When an 86-Year-Old Can Climb Olympus Mons, What’s Stopping You?

At 86 years old, Gerald McCartan stood trembling with exhaustion, trying to lift his bicycle above his head after completing one of the most extraordinary cycling challenges imaginable. His legs shook. His body, worn down by 40 consecutive days of climbing, was clearly begging him to stop. He fell forward. Then he stood up again, lifted the bike to shoulder height, smiled through the frame triangle, and declared the challenge complete.

Compared with what he had just achieved, lifting the bike was the easy part.

Cycling the Height of a Mountain on Mars

Between October and November last year, McCartan cycled a total elevation gain of 23,000 meters—the height of Olympus Mons, the tallest mountain in the solar system. This dormant Martian volcano rises higher than any peak on Earth.

He didn’t travel to exotic mountains or alpine roads. Instead, he rode back and forth on a 70-meter residential street in Whitehaven, Cumbria, climbing less than six meters per lap. The gradient—8%—was coincidentally the same as Olympus Mons. By the end, he had completed 3,915 laps, covering 658 kilometers.

Why do this at 86?

McCartan dedicated the challenge to his late wife, Margaret, who passed away in 2023 from lung disease, and his daughter Leslie, who died of breast cancer last summer. Cycling became his way of remembering, healing, and giving back.

Perseverance Beyond Age

The challenge was anything but easy. Storm Amy brought freezing headwinds, forcing him to swap his road bike for his grandson’s mountain bike. He crashed once while answering his phone, twisted his handlebars, hit his face, and took a short break. Then he got back on the bike.

“After a few days,” he said with a laugh, “I was riding again.”

When the challenge neared its end, McCartan even visited a local primary school—wearing silver rain boots, a time-trial helmet, and a homemade foil jetpack. The children dressed as astronauts and cheered him on as he rode laps in the playground.

It was a powerful reminder: cycling has no age limit.

Why Stories Like This Matter—And Why eBikes Matter Even More

Not everyone is 86 years old with decades of racing experience. And not everyone needs—or wants—to climb the equivalent of a Martian volcano.

But McCartan’s story asks an important question:

If he can keep riding at 86, what’s stopping the rest of us from starting?

For many people—especially older riders—the answer is simple: physical strain, particularly on the knees.

This is exactly where eBikes come in.

eBikes: Making Big Challenges Achievable at Any Age

Modern electric bikes are not about “cheating.” They are about smart assistance:

• Reduced knee stress during starts, climbs, and long rides

• Consistent cadence, which minimizes joint wear

• Adjustable pedal assist, letting riders choose how much effort they want

• Longer, safer rides without overexertion

• Confidence to set goals, not limits

For older riders, eBikes make cycling sustainable, not exhausting. They allow you to ride more often, recover faster, and enjoy the journey—while still staying active and challenged.

You Don’t Need Olympus Mons—You Just Need to Start

Gerald McCartan rode his entire challenge on one short street because he needed to stay close to home to care for his wife. That alone shows that cycling isn’t about where you ride—it’s about why you ride.

Whether your goal is:

• riding a little farther,

• climbing a few more hills,

• protecting your knees,

• or simply enjoying the outdoors again,

An eBike can help you get there.

So, When Will You Start Your Ride?

McCartan is now enjoying quiet walks in a local nature reserve. When asked about future challenges, he said: “I plan to take it easy.” At 86, he’s earned that.

You don’t need to wait until you’re 86 to take cycling seriously—or to take care of your body while doing it. If your age is creeping up, or your knees are asking for mercy, choosing an eBike might be the smartest cycling decision you ever make.

The challenge doesn’t have to be higher.
It just has to begin.