There is nothing extraordinary or unique about my recent vEveresting achievement. Hundreds have done it before me and thousands will do it after. Some have done two, three, or even more in a row without stopping. Many have done it considerably faster than me on much more difficult climbs. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone has attempted it on a unicycle.
That is not to say it isn’t physically demanding. I would consider it one of the hardest things I have ever done on a bicycle, which is why it’s an achievement worthy of being immortalized in the Everesting Hall of Fame. In fact, it’s been several days, and the dullness in my muscles and stabbing sensations in my knees tell me I’m still not fully recovered.
Training and Preparation
I didn’t undertake any event-specific training, but I like to ride and race my bike a bit. It is definitely not achievable, however, without doing the research and putting in the work beforehand. Food, fluids, fashion, friends… all that stuff.
Food and Drink
Nutrition: Total Kcal Consumed 4,430
- Carbs: 529g (36%)
- Fat: 327g (51%)
- Protein: 188g (13%)
Pre-ride Breakfast 424 kcal
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 16g peanut butter powder
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- Coffee w/almond milk
On the bike: Whole food
- 2oz. Sliced chicken breast 60kcal
- 2oz. Sliced roast beef 80kcal
- 1 cup Gluten free pretzels 96kcal
- Smoothie w/fluit, vegetables, and almond butter 474kcal
- .8cup Trail mix (Archer Farms peanut butter monster) 270kcal
- 5 slices Homemade cranberry-orange walnut bread 1,055 kcal
- 2 Homemade peanut butter cookies 130kcal
On the bike: Hydration
- 5 16oz bottles w/8oz Tart Cherry Juice 120kcal
- 6 Espresso-double shots
Dinner 1,095kcal
- 1 celebratory 16oz Heady Topper IPA 320kcal
Dessert 307kcal
- Smoothie w/fruit and oat yogurt
You Need to Have a Strategy
Although, as is evident by my stats, it is invariably subject to change.
Course: Road to Sky (Watopia)
Climb: Alp du Zwift
Start time: 3:55am est
Finish time: 3:05pm est
| Climb | Start Time | Elapsed Time | Pavg | HRavg |
| #1 | 4:05am est | 1:02 (w/:5 drop) | 191 | 133 |
| #2 | 5:20 | 58:17 | 203 | 139 |
| #3 | 6:30 | 57:56 | 205 | 146 |
| #4 | 7:40 | 58:16 | 203 | 147 |
| #5 | 8:51 | 1:02 | 190 | 147 |
| #6 | 10:05 | 1:12 | 162 | 138 |
| #7 | 11:30 | 1:22 | 140 | 125 |
| #8 | 1:06pm | 1:17 | 151 | 130 |
| #9 | 2:36 | 11:20 1803ft | 158 | 132 |
When finished, it will be painfully obvious that it was a significant effort. But not extraordinary for any of the aforementioned reasons. Accepting and overcoming a challenge like vEveresting is very special, but not because of all the pedal pushing or climbing. Defining, accepting, confronting, and overcoming adversity is what makes a challenge extraordinary and why you can’t afford not to do it.
My vEveresting Video
2020 Was a vEveresting Kind of Year
Last year at this time, it’s doubtful any of us would have readily agreed to all the challenges that the new year, 2020, would bring. We’ve been confronted with creating and adapting to new ways of learning, working, and living our lives amid stressors that we have never experienced before. But for all the hardship the new year ushered in, 2020 has also provided a unique opportunity to reflect, just as accepting and overcoming a cycling challenge like vEveresting does.
vEveresting as a Teacher
Resilience
The human spirit is capable of withstanding an incredible amount of stress. We’ve adapted and we will emerge with a far greater appreciation for a way of life that can be easily taken for granted. Maybe we’ll be less likely to take it for granted in the future. Surviving hardship and willing ourselves to move forward builds added strength to tackle new challenges and face future failures.
Vulnerability
We have to accept the risk of failure to achieve exceptional goals. Your best is enough, despite the outcome. Even when it is different or seems less significant than someone else’s!
Perspective
Overcoming adversity provides us a clearer sense of self. 2020 has given all of us the gift of illumination, knowing that we must embrace life because we don’t know what the future will bring. Negative circumstances help to clarify what we are truly passionate about and motivate us to live life on our own terms.
Compassion and Sensitivity
A significant dose of humility comes with hardship. Although it may be difficult to confront the truth that we aren’t immune to terrible things, enduring hardship opens our eyes to the difficulties others face.
Limits of Control
Hardship is a powerful reminder of the limits of our own control. By acknowledging and embracing those limits to our power, we can eliminate the burden and accept that some things are out of our hands.
Learning Experience
Hardship may be painful, but if you can learn from it, and turn it into an opportunity for growth, you receive something back that will stay with you forever.
