Neighbor Duo Biking to Trailheads Successfully Climbs 100 Peaks in 107 Days

In a remarkable display of environmental consciousness, a high school teacher and his neighbor set out to make history. Jeff Hashimoto, a 52-year-old science teacher, and his 23-year-old climbing partner, Langdon Ernest-Beck, embarked on an extraordinary expedition over the summer. Their goal was to conquer the 100 tallest peaks in Washington state within a mere 107 days.

What sets this achievement apart is that they accomplished it without using any motorized transportation. They opted for a completely eco-friendly approach. The dynamic duo’s journey, aptly named the “Human Powered Hundred Peaks,” involved an arduous combination of biking and hiking. This journey took them across a variety of terrains and to some of Washington’s most challenging trailheads.

Challenging the Norms

Most adventurers choose greener modes of transport, such as hybrid or electric vehicles, to reach their trailheads. However, Hashimoto and Ernest-Beck took this to an entirely new level. They pedaled their way to every trailhead, including paved, gravel, dirt, and even sandy roads.

They were particular to accomplish their goal without consuming a single drop of fossil fuel. This achievement not only solidified their place in the exclusive “Bulger List” club. They are the 89th and 90th individuals to complete this feat. Remarkably, they are also the third and fourth to do so in a single calendar year.

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Their journey was anything but ordinary, spanning three-weekend trips in May and an intense two-month stretch following Hashimoto’s school year. On their very first day, they managed to conquer an impressive five peaks in the Enchantments. Their statistics would leave any armchair adventurer breathless. This includes 1,880 miles on a bike with a cumulative elevation gain of 116,938 feet and 835 miles of climbing with a staggering 381,781 feet of gain.

A Quest for a Cause

What motivated these two adventurers to undertake such a grueling and unique challenge? Hashimoto explained that their deep concern for the environment and their love for the mountains were the driving forces behind their journey.

“We’re both very environmentally aware and concerned about climate change,” Hashimoto said. “We also love the mountains, and so much of going to the mountains involves using fossil fuel. I’ve flown to other countries to climb, and driven for hours to rock climb. So we recognize the recreation that we love is also contributing to climate change.”

They recognized that many outdoor activities, which they hold dear, often contribute to climate change through the use of fossil fuels. The desire to reduce their ecological footprint and promote an eco-friendly approach inspired them to conquer the peaks without any motorized transportation.

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