Son recreates father's 1984 cycling epic to Mount Everest Base Camp
In May 2024, 22-year-old Jamie Hargreaves set off from Stockport on an ambitious cycling journey—one that mirrored his father's epic adventure four decades earlier. Just a week after submitting his university dissertation, he aimed to retrace Phil Hargreaves' 1984 route, recreating iconic photos along the way.
The project brought father and son closer, blending nostalgia with fresh challenges. From Europe to the Himalayas, Jamie's trip became more than a tribute; it was a chance to relive history while making his own mark.
Phil Hargreaves first embarked on his journey in 1984 at the same age, pedalling from England to Sydney with two friends. His route cut across continents, leaving behind a trail of photographs—many featuring his bike hoisted high against dramatic basecamp backdrops. One standout image showed him beneath the glaciers near Everest Base Camp, a moment of sheer determination frozen in time.
Jamie, determined to replicate these scenes, used AI tools like ChatGPT to pinpoint the exact locations of his father's photos. He even sourced a vintage King of Mercia bicycle, identical to Phil's, for £600 from a Facebook seller. Yet the trip wasn't without hurdles. A crash in Georgia left his frame beyond repair, but Mercian Cycles stepped in with a replacement after his story gained traction on social media.
The journey took Jamie to Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, where he believed his ride might mark another cycling first. Along the way, he experienced unexpected warmth in Afghanistan, where locals offered hospitality despite the country's struggles under Taliban rule. For Phil, seeing his son retrace his steps reignited old passions and strengthened their bond, turning the adventure into a shared legacy.
Jamie's trip ended with a collection of recreated images, including the iconic shot beneath Everest's glaciers, now mirrored across generations. The project not only honoured Phil's original journey but also highlighted the enduring spirit of adventure.
From AI-assisted planning to overcoming mechanical failures, the ride proved that some stories—and bikes—are built to last. The photos, side by side, now stand as a testament to both perseverance and the ties that bind a father and son.
