The Everesting Podcast

Everesting really became a phenomenon in 2020, attracting prominent and professional cyclists all over the world to take on the challenge. Guy Townsend and Tom Townsend host professional cyclist Mason Hollyman (Israel Premier Tech) to discuss what changed and how a professional approaches these types of rides.

The Everesting Podcast is taking on a slight transformation. In episode 54 we're introducing Guy Townsend and Thijs Van de Nieuwenhof as part time cohosts a collaborators. We discuss the new direction and various formats the show will take on.

Tom Townsend is a UK based ultra cyclist, multiple time Everester and cycling coach. In part 2, we cover training tips 6-10 for preparing for the Everesting Challenge (or any other ultra endurance event).

Tom Townsend is a UK based ultra cyclist, multiple time Everester and cycling coach. In part 1 of ‘Ten Training Tips for Everesting' we cover: understanding the demands of your challenge, including intensity on your training, structuring your endurance build-up around your ‘A priority' target(s), consistency and the importance of intensity discipline.

Marcus Leach is an ultra endurance cyclist, adventurer and world traveler based in the UK. Marcus had completed 5 full Everestings (on road and gravel) as well as several base camp rides. To learn more about Marcus and how to follow, visit https://www.marcusleach.co.uk

Tom Townsend is an ultra endurance cyclist and bike racer from the UK, who recently completed a sub-24 hour 10K ROAM ride, covering nearly 480 kilometres. We discuss Tom's cycling journey, past Everestings and overcoming life threatening injuries (twice!).

David Harris is an ultra endurance cyclist from the UK who has taken on the Everesting Challenge in multiple ways, including an 10K, virtually and a Roam. David joins us on the podcast to discuss his journey into the Everesting community and planning a small event to complete a single-mountain Roam on Tenerife.

James Carlson joined us on the podcast in April of this year, to detail his planned attempt at a Double Everesting Run in Telluride, Colorado. James rejoins us to discuss his successful journey. In a mind-blowing 59 hour effort, James amassed over 18,000 meters (60,000 feet) of elevation and 150 kilometres (90 miles) on foot!

Phil Rotz is an ultra cyclist from the United States, who recently planned and completed an Everesting ROAM (10,000 vertical meters and 400 kilometre) in under 24 hours. There's a lot to learn in this episode from Phil's meticulous planning and analytical approach.

Jack Thompson (Jack Ultra Cyclist) is a professional ultra endurance cyclist and multiple world record holder (and a past guest of the podcast). Jack joins us to discuss his upcoming film, Rising Up, which will be released on his YouTube channel on May 29th. The film documents Jack's incredible 2022, which saw him climb over 1 million metres and complete 52 Everestings, all while raising money for mental health charities.

The IT wizards at Everesting have been hard at work. This episode is an update on some Everesting community news, and a reach-out to listeners who might be in the planning stages of their challenge right now.

James Carlson is an athlete from Colorado, who has set ‘midlife' challenge goal of a double Everesting run, which he'll attempt this summer. James joins me on the podcast to discuss his motivation for such an epic challenge, training, as well as his careful planning for the attempt.

Phil Rotz is an ultra cyclist from the United States, who has completed both a traditional Everesting and the ROAM 10K. Phil wrote in to the podcast and we heard some of his comments on Episode 39. Phil joins us to share what he's learned about planning and completing the ROAM, as well as some research on fast ROAM times in the Hall of Fame.

Jonathan Hogg is fresh off of completing a winter Everesting near Canmore, Alberta, Canada. Jonathan took on the challenge in support of Rocky Mountain Adaptive, who create opportunities for individuals living with physical or neuro-divergent challenges to participate in mountain sports and recreation by providing specialized adaptive equipment, certified instructors, and trained volunteers. Jonathan's Everesting is a smaller part of a much larger goal this summer, to race the Tour Divide (a 4400 kilometre mountain bike race). Please consider supporting Jonathan here: https://gofund.me/7faf6bb8

Last month saw over 400 people from all over the globe take on their own virtual Everesting challenge on the FulGaz app, in partnership with Haute Route. We have a look at the success of that event, and the birth of the Quarter Everesting Challenge.

