Etac R82 Mark Travers overcoming cycling challenge for Newlife

Etac R82’s Mark Travers has completed a 22-hour, ultra-gruelling challenge of cycling up the equivalent height of Everest on the hottest day of the year to raise money for disabled children’s charity Newlife.

The 52-year-old from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, successfully ascended and descended a 1.75-mile, 6.7 percent incline hill, 46 times within 21 hours 41 minutes in 36-degree, raising £2,000 for the company’s charity partner.

Accumulating an altitude of 29,501ft (8,992m), the same altitude as the height of Everest and the cruising height of most airliners, Mark is now one of a select number of individuals to have accomplished the feat, with many proficient amateur and professional riders having failed the ‘Everesting Challenge’.

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Discussing conquering the challenge and vital support received, Mark said: “I normally like riding in the heat but last weekend was too intense. The support of everyone during the challenge made all the difference, I would never have managed it on my own. My colleague Colin Williams rode with me through the night achieving 19,000ft of altitude himself!

“Plus, my friend Katie Marsden supported me as I ‘hit the wall’ on Saturday afternoon. 1–4 pm was by far the hardest and at one point all my strength had drained away, I became very emotional on one repetition for no apparent reason – perhaps the enormity of the challenge was finally hitting home – just how difficult it is to complete an Everesting Challenge.

“I’m not sure how I managed to keep going but Katie was amazing, she kept me mentally focused and strong.”

Highlighting that pure grit and determination helped him tackle the unprecedented temperatures and humidity, Mark fought against fatigue and hay fever during the ride and has subsequently contracted bronchitis due to the cold conditions he experienced during the night.

“Failure was not an option… I could not stop and let anyone down including most importantly Newlife and the disabled children they help. I think giving up would have felt worse that my lowest emotional point during the ride,” continued Mark.

“It was a ride of extremes. It was bitterly cold at night so had to wear many layers which all had to be removed for the searing heat of the day. I was drinking so much liquid to remain hydrated I had no space for food, it was only Katie’s clever carbohydrate and electrolytes drink mixture that kept my energy levels up.”

The product advisor now hopes to add further donations to his £2,000 total so that more assistive equipment can be provided to disabled children through the Newlife charity.

“Nearing the end, I was joined by members of my cycling club who were fantastic as they helped me focus on one rep at a time. Without this approach reaching the finishing line seemed impossible,” he added.

“With Andy Hicklin, Ian Johnson, Bryan Harrison and Stuart Knight beside me, I was motivated to romp up the last two climbs without issue. The sense of achievement at the end was unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I do hope more people can add to my fundraising total as Newlife do such an amazing job and I’m delighted to have raised awareness of their essential services.”

The challenge took place between The Lamb Inn, Holymoorside, Derbyshire and Beeley Moor in the Peak District, beginning at 23:00 on Friday 28th June and finishing at 20:30 on Saturday 29th June.

Jon Preater, Etac R82 Managing Director, finished: “Congratulations to Mark for completing this epic challenge. His determination to continue whilst facing extreme conditions is thoroughly commendable.

“Our business is proud to be associated with his cause and the outstanding support Newlife provides for families and disabled children across the UK. Well done again.”

Mark has now been officially recognised in the Everesting Hall of Fame. Further donations can be made to Newlife HERE

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Etac_R82_mark_Travers.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Etac_R82_mark_Travers-150x150.jpgCalvin BarnettNewsroomSupplier NewsThird SectorChallenge,charity,cycling,Derbyshire,Disabled Charity,Etac R82,Everest,Everesting Challenge,Mark Travers,Newlife,Peak DistrictEtac R82's Mark Travers has completed a 22-hour, ultra-gruelling challenge of cycling up the equivalent height of Everest on the hottest day of the year to raise money for disabled children’s charity Newlife. The 52-year-old from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, successfully ascended and descended a 1.75-mile, 6.7 percent incline hill, 46 times...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals