In our lives, there are always certain numbers that hold special significance. For instance, 100 represents a perfect score, a goal we've pursued since childhood. Then there's 520, symbolizing cherished moments spent with a loved one. And of course, there's the familiar 1111, signaling a shopping spree and a declaration against bachelorhood. Happily, in the world of cycling, there are also numbers that captivate us, like 97850, 777, and now, a number that's been gaining traction recently in the cycling community - 8848.
8848, the height of the world's tallest peak, Mount Everest, also represents the ultimate challenge for humanity. Not only in the realm of mountaineering but also in cycling, a group of challengers has brought 8848 into the cycling domain, inadvertently establishing an ultimate climbing challenge. However, this challenge doesn't involve cycling up Mount Everest; that's physically impossible. Instead, it entails accumulating a total elevation gain of 8848 meters in a single ride. Today, many people worldwide participate in this challenge, especially since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a sharp increase in participants. Among them is three-time Grand Tour winner Contador, who completed the challenge in Spain in 7 hours, 27 minutes, and 20 seconds. Currently, the fastest record is held by American rider Sean Garner, who broke the 7-hour mark with a time of 6 hours, 59 minutes, and 38 seconds. The global record for women is held by Emma Pooley, with a time of 8 hours and 53 minutes.
Though cycling up Mount Everest is impossible, climbing 8848 meters is achievable!
Starting from January, the trend of the 8848 climbing challenge has also swept through Taiwan, with many cycling enthusiasts eager to push their limits. Some local cycling teams have even organized challenges to encourage more people to test themselves. The rules for cycling 8848 are simple: complete a total elevation gain of 8848 meters in one continuous activity. Challengers typically choose a short, steep hill. Ideally, the slope should be around 10% with a length of approximately 1 kilometer. Examples include the Shuijing Hill on County Road 88 in Taichung, or the Cactus Hill at Fuxiang Mountain in Keelung. Participants ride up and down the same route repeatedly until they reach the target elevation gain.
Choosing the right route is crucial for tackling 8848!
Before taking on the challenge, it's essential to do your homework. Here are some key points for riders considering the challenge:
1. Efficiency in route climbing is crucial. This is why we recommend hills with an average slope of around 10% and a length of approximately 1 kilometer. Too gradual isn't efficient, while too steep can lead to burnout. Additionally, it's advisable to choose routes that are straight and wide, as this reduces the time spent descending and is safer.
2. Proper rest and refueling planning are essential. Plan your refueling according to your personal physical condition. Decide whether you'll take scheduled breaks for refueling or base it on metrics like TSS. Remember not to wait until you're hungry to refuel; by then, it may be too late. It's also best to place your refueling supplies at designated points and ask friends to help watch over them. This ensures convenient access to refueling and minimizes the risk of theft or misplacement.
3. Rally your friends. This is a key factor in completing the challenge. When you hit a wall, you'll only feel more despondent if you're riding alone. Having someone to ride alongside you, whether they're just there to accompany you or even poke fun at you, can make a huge difference. The feeling of having someone by your side during tough times is incomparable, and the collective support from fellow cycling enthusiasts is a powerful force. Perhaps it's this camaraderie that has helped many people successfully complete this extreme challenge.
Engaging in extreme challenges not only allows you to have a meaningful conversation with yourself but also lets you experience the great camaraderie among cyclists!
4. It's recommended to have at least two recording devices in case one malfunctions halfway through the ride. It would be a shame to lose your data! If you don't have a second cycling computer, you can use your phone or a watch to record. Speaking of phones, we can't forget to mention the Bone Bike Tie 4 Pro Max phone mount. It can be used without restrictions, featuring a dual-strap design and professional vibration testing to effectively absorb road vibrations and protect your phone. This adds an extra layer of reassurance to your challenge. If you need to carry a power bank, there are also phone mounts available that can accommodate both your phone and power bank!
Bone Bike Tie 4 Pro Max
Bone Bike Tie 4 Pro Max
Once you're all set, pick a favorable day to take on the challenge! After completing the challenge, you can upload your Strava record to the eversting.cc website. Once reviewed, you'll be able to join the hall of fame at everesting.cc/hall-of-fame. Are you and your cycling buddies itching to test yourselves now?
After completing the challenge, upload your Strava record to this website and let the whole world see your feat!