Ronan Mc Laughlin is the Everesting world record holder, which he set back in March of 2021 with an incredible time of 6:40:54 (a record which has stood for nearly 2 years and counting). We've been discussing the ROAM 10K Challenge on the Everesting Podcast, and Ronan is planning his own attempt soon (and yes, it's going to be pretty fast). He joins us on the podcast to discuss his tactical approach to training, route planning and equipment.

Thijs Van de Nieuwenhof is a big part of the Everesting community. In addition to being a multiple time Everesting finisher, he's also an extremely active member online in helping new and aspiring Everesters. On top of that, Thijs has been instrumental in the design and construction of the new Everesting website and Hall of Fame.

We received some great emails from listeners regarding the Everesting Roam 10K Challenge episode (episode 37). Here's a look at some great thoughts from listeners on the Roam. We'd love to hear from you, reach out at podcast@everesting.com. This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Cuore (cuore.ch) and State Bicycle Company (statebicycle.com, use code ‘audio23' for 23% off). Follow Pete on Instagram: https://instagram.com/pete.hock?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= and Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/24115844

Everesting founder Andy van Bergen jumps back on the podcast to tell us about an exciting partnership with Haute Route and FulGaz for a vEveresting challenge coming up this February 17-19 (register free here: https://fulgaz.com/event/haute-route-veveresting-challenge/). Andy also announces a new Everesting challenge category, Quarter Everesting, and we discuss the directions the community can take this in.

This episode is a deep-dive into the Everesting Roam 10K challenge, with Guy Townsend (Sir Guy Litespeed, author of ‘10 Tips for Everesting'). We break down what the challenge is and how the rules work. We also call out to the Everesting community to share your Roam routes! You can email us at podcast@everesting.com.

Jono Egan is an ultra endurance cyclist from Australia who has completed an incredible 138 Everestings. Jono appeared on episode 14 (titled ‘137 Everestings'), but unfortunately between the recording and publishing of that episode, he suffered a significant injury. Jono joins us to give us an update on his recovery (and yes, he's completed another full Everesting) and gives us some insight into the physical and mental challenge of returning to form after a big setback.

This interview was originally published in September 2021 on the Adventure Audio Podcast, 4 days after my own Everesting. This was before the Everesting Podcast was a thing, or even an idea. It's a fun listen back, and amazing to see what's happened since in just over 1 year.

Everesting founder Andy van Bergen and Jack Thompson (Jack Ultra Cyclist) join the podcast to discuss the ‘Sherpa Week', which saw hundreds of cyclists from all over the world log 20,000 meters of elevation in just 7 days. Jack also gives us an update on his incredible year, as he closes in on 1,000,000 meters in 2022 (which has included an astounding 43 Everestings).

Lizanne Wilmot is a Canadian born track sprinter now living in Sydney, Australia. Having been aware of Hells 500 and the Everesting challenge for some time, Lizanne tells us (on somewhat of a whim) how she got her Everesting done. She also teases a possible Everesting attempt on a Penny Farthing.

Mattea Palombo is an accredited practicing dietitian and an Everester. Mattea joins us on the podcast to discuss fuelling, both training and the day of your Everesting Challenge.

Chris Hall is an ultra endurance cyclist from the UK, who attempted an insane 7 Everestings in 7 days. Chris joins us on the podcast to discuss the attempt, and how he used it as a vehicle to raise awareness for mental health.

Is there such a thing as the ‘perfect' Everesting hill? Tim Muzik is an ultra endurance cyclist living in Taiwan, and he joins us to discuss what he believes is the perfect hill. There is no questions that hill selection is one of the most interesting (and fun) parts of the Everesting, and this conversation delves deep on the subject.

This episode is a reminder of the upcoming 20,000 meters in 1 week challenge (and more importantly, the ‘why' behind it), and sharing the exciting news of the awesome new Everesting Hall of Fame.

