Team rider Chris Hutchens will take on a gruelling 16 hour Dusk till Dawn ride around Bristol’s Nova MTB Trail on his Nukeproof Digger.
In his own words, Chris explains what the challenge is all about:
2020 has been a year to expect the unexpected and roll with it.
It’s been a mental challenge for all and for some more than others. I’ve had friends nearly at breaking point, weddings cancelled at the 11th hour and for those who live to race a whole winter’s graft ripped from under their feet weeks prior to the season kicking off.
That’s obviously small in comparison to what many have had to endure and continue to this year. It’s been mentally tough.
As lockdown eased there was a rush to the mountains. People were eager to escape the towns and cities and engage with nature. This was vital for many peoples sanity but with it came record numbers of mountain rescue call-outs. An unprecedented number in fact, to use a word that’s been synonymous with the pandemic. These services and the volunteers (many people forget this is a service provided by volunteers) have been stretched.
I’ve seen these services used first hand during a rescue in Snowdonia this summer. A dozen volunteers, a helicopter and I’m sure many other resources called in to support. I take my hat off to the rescue teams. Winter’s approaching and I suspect that in Scotland many of the mountain areas will be busy. Hopefully efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of the mountains will reduce call outs. So #thinkwinter before you venture into the hills this festive season.
Hopefully this sets the scene a bit and explains why I’m fundraising for both Scottish Mountain Rescue and Mind Mental health charity.
After taking on a gruelling mountainous ultra marathon last year for Mind I thought I would use my Charity Days through work for something more bike related in 2020. Obviously I left it until the depths of winter… but I have to thank Atkins for the time and support to undertake this challenge. A superb employer.
After originally planning a 800km+ three peaks ride (and run up the hills of course) over a week the current restrictions put stop to that. Instead I’ll be taking to the local trails of Ashton Court to lap the 6.66 km trail (according to Strava and hence the Devil ride name) from Dusk till Dawn on my Gravel Bike. I’m not sure which one will be harder given the repetitiveness of Ashton Court and rough terrain. I’ve been called mental for taking this on.
I’ll be taking on this challenge on the 14th of December from Dusk and all going well will clock up over 250km and close to 3000m of climbing.
If you would like to support the fundraising efforts you can donate to either or both of the charities via the two links below. Any support will help me push through the pain, boredom and challenge I know I’ve got a head. One Devil lap at a time.
