An 86-year-old cyclist has reached a milestone in his bid to go out of this world.
He aims to reach the virtual summit of the highest peak in the universe, Olympus Mons on Mars.
Starting his quest on October 1, Gerard McCarten, of Whitehaven, recently topped Mount Everest (8,805 metres), the highest point on Earth, and has now reached a total height gain of 9,163 metres.
By cycling no further than 50 metres from his front door Gerard has made 1,563 circuits of his home street so far, which includes an 8% gradient of 70 metres in length and a height gain of 5.875 metres, on every circuit.
What remains are a further 2,355 circuits or 13,837 metres of climbing before his personal challenge ends at the top of Olympus Mons (23,000 metres).
Gerard is striving to raise funds for West Cumbria Society for the Blind and Hospice at Home West Cumbria in memory of his wife, Margaret, who had recourse for the help and care of these two local charities based in Whitehaven and Workington.
The fundraiser is also in memory of his daughter Lesley who died in August.
Earlier this week, though a simple accident caused the rider great embarrassment and not a little pain.
As he stopped he had one foot on the pavement and one foot clipped in the other pedal when he lost his balance and fell into the road.
Hoping to break his fall, Gerard put out his right hand but when he hit the ground his face came in contact with the handlebars and took a blow across the bridge of his nose.
Afterwards Gerard said: “My neighbours were fantastic, quickly on hand to provide help and sympathy and made sure I was able to support myself.”
Having finished his session, Gerard added a further 323 metres to his total height gained of 9,486 metres but had one last word for all cyclists.
He said: “It is the simplest of accidents that will catch you out – always wear a helmet.”
Gerard was the founder and coach of Lakeland Sprinters, a youth development cycling club with affiliation to British Cycling, which has coaching sessions at Cumbria Kart Racing Club, Rowrah during summer.