For most of us, planning the logistics of an Everesting Challenge attempt is daunting. Paul Jones recently completed a massive 10K Roam ride, covering 414 kilometres and over 10,000 meters of climbing in under 36 hours, all while having to manage his condition of Type 1 diabetes. It's rare for otherwise healthy adults to develop T1, and we're excited to share Paul's inspirational attitude towards a life changing diagnosis.

Matt de Neef is a cycling journalist from Melbourne, Australia, the managing editor of CyclingTips.com, the creator of theclimbingcyclist.com, and the author of the Everesting book.

In this episode of the Everesting Podcast, we're sending out the challenge the Everesting community: attempt to climb 20,000 meters in just 7 days, between October 2nd and 8th. Inspired by Jack Thompson (Jack Ultra Cyclist) who is averaging 20K elevation per week in his quest to climb 1,000,000 metres in one year, we're going to clip ourselves into Jack's pedals for 7 days.

Laval St. Germain is our first guest who has Everested AND climbed Mount Everest, which he did without supplemental oxygen in 2010. Laval is a lifelong explorer and adventure who calls Calgary, Alberta, Canada home. In addition to having climbed the 7 summits and completed many mind-blowing expeditions and challenges, Laval is also an ultra endurance cyclist who completed a 10K Everesting on British Columbia's Mount Revelstoke. We discuss that and more, as well as Andy van Bergen's recent challenge to the Everesting community; climb 20,000 metres between October 2-8th.

We take a look at some overall Everesting statistics, and in anticipation of new badges, we take a deep-dive into the existing Everesting badges and how to earn them.

Jason Van't Slot is an ultra endurance cyclist and motivational speaker from South Africa, who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at 8 months old. Jason recently completed an Everesting to bring bring life changing medicine if South Africans with CF. Jason's story is an incredible inspiration and a lesson in perseverance.

Andy van Bergen is an avid ultra endurance athlete and cyclist, as well as the founder of the Everesting Challenge. Andy joins us back on the podcast to tell us how the Everesting community was build, all starting with a simple manual spreadsheet and website, what it is today and what we can look forward to in the very near future (hint: NEW BADGES!). This episode is a must-listen for all fans of the the most difficult climbing challenge in the world.

Jonas Orset is a bike racer and ultra endurance cyclist from Norway, who has recently completed the world's northernmost Everesting in Longyearbyen, Norway. A multiple time Everester, Jonas also tells us about his incredible Everesting in a tunnel.

Jack Thompson (Jack Ultra Cyclist) is attempting to climb 1,000,000 metres of elevation in 2022. In order to keep up with the massive amount of climbing required, Jack is riding a full Everesting every Friday for a full year. You can learn more or support Jack's incredible goal of raising 1 million Euros (one Euro per metre climbed) at www.jackultracyclist.com

Kent Ohori is an ultra-endurance athlete and cyclist from Australia. Between May 1st-7th, he will attempt to complete 5 full Everesting rides in just 7 days, while traveling to 5 separate areas of Australia, all while raising money for mental health charities. A former pack-a-day smoker, Kent is only a few years into his endurance sports journey, a relative newcomer to cycling and a huge inspiration. In spite of this seeming lack of experience, Kent puts no limits on himself. In addition to a number of impressive accomplishments, he has recently completed an "EverestMan', swimming over 8848 metres, followed by a full Everesting by bike, and then a full Everesting on foot! 

Many Everesters use their rides as a vehicle for charity fundraising, and Eve Conyers is taking that to another level in 2022. Eve has created a challenge for herself to complete one full Everesting in every month in 2022, all in different locations in Australia, to raise money for environmental charities. Please check out https://m.facebook.com/EverestingforEARTH/ to follow along or support Eve's project.

Dean Anderson is an ultra endurance cyclist, bikepacker, racer and adventurer from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Incredibly, Dean has completed two winter Everestings (in Canada). Dean (and his one person support crew, his wife Kristin) showed amazing resilience in completing these efforts, and this episode is sure to inspire.

