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I’m JC Van Deventer and of all the things I’ve been called in life, normal has never been one of them. On Monday, April 27th I woke up and got this crazy idea that I should attempt the Everest Ride Challenge before I go back to work on Monday. This idea lacks any type of sanity as an endeavor like this usually takes months, if not years, to prepare and plan for.
The What: The Everest Ride Challenge: 29,029 feet of vertical climbing on one climb over, and over, and over, and… (in my case 270 and overs). For the nearly half mile climb and then equal distance of descending each time, that will be nearly 250 miles of riding. Which isn’t so awful if it could be done over the span of a year or more preferably a decade; however, this challenge is to be completed without sleep. Due to the fact, I can’t refrain from sleep for a year, I’m going to ride straight through. It will take somewhere between 19 to 29 hours (this would likely have a closer estimate if I had any reasonable planning).
The Why: Besides the irrational, “why not,” it is really about the struggles all of us are going through currently. As someone who has taught in the classroom, I know how much students are currently missing out on their growth and learning. Also, many are failing to get outside and remain active and healthy. When I reached out to Tricia Crego at Sylvan Learning and tossed out this crazy idea, I wanted to know if she thought we could raise money to help students get additional education support who would otherwise be left without. Not only was she all in, but so was her Director of Education, Megan Averill. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to help these students so this time out of school doesn’t create hurdles to large to overcome.
The When: With the idea coming together on Monday, April 27th, time is limited. With the weather this week, Wednesday, April 29th seemed to be the day to complete the event (remember earlier when I said this should take months, if not years, to properly plan). Clearly it isn’t enough time to do an event of this magnitude; however, rational and sane are not words which describe me well. Thus, with the help of many friends, the great people at Bicycle Shack, The awesome owner of Roof Check, and many others we’re going to take on this challenge.
The Foolish: Clearly the lack of proper preparation and planning are part of the foolish, but that’s not all. Over the last couple decades there have been about 600 people in the United States who have accomplished this momentous feat, even fewer with a verifiable tracking system like I plan on using. Furthermore, I’m not in the greatest shape in the world. I stepped on the scale today and I weigh in at 210lbs. Which would only be a little overweight for this type of challenge if I was 6’4”. Unfortunately, I’m only 5’7” (probably 5’6” by the time I’m done). Climbing on the bike is a skinny person’s game. Skinny is not me. Regarding my equipment, Bicycle Shack has done a fantastic job of getting me set up as best they can considering the incredibly late notice. So the bike won’t have the best gearing, but I’ll just have to work a little harder to make do.
The Where: It’s quarantine time, so I’m using the climb which is close to home. I’ll be climbing up Anderson Road in Oaks Ridge Meadows in the northern part of Lee’s Summit.
The Start Time: Did I mention I’m a little late on the planning. As I type this a tentative 1:00am start time is likely; however, it could be as late as 6:00am. Still working on that one.
Most Importantly, the You: I can’t do this without you and your support. If you can come out, do so (so long as you can social distance). Cheer me on or bring your best trash talking. Feel free to ride a few laps with me if you would like. I still need water/food volunteers. But most importantly, I need people to join me by donating to the donation page we’ve set up in order to help children with their education needs.
Presented by sponsors Sylvan Learning, Roof Check, and Bicycle Shack.
The What: The Everest Ride Challenge: 29,029 feet of vertical climbing on one climb over, and over, and over, and… (in my case 270 and overs). For the nearly half mile climb and then equal distance of descending each time, that will be nearly 250 miles of riding. Which isn’t so awful if it could be done over the span of a year or more preferably a decade; however, this challenge is to be completed without sleep. Due to the fact, I can’t refrain from sleep for a year, I’m going to ride straight through. It will take somewhere between 19 to 29 hours (this would likely have a closer estimate if I had any reasonable planning).
The Why: Besides the irrational, “why not,” it is really about the struggles all of us are going through currently. As someone who has taught in the classroom, I know how much students are currently missing out on their growth and learning. Also, many are failing to get outside and remain active and healthy. When I reached out to Tricia Crego at Sylvan Learning and tossed out this crazy idea, I wanted to know if she thought we could raise money to help students get additional education support who would otherwise be left without. Not only was she all in, but so was her Director of Education, Megan Averill. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to help these students so this time out of school doesn’t create hurdles to large to overcome.
The When: With the idea coming together on Monday, April 27th, time is limited. With the weather this week, Wednesday, April 29th seemed to be the day to complete the event (remember earlier when I said this should take months, if not years, to properly plan). Clearly it isn’t enough time to do an event of this magnitude; however, rational and sane are not words which describe me well. Thus, with the help of many friends, the great people at Bicycle Shack, The awesome owner of Roof Check, and many others we’re going to take on this challenge.
The Foolish: Clearly the lack of proper preparation and planning are part of the foolish, but that’s not all. Over the last couple decades there have been about 600 people in the United States who have accomplished this momentous feat, even fewer with a verifiable tracking system like I plan on using. Furthermore, I’m not in the greatest shape in the world. I stepped on the scale today and I weigh in at 210lbs. Which would only be a little overweight for this type of challenge if I was 6’4”. Unfortunately, I’m only 5’7” (probably 5’6” by the time I’m done). Climbing on the bike is a skinny person’s game. Skinny is not me. Regarding my equipment, Bicycle Shack has done a fantastic job of getting me set up as best they can considering the incredibly late notice. So the bike won’t have the best gearing, but I’ll just have to work a little harder to make do.
The Where: It’s quarantine time, so I’m using the climb which is close to home. I’ll be climbing up Anderson Road in Oaks Ridge Meadows in the northern part of Lee’s Summit.
The Start Time: Did I mention I’m a little late on the planning. As I type this a tentative 1:00am start time is likely; however, it could be as late as 6:00am. Still working on that one.
Most Importantly, the You: I can’t do this without you and your support. If you can come out, do so (so long as you can social distance). Cheer me on or bring your best trash talking. Feel free to ride a few laps with me if you would like. I still need water/food volunteers. But most importantly, I need people to join me by donating to the donation page we’ve set up in order to help children with their education needs.
Presented by sponsors Sylvan Learning, Roof Check, and Bicycle Shack.
Organizer and beneficiary
Larry Finkemeier
Beneficiary