Euroa Everest: a once-in-a-lifetime cycling feat

DURING the pre-Christmas rush when most people are frantically completing their shopping duties, a different breed of enthusiasts emerged—dedicated cyclists who conquered the equivalent of Mount Everest in elevation metres gained in a single day. On December 22, riders found themselves reflecting, "Well, how did I get here?" This question resonated among the participants of the Euroa Everest, an extraordinary cycling challenge unfurling on the Kelvin View Short KOM Strava segment. For those unfamiliar with "Everesting," it entails selecting any hill globally and cycling repeats of it in a single session until achieving a cumulative elevation gain of 8848 meters – akin to Mount Everest's height. Sleep is forbidden, and, unofficially, no "sticky bottles" are allowed (receiving a tow from a car or follow bike rider). Michael Kanizay from the Brunswick cycling club approached the Euroa Everest as a well-considered decision, drawing inspiration from diverse sources. The journey commenced with a book on Everesting, narrating the exploits of George Mallory's grandson. Following that, achievements of professional cyclists like Lachlan Morton, Phil Gaimon, Alberto Contador, and the current record holder, Ronan McLaughlin, intensified his determination. The Euroa Everest germinated during a reconnaissance ride in the Strathbogie Ranges, where the descent from Strathbogie to Euroa etched an indelible impression. The selected climb was the Kelvin View Short KOM, a 3km ascent with 218 meters of vertical gain. Accompanied by a dedicated and local support crew, including technical director Andrew Garrett, coach Shane Kirby, rising cycling talent Jake Lay, and local farmer Carl Simmons, the team meticulously prepared for the challenge. Starting at 4.30am, they aimed to maximise the use of the summer solstice. The Everest endeavor began in pre-dawn darkness with cyclists Shane, Andrew, and Jake embarking on their journey. The initial hours saw the riders settling into individual rhythms, guided by the faint glow of their bike computers and the anticipation of the impending challenge. The ride unfolded in laps, each unveiling a deeper connection with the landscape. "We reached speeds of up to 75-80kph coming off the hill, Jake was perhaps going quicker," Michael remarked. As the day progressed, it became a test not only of physical endurance but also of mental resilience. Strategies evolved, encompassing nutrition plans and ice-soaked cooling techniques, as the sun's heat intensified. "Nutrition was key. Having recently completed an Ironman, I knew the energy expenditure would be high, and I needed to find a way to refuel. Understanding why long-distance athletes can hit the wall, I needed to avoid this and consistently get carbs in," Michael emphasised. As the day unfolded, more riders, friends, and family joined the base camp. Cheers, music, and occasional surprise cameos kept spirits high. A bike change at the halfway point injected fresh energy, and with each lap, the sense of accomplishment burgeoned. As the last lap commenced, the support crew and fellow riders gathered for a triumphant return to base camp. The final bell lap rang with cheers, leaving the cyclists with a blend of euphoria and disbelief. The Everest was conquered, commemorated by a unique presentation with a local bluestone. The day concluded with an impromptu celebration, encapsulating the essence of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In the aftermath of the Euroa Everest, Michael expressed gratitude to the support crew, the community, and the unforgettable memories created on that monumental day. Michael concluded, stating, "Taking time out of their day to support me gave me the inspiration to complete this challenge".