*Update (I July) Ride is done! Total - 16,335 feet elevation (a hair under 5000 metres) and 84 miles over 18 hours.

I'll keep the page live until the end of the week as donations are still coming in - big thanks to all who've supported.

Feature about the day: https://www.getabmx.co.uk/story-about-an-endurance-challenge

Endurance and training tips coming soon.

See that beautiful mountain in the photo? That's Mount Taranaki in New Zealand. Why is it relevant? Well I picked it for context, as I'm hoping to complete a self-supported mountain bike ride in the Peak District that has at least 15,000 feet (4572 meters) of elevation - approximately three times the height of this glorious mountain (and over half the height of Everest).

I've done 4 10k+ elevation challenges before, including two 11k elevation mountain bike rides in the Peak District, so I know what's involved (lots of suffering).

Why does elevation matter? Well climbing consumes a lot more energy than distance. For cyclists (especially mountain bikers) the fun is ultimately in the descents so more elevation = more runs! (And pain, if you only have your legs to take you to the top.)

The last 11k elevation and 70 mile ride didn't feel as hard as the first, so why not really test myself? I thought I'd also put myself out there and raise money for an amazing cause so I don't suffer for nothing.

The route I have mapped for this ride will take in the Peak's steepest and rockiest bridleways and hand dug designated MTB trails, so I won't just suffer from burning legs but hands too. 

Estimated stats of planned route:

 - 15 - 17k+ feet of elevation

 - 85 - 95+ miles

 - 16+ hours

 - 10k calories

When? I can't set a precise date as this ride is weather dependent. I need it to be dry and not too hot. I'll also need as much daylight as possible, so this will take place on a day around the summer solstice (20 June) give or take one week.

If for whatever reason I don't complete the challenge I will try again. The ride will be recorded on Strava and I will provide a few instagram updates (@milan_getabmx) on the day.

It would be incredible to raise £1 for every 10 feet of climbing I hope to achieve on the day. An ambitious target I know, but then, so is the ride!