The Nepal Expedition:
A Journey Beyond Limits
The Nepal expedition was a cycling challenge undertaken by Malachy Sheeran and Novak Bacetic, both physical education instructors representing Tsinglan School. The pair set out on an ambitious quest to conquer the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, a notoriously demanding hiking trail that weaves through the towering Himalayas, reaching altitudes of 5,400 meters. Their goal? To complete this grueling 250 km ride in just seven days while raising funds to support two mountain schools in the remote village of Chame, Nepal.
The Annapurna Circuit is not just a test of endurance but a battle against the elements and terrain. It offers awe-inspiring views of some of the highest peaks in the world, but it also throws its challengers into extreme weather conditions—searing heat by day and freezing cold by night. Along the way, cyclists must navigate steep inclines, narrow paths, landslides, suspension bridges, and countless river crossings. For Malachy and Novak, this journey was more than just a physical feat; it was a test of mental resilience and determination.
Their second, equally important goal was to raise funds for two under-resourced schools in Chame—one primary and one secondary. The children attending these schools face harsh winters with limited warm clothing and lack even basic supplies such as books and stationery. Malachy and Novak aimed to provide much-needed essentials to help these students pursue their education in such challenging conditions.
The expedition kicked off on September 27th, with a flight from Guangzhou Airport. However, the adventure began with immediate obstacles—torrential rains led to flooding and landslides that derailed their plans on the very first day. Once the skies cleared, the duo resumed their journey, only to find themselves grappling with steep roads, heavy 15 kg packs, and the merciless sun beating down on them. Each day brought fresh trials as they pedaled through the rugged terrain, frequently having to dismount and push their bikes over treacherous stretches where the path was too dangerous to ride.
But what kept their spirits high was the breathtaking scenery that unfolded with every turn—snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and rivers cascading through the mountains. The landscape was nothing short of dramatic, and the sheer beauty of their surroundings became a source of inspiration, pulling them through moments of exhaustion and self-doubt.
By the third day, Malachy and Novak reached the schools in Chame. They were greeted with beaming smiles and heartfelt thanks from the children and teachers, a humbling experience that reminded them why they had embarked on this grueling challenge. The supplies and warm clothing they had fundraised for had arrived the night before, transported by a local jeep. This tangible success lifted their spirits as they prepared for the most daunting part of the expedition—the ascent through the high passes.
The climb to the summit of the Annapurna Circuit was nothing short of a Herculean effort. Battling thin air, sharp winds, and an unrelenting incline, the duo pushed their bikes through the rugged terrain, step by step, pedal by pedal. Along the way, they met fellow trekkers and cyclists, and a sense of camaraderie formed as everyone encouraged one another to keep going. The final push to the summit was a test of grit and endurance, but reaching the top filled them with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains were a sight to behold—towering peaks that seemed to touch the sky.
The Descent: A Final Test
The descent, though easier on the lungs, presented its own set of challenges. As they raced downhill on the fifth and sixth days, the duo had to navigate poor track conditions, deal with darkness, and remain wary of other vehicles sharing the narrow roads. The thrill of the descent was tempered by the knowledge that one wrong move could spell disaster. Despite their exhaustion, Malachy and Novak were determined to finish strong, cycling on with the same focus and tenacity that had carried them through the previous days.
On the seventh and final day, they reached the end of their journey, both physically and emotionally drained but buoyed by the knowledge that they had achieved something extraordinary. Not only had they completed one of the most challenging cycling routes in the world, but they had also made a tangible difference in the lives of children who needed it most.
The Nepal expedition was not just about pushing physical limits; it was a journey of discovery, resilience, and human connection, all against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas.
A Successful
Expedition and Charity Drive
The collaboration and fundraising efforts led by Malachy, Novak, and the High School TVC Committee proved to be a tremendous success, raising over 49,000 RMB for the two schools in Nepal. After their arduous journey through the Annapurna Circuit, overcoming physical and mental challenges, Malachy and Novak returned safely to Tsinglan School. Their expedition was not only a testament to their determination but also a significant contribution to improving the lives of students in the remote mountain village of Chame.
文字 Writing｜Malachy Sheeran
图片 Pictures｜Malachy Sheeran, Novak Bacetic
编辑Editing｜Amy Gong
审核 Auditing｜Jade Liu, Talia Tang
