Ben’s Everest-sized Barrington bike challenge

THIS Friday and Saturday, Ben Jacka from Heddon Greta will ride up and back along Barrington Forrest Road, without sleep, until he reaches 8,848 vertical metres, the height of Mount Everest.

The avid mountain biker is taking on the Everest Challenge to raise money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, with a donation goal of $8,848.

Mr Jacka said the idea sprouted when his bike crew the Kurri Mongrels, were unable to participate in their annual Coalface Pedal event, which raises money for the Westpac Rescue Service.

The 1980 Motobecane full rigid mountain bike that Ben Jacka will be riding this weekend. Photo by Ben Jacka.

“Obviously because of Covid, the race attracts 500 plus riders from all over and we couldn’t do that this year,” Mr Jacka said.

“We had a bike that was donated by Cessnock Bicycle Company, an old 1980’s bike that was rebuilt, coincidently in the Westpac chopper colours,” he said.

“It was hanging up in the pub where we do our social rides and we didn’t want to just raffle it off, we wanted to do something creative…so we’ve been riding on it during our social rides and paying a $50 fine towards a charity if someone doesn’t ride it,” he said.

“They asked me when I was going to ride it and I said as a joke, ‘ill do an Everest on it if you give me 1,000 bucks,'” said Mr Jacka.

Mr Jacka said the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is particularly important for Upper Hunter mountain bike riders. 

“I know people that have been airlifted for the chopper and because mountain bike riders go out to remote areas, thats something I’d like to have there,” Mr Jacka said.

“The idea of $8,848 was to do with the Everest thing…we’re up to about $7,000 now,” he said.

“I did say if we reached $10,000 I’d do an extra lap or whatever I have to do to complete the 10,000 metre mark,” he said.

Mr Jacka has completed eight 24 hour races in the past and anticipates that it will take between 15 to 20 hours to reach 8,848 vertical metres.

He is not sure if the 1980’s bike will be able to handle the entire vertical distance, due to lack of suspension, but will have the support of his friends and family along his journey.

“I might have to switch to my usual bike…we’ll see how long it holds up,” Mr Jacka said.

“I’m pretty passionate about mountain biking, I’ve done a lot of long distance…with ultra events, when you’ve got a base fitness, they reckon its 60 percent mindset,” he said.

“You’ve also got friends and family that get out there and support you through…the boys will do a couple of laps,” he said.

Those who wish to cheer on Mr Jack are invited to camp out with him and his team at Moonan Flat, as long as social distancing and camping rules are complied with.

The Everest challenge is set to begin on Friday evening at 6pm.

To support Ben’s Everest Challenge, donate here.