Unity
We are not expected to go it alone. If not for the unconditional support of my family, I fear that I would have wasted the waning hours of the attempt lying beside my bike in the fetal position weeping. Same to be said for the selfless in-game motivation provided by teammates Pete Butler and Sarah Hreha, amongst too many others to mention.
The Most Scenic View is Atop the Greatest Climb
While we all may have a tendency to underestimate ourselves and our capabilities, tough times force us to respond in ways far beyond what we thought possible. If never challenged in life, you deprive yourself of the opportunity to learn how to overcome adversity and risk giving up when the climb gets steep. You will never know how amazing you can be until you put yourself in a position to be great!
Success is not about the destination, but rather the unexpected and invaluable things we learn about ourselves and the positive personal growth realized along the ride.
So find YOUR vEveresting and embrace it! I know it will be special and am certain you will be the best you for it! That is all that anyone can ask of you, and most importantly, all you can ask of yourself. Ride On!
What about you?
Have you ever attempted a major cycling challenge or overcome extreme adversity while on your bike? How has the experience prepared you to face some of the challenges that life has sent your way?
Before I start, I recognise your article is about finding own own Everesting.. I see that.. But in terms of defining made up, meaningless ‘cycling’ achievements, including Everesting, I don’t really get it and never had.
Essentially it’s an exercise in ascending a meaningless height in terms of cycling.. Surely the only real achievement in climbing to a height of 8000+ Metres is to actually go and climb the mountain itself…on foot.
IRL everesting is bad enough, virtual seems completely pointless and the number of articles devoted to it seems completely disproportionate.
If you want to target achievements on the bike, then at least make them bike related and real life efforts in the face of all that outdoor riding throws at you. Ok, at the moment, this may not be an option due to Covid rules but plan it now and execute it when you can… just don’t bang on about it endlessly in blogs.
Oh, and “immortalized in the Everesting Hall of Fame. “??? Really? Immortalised?
If you’re going to get philosophical about meaning then I hate to break it to you but arguable everything is meaningless given enough time, so why not enjoy the time you have instead of pissing on someone’s chips.
Try doing it then maybe you’d appreciate the achievement
Hi emjayem22, Just wondering what you do besides troll others for accomplishing their own goals. It’s not like you need to read or respond to anything you don’t like. If you aren’t finding enough joy in living life and riding your bicycle (inside or outside) then switch to something else. Bashing others goals and achievements doesn’t seem uplifting, or sporting, or worthy of continuing to engage…See you in Watopia (if you even ride).
Clearly you did not read the article, or you failed to comprehend it.
Each heading of the article represents the meaning behind the attempt at the stated achievement. It isn’t about a single number. The same goes for any challenge.
I could break it down further, but the article already did that perfectly and I don’t expect some magical improvement in your ability to comprehend.
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a -25 thumbs rating here. Well done! That should get you into the Troll Hall of Fame!
Well thanks all for jumping on the ‘Troll’ bandwagon. I don’t consider myself a troll and rarely post on the bottom half of the internet. I wasn’t having a go at the achievement of the author and I stated that I get that the article was about something other than the everesting aspect. My comment though was purely in relation to Everesting, about which there have been many article recently (indeed the author ironically refers to this in the title of his own post). I am merely trying to express my lack of understanding of how 11+ hours sat on a trainer in a garage or shed is an achievement that is in any way linked to Everest… other than just a number.
Maybe it’s my age and if I come across as a troll to anyone I sincerely apologise. Personally, my test of any personal achievement is ‘Would I want to sit my grandchild on my knee one day any tell him/her about it’. Achieving a virtual climb value whilst going nowhere would not fall into this bracket for me.. but hey, we are all different right? Just a shame that non agreement instantly brings the retort of troll. If anyone could convince me of the merits of vE that necessitate so many articles on it then I am willing to listen to a counter argument.
That’s what makes the world go ‘round Mike. Thank you for reading and caring enough to comment. I hope you overcome all of YOUR challenges and proudly pass on the legacy. Happy New Year!
I think the point is that you don’t need to piss in someone else’s corn flakes. It’s fine if you don’t consider it an achievement, but it’s certainly a challenge that very few people are actually capable of…I know I’m not even capable of half an Everest attempt and I consider myself to be decently fit. It’s probably more challenging than a triathlon, which is something I’d be shouting about from the rooftops (including to my grandkids) if I ever finished one. Yes, it’s an arbitrary elevation figure, but so is the distance of any endurance sport…the point is that it’s a challenge and even attempting it is something to celebrate. Instead, you chose to spend time and energy dumping on it. What a downer. Silence would have been more appropriate.
Well that’s what the challenge is called to those who read and know what it is and if you don’t know you probably shouldn’t be commenting🙄
useless comment…you realize this is a website dedicated to people cycling indoor…
It’s an amazing achievement! Keep eating the pies emjayem22
nice set up with both tv’s 🙂
I like those tv’s. Helps make Zwifting even more enjoyable. Thank you Thierry.
