fueled by his determination and the support of his family and the local cycling community.

Key Takeaways:

  • Zak Burgess, a 14-year-old cyclist, completed the Everesting Challenge, cycling up Birdy Brow, Kemple End, 52 times, covering a total distance of 122 miles and accumulating an elevation gain of 3,166m (10,386 ft).
  • The challenge was completed in 28 hours, with Zak starting at 5:30 am on Saturday and finishing at 9:00 am on Sunday.
  • Zak chose to raise funds for the charity Re-Cycle, which recycles bikes from the UK and sends them to rural communities in Africa.
  • The challenge was supported by Zak's family, his parents Niels and Gillian, and the local cycling community, who gathered to cheer him on along the final stretch.
  • Zak's achievement has been in the making since lockdown, with him planning, researching, and training alone to prepare for the challenge.

Statistics:

  • Distance covered: 122 miles
  • Elevation gain: 3,166m (10,386 ft)
  • Number of times the hill was cycled: 52
  • Time taken to complete the challenge: 28 hours
  • Starting time: 5:30 am on Saturday
  • Finishing time: 9:00 am on Sunday

Sources:

  • Interview with Zak Burgess (no date provided)
  • Instagram page 'zakseveresingchallenge' (no date provided)
  • Quotation from Mark Cavendish (no date provided)
  • GoFundMe page for Zak's Hill Climb Challenge (www.gofundme.com/f/zak039s-hill-climb-challenge) (no date provided)
  • Green Jersey Cycling Club (no date provided)