Andy van Bergen reflects on the global phenomenon and offers advice for first-time participants
Everesting, a challenging cycling feat that requires riders to ascend the equivalent height of Mount Everest—8,848 meters—has evolved over the past 11 years from an obscure challenge into a worldwide movement. What began as an uncertain, daring ride has now inspired cyclists of all levels to push their limits in extraordinary ways.
In a recent interview on Cycling Weekly’s Going Long podcast, Everesting founder Andy van Bergen shared insights on the growth of the challenge and offered advice to those attempting it for the first time. He also recounted some of the most outrageous Everesting feats that have emerged over the years.
Among the most remarkable is the “79km Everesting” by cyclist “Demonic Dan Vegan” on Bundarra Road in Marino, South Australia. With a staggering 23% gradient, the climb was so steep that Dan was only climbing for half the time—descending the rest. In total, he completed the Everest equivalent in under 40 kilometers, an impressive and grueling achievement.
Van Bergen, who was present for part of the ride, recalled, “It was a couple of years ago, and I thought I’d pop down and ride a few laps in support. His cassette was massive—bigger than this room!” he jokes. “It was so steep I was struggling to do two or three reps. I can’t remember how many he had to do.”
Van Bergen’s love for mountaineering played a pivotal role in creating Everesting and its parent organization, Hells 500, in 2014. The idea was inspired by mountaineer George Mallory’s grandson, who attempted an Everest climb back in 1994. However, as Van Bergen explains, the feat seemed daunting at first. “We had this evidence of George Mallory doing it, but it took him so many attempts, and it was brutal,” he says. “When we launched the challenge, I wasn’t even sure if I could do it. I didn’t know if the community could handle it.”
Despite those early doubts, Everesting has grown into a global rite of passage for cyclists, both professional and amateur, who have taken on the challenge in various forms. From unicycle Everestings to wheelie-only attempts, riders have continually redefined what’s possible.
For newcomers preparing to tackle their first Everesting, Van Bergen suggests a “Goldilocks zone” of gradients between 6% and 9% for optimal performance. “A slightly shorter climb will give you more active recovery since you’ll be descending every couple of minutes,” he advises.
Van Bergen emphasizes that part of Everesting’s appeal is its flexibility and adaptability. “It’s not about following a strict formula,” he says. “You can do it on a mountain bike or singlespeed, on a suburban hill or a grand mountain pass. The variety of stories that come out of it is one of the things that makes it so special.”
For more stories of daring rides and the evolution of the Everesting movement, tune into the Cycling Weekly Going Long podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms.
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