Athletes Everesting for MS
Two PCC athletes have announced they will be taking on an incredible challenge. Alex Amiri and Caleb Bender will be Everesting for MS on August 1 as part of the Virtual MS Bike.
What is Everesting? Alex and Caleb will ride a hill multiple times until they reach an elevation gain of 8,848 metres which is the height of Mount Everest. They will climb a 1.3 km portion of road (average of 9%) on Vancouver Island, south of the Cowichan Valley on Goldstream Heights Drive 73 times in order to reach the target elevation.
Alex Amiri – photo by Jay Wallace
Both have been personally affected by MS. Alex’s mom has had the disease for over 20 years, and Caleb, who has ridden for MS Bike before, had a family member diagnosed 10 years ago.
“This year I haven’t been able to spend real quality time with my mom, and have been limited to window visits,” said Alex. “It’s difficult to see her some days, and now I feel I can really make a difference, no matter how small or how large.”
“I quickly realized how heavily my local community was impacted by MS when raising funds for my first tour,” said Caleb. “This disease can have a profound impact on families and communities, with Canadian MS rates being one of the highest in the world.”
They are asking for donations to help continue to fight this debilitating disease and assist in funding leading-edge research and support programs. They are encouraging anyone in the area on August 1 to cheer them on in this challenge. They are hoping to start between 6 – 7 am depending on the temperature.
Caleb Bender
“Our team will take the spirit of the Virtual MS Bike and strength of those we know living with MS with us, as we push our limits for a hard day in the saddle,” they said.
To donate:
