CHEK Upside: Victoria cyclists set for ‘Everesting’ challenge to support youth charity

CHEK
WatchJackson Bocksnick and his friend Ethan Pauly will ride 62 times up a 1.6-kilometre stretch of Bear Mountain Parkway in Langford, which has an elevation gain of approximately 143 metres, for a good cause.

Jackson Bocksnick has a true passion for pedaling.

“I love the adventure,” said Bocksnick, a 27-year-old law student at the University of Victoria.

In just a few days, Bocksnick, alongside his friend Ethan Pauly, will embark on a new adventure not meant for the faint of heart.

The two will ride 62 times up a 1.6-kilometre stretch of Bear Mountain Parkway in Langford, which has an elevation gain of approximately 143 metres.

“It’s called ‘Everesting,'” said Bocksnick. “So basically what happens is you just pick one road, you go up and down it repeatedly until you gain the same elevation of what we’ve accepted as the height of [Mount] Everest.”

The elevation gain of Mount Everest is 8,848 metres.

According to Bocksnick, riding the grueling course 62 times will slightly surpass the elevation gain of the famous mountain.

“I’ve done long rides, I’ve had long days on the bike where I’ve been out riding for nine to ten hours but nothing really close to this,” said Bocksnick, who hopes to complete the ride in less than ten hours.

And as much as the daunting feat is viewed as a personal challenge, Bocksnick and Pauly’s cycling challenge comes with added purpose.

“We wanted to find something else we could do with it. We wanted to use it to make it a platform, in this case, bring some attention to KidSport,” said Bocksnick.

The two are dedicating their ride to increase awareness on diversity in sport, and to raise funds for KidSport — a charity that provides youth, regardless of circumstance, the opportunity to play.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Amrit Lallo, Chair of the Board of KidSport Victoria. “Trying to scale Everest on a bike, like nine hours on a bike. I’m just so happy that they’ve not only taken on this challenge but managed to make KidSport their charity of choice.”

Bocksnick played multiple sports growing up and ran competitively for the UVic Vikes Cross Country team. He says the lessons, friendships, and experiences he gained through sport were invaluable.

“We came to realize that it really was a privilege that we had and we don’t think the social value of sport should be a privilege, it should be a right. It should be an opportunity for everybody.”

The ride takes place all day Saturday on Bear Mountain Parkway in Langford. Pledges can be made at www.kidsportvictoria.ca

Kevin CharachKevin Charach

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