Junior Cyclist Tackles Four-Summit Challenge for a Cause

Oakwood High School junior Dillon Hall recently completed a remarkable two-day cycling challenge, covering 300 miles and climbing more than 26,000 feet to summit four of the Bay Area’s most iconic peaks: Mount Umunhum, Mount Hamilton, Mount Diablo, and Mount Tamalpais. The 17-year-old aspiring mountain bike racer undertook the solo feat to raise funds for World Bicycle Relief’s “Pedal to Empower” campaign.

“I am thrilled to have completed this challenge exactly as I had envisioned it,” said Hall. “I loved the ride, and it was all the more rewarding that my effort will help provide bicycles to people around the world who need reliable transportation for education, healthcare, and economic opportunities."

Beginning in Los Gatos, Hall climbed Mount Umunhum and Mount Hamilton on Day One before tackling Mount Diablo. On Day Two, he departed from Walnut Creek, crossed the Richmond Bridge, summited Mount Tam, and completed his journey by riding across the Golden Gate Bridge and down the Peninsula, returning to Los Gatos, logging nearly 20 hours in the saddle.

Several friends, all accomplished junior racers, joined Hall for portions of the route. The group trains and competes together through the NorCal Cycling League, Northern California’s chapter of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), which has helped grow youth mountain biking across the region.

The effort was the result of meticulous preparation. Hall mapped the route, calculated timing, planned his nutrition, and recruited support riders. His training and commitment enabled him to maintain a pace of over 15 miles per hour across varied terrain and grueling climbs.

Hall is a member of the Team Booger Junior Cycling Team, which develops young riders into elite athletes and community leaders. “Advocacy and paying it forward are a key part of our ethos,” said Steve Westover, executive director of Team Booger. “We are as proud of Dillon’s efforts out there on the bike as we are of his commitment to our partner cause.”

This summer, Hall will race across the country in Washington, Montana, Utah, and Virginia. He’s already looking ahead to future endurance challenges on and off the bike.

To learn more about World Bicycle Relief, visit WorldBicycleRelief.org.