Charlie Pilkington – England
“It’s hard to describe how good I was feeling regarding the sense of achievement I was so close to completing”
riding for jacob: a fathers tribute
In June 2019, Charlie Pilkington took on an Everesting in Gloucestershire to honor his late son, Jacob.
Taking on Dane Lane, where Jacob once held the KOM, Charlie rolled out at 4:17 AM for the first of 91 grueling ascents. His youngest son, Gregor, rode alongside him, while friends, family, and fellow cyclists, including James Lowsley-Williams a former pro who had once ridden alongside Jacob, kept him going through the toughest hours.
As darkness fell and exhaustion set in, the battle became as much mental as physical. But Charlie pushed through.
After 16 hours, 44 minutes, and 26 seconds, he crossed the finish line—8,848m climbed, 9,133m total elevation gained. A ride of love, loss, and resilience, raising funds for World Bicycle Relief in Jacob’s memory.
Honor well earned, Charlie.
“Yes it was slow, yes it was dark and yes…my legs were hurting. But it’s hard to describe how good I was feeling regarding the sense of achievement I was so close to completing.”
-Charlie Pilkington, England-
