News Archive
Edinburgh to Everest - by bike
Five adventurous cyclists have just completed an amazing journey of over 11,000 kilometres. Having set off from Edinburgh, they arrived at Everest Base Camp in Tibet after 87 days of tough riding that left them just a little saddle sore. But their efforts not only rewarded them with plenty of great memories – their fundraising abilities also ensured that the ride generated money for Aspire.
Having talked about organising an event for charity, Ailsa, one of the five cyclists who took part in the challenge, admits that “the idea got a little out of control when we decided on Everest as our final destination.” Ailsa, Olivia, Simone, Seamus and Dan completed the ride in relay, also taking it in turns to drive the support Land Rover.
The ride offered numerous highlights, but for Ailsa it would be hard to top the last leg up to Base Camp: “It’s difficult to describe how we felt on arrival. Joy, elation, relief, pride, tiredness and awe were just some of the emotions. And all the while surrounded by scenery that just takes your breath away.”
With several of the team having worked in a hospital, Aspire was a popular choice when the team decided on the charities to support. The final amount will be shared out between Aspire and the Nepal Trust. The team paid for all the expedition costs themselves, ensuring that all donations will come to their chosen charities.
Whilst cycling from Edinburgh to Everest is beyond most people, the Aspire Summer Cycle is not. Taking place on Sunday July 20th at Stoke Mandeville in Buckinghamshire, there will be a choice of routes starting from just 15 miles. The 2007 event was a great day out and 2008 promises to be bigger and better. To find out how you can sign up, and help raise funds for Aspire, contact Andrew Ogierman on 020 8420 8951 or by email at andrew.ogierman@aspire.org.uk.