Brett shares pain and ecstasy of 24-hour mountain bike challenge

Brett Stephen described the 256-kilometre mountain bike ride he completed in 24 hours in his backyard as the most difficult thing he has done in his life.

Stephen tackled the challenge to raise funds for Flamboyant School in White River. His aim was to complete 300 kilometres, lapping a single track he had cut himself two weeks earlier.

He started at 15:00 last Friday and finished at 15:00 last Saturday.

Despite extreme physical and mental fatigue and a broken chain, Stephen completed 24 hours, with three stops to refresh and rest.

“The first eight hours and 100 kilometres felt really good. The next three hours also went pretty well, but my kids had gone to bed and my wife, who was being a mom and could not be with me all the time, as well as some of our neighbours (who remained on their own properties) who were cheering me on, had gone to bed.

“It was very cold and if I stopped to fill my bottle or eat, I battled to get warm again because I was wet from perspiration.

“My chain broke at about 14:00. At that stage I felt really good and the pace was up, so yes, it did make a difference. It also happened at the furthest point of the track. I swapped to my wife’s bike. I had to make some adjustments to the seat, which took some time because the seat clamp was stuck.

“I had another break at about 03:15 when I showered and got warm and had some soup. I tried to sleep, but only managed about 20 minutes, because I was stressed about my average speed that had dropped below what I wanted it to be, as well as worrying that I would not wake up.

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“The night shift was also pretty taxing on my vision because I was looking so close in front. At 04:00 I decided to give a big push until the sun was up and did not need my bike light anymore. It was nice to be back in the day as the night section was very tough.

“When I came out after my last planned stop, at about 08:30, there were 130 kilometres to go. I would need to average 17,5 kilometres per hour all the way to the end. I was a bit bleak and new it was the section during the night had cost me. I was a bit cross with myself, but was still there to do a job and was going to try and get as close as possible.

“I needed to set a realistic goal, so that’s why I decided on the 260 kilometres at that time. There was absolutely no way I was going to stop. I just don’t know how to give up… it’s my mother’s fault. There were also two ways of pledging and the one was per kilometre, so the more I could do the better. That also drove me.

“The 24 hours was very tough. I think it was the hardest thing I have ever done. My body was good except for my hands. I was losing feeling in my palms, but tried managing it by hanging my hands over my bars on the short paved section. I think my physical endurance was controlled by my mind so even though I was taking strain I knew I had a task to do. My mental endurance pulled me through to the end”.

Gail van der Riet, Stephen’s mother-in-law and principal of Flamboyant, was full of praise for the effort.

“We are humbled by the number of pledges he received in support of his 24-hour ride. We know that many a Flamboyant family have taken a huge knock during lockdown and are going to struggle to pay school fees.

“All our pupils are at Flamboyant School because they have barriers to learning and need the support of remedial teaching and individual therapy. The money that has been raised by Brett will be used to assist families who have been hard hit during this time.

“We want to thank Brett and his wife Megan who supported and cared for him during the 24-hour ride. Flamboyant School salutes you,” said Van der Riet.

Q&A with Brett Stephen

MK: Your wife Megan was your second, the only other adult who was there for you. What did her support before, during and post challenge mean to you?

BS: Megan is a special person. It was a bit strange requesting a new bottle or more warm clothes or anything I wanted, and she just ran to my aid. She was actually
just being Megan. She was also doing videos and pics for Henry-John and being a mom, so she was amazing. Even today still asking and wanting to check on. I’m very lucky!!

MK: Your daughters were also cheering you on and rode a bit with you.

BS: My girls were amazing. There cheering was special… “go daddy go… go daddy go”. This would get most dads out of the saddles. I did miss my son. He was not able to be here but maybe next time.

MK: The phone calls and social-media messages and posts from friends – what did they mean to you?

BS: There are really no words to explain. Flamboyant School staff sent me a video, Uplands Prep sports department sent a video and my parents did to. These are things that put tears in your eyes. The messages that came with the pledges were very special. My friends support. My neighbours support and our community. Wow. Sometimes thank you is not enough, but I must say thank you. What this meant to me, I’m so very happy, proud. I made a difference for Flamboyant School and really believe now that there is always hope because even in this crazy time we in, there are people who also believe that we must never give up.