Good write up, and it is a worthy accomplishment. Especially since it’s a challenge you set for yourself.
You get it Chris! I appreciate the kind words.
Hey Chris, great article. I appreciate the thoughtful way you went about accomplishing your goal and applaud you for attempting it and finishing it too. Well Done!
Much appreciated Ron!
“You know where to find me.”
Well done!
Hopefully that’s in Watopia! Cheers Ellie.
You got up the AduZ in 1:02 at 190W ? maaan, i would love to me lighter.
I thought that too 😂
Trust me Eain and Liam, doesn’t seem to make it feel any easier. I appreciate the interest.
190W and first 5 under an hour! Badass! Great job, and nice write up and vid. I’ll attempt this one at some point, need to lose a few lbs first 😂
While I’m not worthy of such praise, if I inspired you to challenge yourself then job well done! Go get ’em Jeff!
You did the first FIVE times up The Alpe in an hour or less? That in and of itself is quite notable. A remarkable achievement in any event! Hat’s off…
Thank you for reading Mark!
Also quite notable being 2.7w/kg at only 141w… But he doesn’t look like he only weighs 53kg. Certainly helps to enter a very low weight into Zwift!
Really?
An amazing achievement and a great introspective article to boot Chris! I was wondering if you might share your thoughts regarding your pacing plan and actual execution of it for the attempt. Did you have a specific power plan? Or was it a time goal for each ascent? Congrats!
Good question Dr. Long. My best is :48 at 4.1w/kg. I thought if I stayed around 3w/kg I would be good. Of course, I set out too hard early and had a meltdown on the 6th ascent. It was a dark time. But I rallied with a bit of motivating support. Thank you for the support.
Great write-up Chris! Loved the approach you took, and it was interesting to read your take on Everesting as a teacher. Sometimes you just need to dip into the unknown to learn the most. Ride On!
We can all learn a lot about ourselves when forced to, even if the challenge is self-imposed. Thank you for appreciating that Andy!
Great article and especially great effort and achievement from your side, hats up! It comes at the right time cause I will try my attempt just tomorrow and I am really looking forward to it :-). A good preparation is always needed, but you do not know what the “day” brings on you. A lesson I learned in my many IM races so far and my rides in good and bad weather at Liege-Bastogne-Liege (274k). So I hope to see many of us Zwifters tomorrow at the Alpe and one thing I really love about zwifting is the great cameraderie and the encouragement while riding.Ride on everybody
You got this Oliver! I’ll know where to find you.
Omg, sub 1-hr up the Alpe du’Zwift. I took 2 hrs to climb it just once 🤣. Amazing achievement and big congratulations. Sadly, I don’t think I’m there yet in terms of fitness to do this as much as I wanted to do this. Love, love the set-up of your pain cave, especially the twin giant flat screens. Ride on, Champ!
I appreciate the kind words Champ!
Great article and thank you for presenting your thoughts in such a considered way. I totally get the mentality of setting what might seem to be arbitrary aims or goals, I do it all the time. Pointless mileage goals each month, cycling coast to coast, cycling from Newcastle to London in 24 hours. They’re all ultimately pointless to other people, but to me, they’re the motivation behind keeping fit and improving myself.
Whatever it takes to make us the best we can be! Thank you for your input Kevin.
Thanks for the write-up! A practical question: do you do a u-turn on the top rather than the roundabout – and another when the super tuck ends at the button just before the green gate? I am unsure where exactly the Strava segment begins and ends – that you need to follow
Good question Morten. After going under the arch at the top I immediately took a u-turn and descended until I passed the KOM start line and repeated. I tried not to ride one foot more than necessary. There is a FB vEveresting group which is a great place to ask relevant questions. Good luck!
Thanks for the article. The concept of vEveresting has been intriguing to me for a while. I had done a double AdZ and that was challenging! After reading this article and having some IRL plans canceled this weekend (thanks COVID), I was inspired to do Alpe x4!
Thanks for the inspiration! Ride On!
Terrific account of your experience and how it was completed both in the physical and mental side of the event. I made a rule long ago that I would never do something I loved so much that it made me hate doing it so this particular challenge may not be for me physically, but with the support of your family making it a “team” event likely turned it in to so much more than just a physical challenge for you and made it a success for your “team”. Congrats.
I have an incredible support team. Thank you for noticing and the acknowledgment Trekjocky.
I am putting this one on the list of things to do! Great job Chris! Massive effort, and a good read.
A perfect challenge for you!
Doing my first ‘official’ vEveresting this weekend, as my last one didn’t count being on a ‘dumb’ trainer rather than a resistance-responsive trainer to mimic the gradient.
But I expect this to be significantly easier – my last vEveresting was done on roller. Not falling off was most’ve the challenge, and the rest on the descent where I could put my feet down and catch my breath was never long enough lol