Santa Barbara Cyclist Meets ‘Double Everest’ Challenge

Cyclist Daniel Connell rolled by his temporary “base camp,” where Old San Marcos Pass Road meets Highway 154, one last time at 1:33 a.m. on Thursday, March 21. He had just climbed Old San Marcos Pass Road, or OSM, a favorite amongst cyclists in town, for the 50th time in one go, earning him a “Double Everest.”

Technically, Connell had achieved the required 60K feet of elevation gain on his 48th ascent, but he figured, “Might as well make it 50.”

“Everesting,” a discipline gaining more and more popularity, is the act of climbing the equivalent altitude of Mt. Everest, on a bike or on foot, in one go. It is a brutal test of physical stamina, but even more so, mental endurance. Connell doubled it.

Intended as a personal challenge, a record-setting feat that will likely never be challenged, the ride was also a fundraiser for Doctors Without Borders. And in the spirit of support for Connell, as well as the fundraising cause, the local community delivered. Over the course of Connell’s 50 ascensions, 304.84 miles, 62,306ft., and 33 hours and eight minutes in the saddle, he only did a handful of laps by himself. Bicyclists who frequent the route, as well as others who have “done it before,” all joined Connell on a combined total of 230 ascents! Some went up once, and some stayed with the record-setter through the night to make sure he was safe.

On the 49th ascension, I was riding next to Connell for a while, and at one point he was swerving quite a bit more than what I considered “normal.” I stayed close and he straightened out after about a minute, exclaiming, “Man, I just got a minute of sleep in!” He then got out of the saddle, hollered, and kept pushing on.

Click here for more information on Connell’s quest and how to donate.