Can you climb Everest on a bike?

Well no, not exactly.

So for 2009 I have signed up for the Raid Pyrénéen, a 710km trip over 5 days from Biscay to the Med. Pretty easy on the flat though alas mother nature decided to stick a mountain range in the way. The challange is to traverse the Pyrenees, going over 18 recognised Cols in less than 100 hours. The total climb over the course is circa 11,000 metres, so basically climbling vertically from ground level to the cruising height of a commercial plane. Everest tops out at 8,840m. So no, it's not possible to climb Everest on a bike, but it is possible to climb the equivalent of it.

The organisers describe it as "the Raid Pyreneen is a major challenge, and anybody who successfully gets the medal for completing the ride has something to be very proud of. All in all one of the most challenging - and satisfying - things you can do on two wheels".

http://www.frenchcyclingholidays.com/sport/raids.html

This year I am raising money for Thames Hospicecare, a wonderful place in Windsor where my grandma spent her last couple of weeks earlier this year that is in desperate need of cash to continue their great work.

http://www.thameshospicecare.org.uk/

First training ride Jan 17th - watch this space!