News
Tacoma man completes 170-mile Unsupported Solo Ride to Mount Rainier
"Because it’s there."
October 9, 2009
A 33 year-old cyclist from Tacoma, Wash., has completed a grueling 170-mile unsupported solo roundtrip from his home, to Mount Rainier via Elbe, round the mountain and back via Greenwater. 12 hours riding, 6 litres of Nuun-laced water, a bucket of Hammer Perpetuem, several chocolate chip Hammer Bars and 4 cheese sandwiches took him the 170 miles. When he checked in with 3 hours to go and was asked, “Are you enjoying it?” Tony’s reply was, “I’ll enjoy it more when it’s over!”
Tony Corke, originally from Cheddar, Somerset, in the UK, had been eyeing up the mountain for a number of months. Tony’s previous longest event was the 350-mile three day Tour of Wessex to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in England. His father passed away from the disease in 2008.
“I saw my father gradually losing control of his body and I thought the best way I could honor him is to use my body to the best of my ability. And that’s what I’m doing.” Tony’s plan for Rainier slowly formulated after several car-based trips to the mountain. “The mountain is so awe-inspiring, and I see it almost every day. I wanted to be able to say, ‘I rode there’ when I look at it.”
From months in the planning, the time for the ride came spur of the moment as Washington State basks in an extended Indian summer. “It was now or never. I missed my September date due to illness. This was my last chance while the idea was still fresh.” Riding a Giant TCR Advanced ISP with a Campagnolo Super Record groupset and Zipp 404 wheels, Tony left from his workplace, Tacoma Bike, at 4.30 a.m. He found himself woefully underdressed for the freezing fog that met him on his way. His penchant for Italian styling did not meet his function in the Pacific Northwest. A welcome cup of coffee in Elbe did little to ease the chill and it wasn’t until he was reaching the top of Paradise Pass that he felt the warmth of the sun. “Descending the mountain passes in the sunshine with the wind in my face was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. It really makes you connect with the mountain.”
Corke ran out of liquid after his second pass, Cayuse (4,675 ft). His Nuun Tri-berry tablets gave him enough hydration to make it another 35 miles to Greenwater, where he was able to top up. At 5:55 p.m. the clock was stopped at Tacoma Bike as Tony entered the shop. Will he do it again? “Probably not!”
More info on Tony Corke can be found at
More info about the Motor Neurone Disease Association can be found at www.mndassociation.org.
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