In episode 16 of the Everesting Podcast, we take a look at some important and interesting records and statistics from the Everesting Challenge. What's the fastest, shortest, farthest? Which country has seen the most entires into the Everesting Hall of Fame? We're going to dig into all of that, on the hardest climbing challenge in the world.

Chris Gambs is a cyclist from the UK, who is organizing an attempt to break the world record for the most Everestings completed by a group. The current record stands at 54 (done by a group in Norway), and Chris and his group are hoping to have 100 people make their attempt in July 2022. If you'd like to join the ride (they have limited spaces still available), visit https://velo29events.com/races/everest-group-record/

Jono Egan is an ultra endurance cyclist from Australia, who has completed a record (by far) 137 Everestings. In addition to that incredible amount of Everestings, Jono routinely completes ultra distance rides, and consistently raises funds for charity at the same time. This episode is a bittersweet one; just a few days after recording, Jono had an accident (while Everesting, of course), and broke his femur. Jono has assured us that he's on the mend, but please reach out and send your well wishes and healing vibes! Get better soon Jono.

Illi Gardner is the women's Everesting World Record holder. In August 2021 she set a new women's world Everesting record of 8 hours 33 minutes and 47 seconds, beating Emma Pooley's 2020 record by almost 20 minutes by riding up and down Bwlch y Groes 72 times. Illi tells us about the ride, gear choices and if she'll make another attempt.

Guy Townsend (better know in cycling circles as Sir Guy Litespeed) is an ultra endurance cyclist and self-described ‘serial Everester'. Guy shares with us some of his incredible cycling background, as well as some details of his 11 Everestings. Learn more about Guy and follow along with his adventures at https://www.sirguylitespeed.com

Alan Colville is an ultra endurance cyclist and the Guinness Record Holder for the most elevation cycled in 48 hours, when he covered 620 kilometres and over 30,000 metres. Alan shares that story as well as his other Everesting adventures and more.

Tyrone Siglos is a bike courier from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. For most people, completing just one Everesting would stand as the pinnacle of their athletic achievements. Tyrone is one of a very few Hells500 crew who have claimed the unbelievable Triple Everesting badge. Tyrone tells us about the Vancouver Triple Crown, and how he used it's three mountains to complete his epic ride, covering 27,000 metres of climbing and over 800 kilometres. You can check it in the Everesting Hall of Fame here; https://everesting.cc/hall-of-fame/.

Rebecca Rusch is a Professional Athlete, 7 time World Champion, Mountain Bike Hall of Famer, Author of Rusch To Glory, Emmy Award Winner and founder of the Be Good Foundation. We hear about Rebecca's Giddy Up Challenge, Which included participants climbing over 10 million feet and raising over $130,000 for COVID-19 relief! Learn more about Rebecca and the challenge at https://www.rebeccarusch.com

Alpine Everesting is a team of endurance athletes committed to raising money for cancer research, support and prevention through epic cycling adventures. In January 2022, they plan to ride 500kms in 2 days to reach 10000m elevation in the Victorian High Country to complete and Everesting 10K ROAM. We're joined by Elly and Bec to hear about their ride plan and the great cause they're supporting. You can learn more and support Alpine Everesting towards their goal at https://www.alpineeveresting.com.au/#/

Mark Jensen of Race Republic and Floyd Landis of Floyd's of Leadville join us to discuss the Race Republic Everest Climb taking place on December 31st 2021. Race Republic have created a photo realistic virtual race route on Mount Everest, which you can race over 50 miles (80 kilometres) at 12% gradient, or 100 miles at 6% gradient (with no descending). Check out the incredible preview video at https://racerepublic.com/blog/PreviewVideo

Ronan Mc Laughlin is the Everesting world record holder. On March 23, 2021 Ronan set a blistering time of 6:40:54, besting the previous record by close to 20 minutes. Ronan shares the back story of his interest in Everesting, his approach to the record attempt and much more.