In Training for South America, January 2014

In preparation for Aconcagua in January of 2014, Horst and Gernot are preparing to climb the highest mountain in Germany:  Zugspitze, which is 9717' (2962m).  Their bike ride will begin in Bremerhaven, Germany at the northsea where they will ride 621 miles (1000 kilometers) to Zugspitze, then climb to the top, all nonstop.  They calculate it will take a total of 50 hours.
 

 

Riding Shotgun: While You Were Sleeping

Horst and Gernot begin their 24 hour bike/climb from the lowest point in the continental US (Badwater, CA) to the highest (Mt. Whitney, CA). We stayed at the Dow Villa Motel in Lone Pine, a historic hotel which has housed many stars during the heyday of Hollywood westerns. John Wayne has reputed slept here many times and there are many pictures of him and other stars of that era all over the hotel. We left the hotel in a caravan at 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 25th in two SUVs, packed with Horst and Gernot and their precious bikes, and eight support personnel (including myself - Maggi). It was a 2-1/2 hour drive from Lone Pine to Badwater. By the time we got there it was pitch dark. Horse and Gernot got their bikes out and began assembly and preparations for their journey. Jurg recorded the entire proceedings with a fur-covered boom microphone and his video camera, while Richard took digital photos. Before we knew it we were off, Horst and Gernot leading the way in the darkness, followed closely by our vehicle, driven by Wolfgang who followed within a few feet in order to provide light to guide the twins along the dark and curvy road. The second vehicle, driven by Jay, darted around us as Jurg scouted positions with which to chronicle the ride on his video. Occasionally, he would hang out the window and nearly scrape the ground. One time we were shocked to see the light of his camera on top of a nearby cliff where he was attempting to get yet another perspective of the long ride. I was amazed that Horst and Gernot pedaled steadily for almost 10 hours straight, whether the road was on an incline or decline. They pedaled through the night stopping only to relieve themselves or for the occasional snack. Daniella and I, in the support vehicle watched their every movement waiting for a signal that they needed something to eat or drink. We'd pull up alongside and hand it out to them, without them missing a beat in their rhythm. The video above illustrates their perfect tandem form which basically continued for the entire ride portion of the venture. I think we were more tired in the support vehicles than they were doing the actual work. I was in awe of their physical prowess. The altitude changed from 282 feet below sea level to over 4,000 feet above sea level by the way we got back to the motel for their breakfast break. Sometimes the road would dip down 1000 feet and then back up again. They dropped me off at the motel so I could sleep, after having been on the road in the support car for 12 hours. But Horst and Gernot continued on, back on their bikes for another 1-1/2 steep hours to the Mt. Whitney portal, before beginning the hike portion of the trip to the summit. There they shed their bikes, changed into their hiking gear and forged on for another 6 hours of climbing, reaching the summit 19 hours after starting in Badwater. They spent some time on the summit and began their descent just as dusk began to settle upon them. They arrived at the Whitney Portal in darkness to be greated by the rest of their support team. Congratulations were and are in order! Congratulations Horst and Gernot for fulfilling this goal. Well done!

Second Summit Achieved!!! Two Down, Five to Go!

We are happy to report that the bike twins have successfully finished their second of seven summit goals in their bike and climb adventures.  In July of 2010 they conquered Mt. Elbrus from sea level to the peak in 46 hours and 15 minutes.   Elbrus is located in Russia, near the border of Georgia and is the highest mountain in all of Europe. Mt. Elbrus stands at 5,642 metres (18,510 ft).  Many congratulations, Horst and Gernot!



You can see many more pictures at their Austria website: 
http://www.radzwillinge.at/start/index.php?page=434265491&f=1&i=1909878495&s=573093093&ss=434265491

From Below Sea Level to Summit of Mt. Whitney in 19 Hours Nonstop!

This You Tube of the Lone Pine to Mt. Whitney climb was produced by Joerg Krasser


For more photos:
(Click on bottom left hand icon (Lone Pine 2009) for a link to Picasa to be directed to a full screen slideshow)

Horst and Gernot and busy getting ready for their bike/climb tonight. There was a delay by 24 hours, as Gernot had developed an upper respiratory problem. Today they held a meeting with the support team, including Wolfgang, Danielle, Hermann, Jurg, Richard, Sylvia, Jay and Margaret and assigned duties and responsibilities. Food shopping was done and packaged so the support teams could easily pass it to Horst and Gernot as they are riding. It was determined that we would leave Lone Pine at 7:00 and drive to Badwater. They are facing 153 miles by bike up the mountain, which could take about 10 hours, followed by a 6 to 8 hour climb to the summit. They hope to finish the entire route in under 24 hours without stopping.

New You Tube! Watch Horst and Gernot on conquering their first of seven summits: Kilimanjaro

Translation from the German:
Gernot: "We started in Tanga in Tanzania directly on the coast of the Indian Ocean and rode up to Morogoro. It was 230 miles with the bikes and over 2-1/2 miles and 22hours on foot straight up to the summit. The biggest difficulties were certainly at the start at Tanga where we encountered 104 degree temperatures. For me what was psychologically difficult was riding through the night in pitch darkness. You see absolutely nothing. It was almost like being in a prison, in an isolation chamber."
Horst: "There was no ambient light, no cars passing, almost spooky. A new experience for us, really."
Gernot: "The first small problem was after 18 hours riding, we had arranged for a hearty meal to regain our energy, but received only a little soup with a few pieces of bread."
Horst: "That's when we began to experience the beginning of a deficit due to too little food. In addition we experienced the onset of dangerous wildfires 6 1/2 feet high."
Gernot: "The flames cames exactly from the worst possible direction for us."
Horst: "We determined we'd have to run to avoid the flames which could block the path ahead of us. Our second night, after 27 hours, once again we did not receive the planned hot meal, rather just leftovers. I started to notice muscular problems, Gernot even more than I."
Gernot: "But when we reached the hut, we finally did receive a huge warm meal. The problem was, by that time my body was so depleted I could not eat the amount I should have to build up my energy again. It was very difficult for me. Physically and emotionally I had hit the wall. But I made it. We achieved the summit and the wonderful thing was, the sun was there again, the dark, dark night was gone and everything looked bright again."
Horst: "With the help of everyone, we were able in the sunshine to reach the top. With great effort, obviously, but the main thing is we achieved our goal"

WATCH HORST AND GERNOT ON YOUTUBE

Translation from the German:
Gernot: "We want to ascend the seven highest peaks of all continents, from the lowest point to the summit.
Horst: "This is a once in a lifetime project."
Gernot: "We start from sea level and ride with the bikes as far as we can. Then we leave the bikes, put on our climbing attire and from there climb nonstop to the summit."