Mayo Mental health and Croi combine for epic off road cycling bid.
A group of Mayo mountain bike enthusiasts is taking on the Everesting challenge – ascending and descending a total of 8,848 meters, the elevation of Mount Everest, to raise much-needed funds for Croí, the heart, and stroke charity, and Mayo Mental Health Services. The off-road cycle challenge, happening on June 19th, will take place on the iconic pilgrimage trail of the Western Way, which is located on the Westport side of Croagh Patrick. The trail being used in this challenge, known locally named Skelp, is 700m long with 88m of elevation per ascent. To achieve the 8,848 meters needed to complete this challenge, the team will ascend & descend the mountain over 110 times! This challenge will be intensely physical and will be a huge test of the group’s physical, mental, and technical endurance. The mountain bikers are among the first-in-Ireland to take on an off-road Everesting challenge, also claiming three extra Everesting achievements with the route ticking the classification of ‘Soil’ – requiring you to get dirty whilst climbing; ‘Short’ – you have to go steep; and ‘Significant’ – a climb that is iconic. The Mayo mountain bike group, led by Padraig Marrey from Ballinrobe, is trying to promote off-road cycling and bring it to the masses. “If we can get kids off-roading from an early age it will make them better bike handlers. It’s so much fun and a great way to keep kids involved in cycling,” says Marrey. The brave team here below, we at the Belgian Project wish you the success you thoroughly deserves!! Donate now in support of this incredible challenge, in aid of two local charities. Visit www.idonate.ie/everestingoffroad or contact padraigmarrey@gmail.com
Rachel Nolan (Ballina)
This woman is no stranger to ultra-endurance events whether cycling, running, or adventure racing.. She is literally ‘Queen of Endurance’. In 2020, she was the fastest overall participant to complete The Trans-Atlantic Way cycling race.
Colin Loughney (Hollymount) Rally driver to racing bikes, Colin is new to endurance events but in 2020 he was one of the 13 who completed the virtual Everesting challenge on Zwift. He is a demon descender.
Trevor Costello (Islandeady) Gravel, Road, or MTB Trevor is quite comfortable on any bike and on any terrain, probably the best suited to this event weighing only 50 odd kgs. We better hope there is no wind or he will get blown away.
Bryan Hyland (Westport) Another newbie to Endurance cycling and definitely new to MTB, he was also part of the 13 who completed the Virtual Everesting in 2020…It won’t be for the wanting of effort that will hold him back.
Padraig Marrey (Ballinrobe) Probably the most experienced of all the crew, has taken part in many challenges over the years even completing an Everesting on foot in 2011 when part of the 11 participants who climbed Croagh Patrick non-stop 12 times in a row inside 24hrs
About Everesting >> Road cycling has seen many athletes conquer an Everesting quest, especially in the last year due to the pandemic and the lack of physical cycling events. The challenge has become increasingly popular since two-time Tour de France winner, Alberto Contador achieved the feat last year. Since then Everesting has become a must-do for many cyclists. Irish rider Ronan McLaughlin holds the current Everesting world record for road cycling for the fastest ascent on a bicycle up the virtual height of Mount Everest. The Donegal man completed the 8,848 meters, in a time of 6:40.54. See more at www.everesting.cc
About Croí >> Established in 1985, Croí is a registered Irish Heart and Stroke Charity. Croí’s aim is to lead the fight against heart disease and stroke, with a particular focus on the West of Ireland. For more information, see www.croi.ie and follow Croí on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @croiheartstroke. Contact Christine Flanagan 0838780948
About Mayo Mental Health Services >> Mayo Mental Health Services is an HSE Mental Health Service caring for a population of approximately 20,000 people throughout the county of Mayo. The mission statement of Mayo Mental Health Service is to provide the highest quality of mental health care and to promote positive mental health and wellbeing for all individuals and communities in Mayo. For more information visit www.hse.ie . Contact Noeleen Burke, Physical Health Nurse, Mayo Mental Health Services 094 9042000.
