Matt Jones, mountain biker, runner and all round outdoor adventurer, is taking on the ultimate challenge in September by cycling 100 miles through Kielder Forest, paddling 5 miles in a Kayak across Kielder Water and then running around the Lakeside Way, a gruelling 26 miles, all in the space of 24 hours.

Matt has named this totally unique and epic off-road one day adventure challenge, Killer Kielder. He says of the challenge: “Killer Kielder was born on the drive back through Kielder Water & Forest Park, after completing the Kielder 100 where that feeling of invincibility led me to think what could be the next big thing; looking out on to the water and the lakeside trail gave me my answer.  Quite simply the epic and varied terrain around the water was definitely an inspiration.”

Matt lives and works in Newcastle and has participated in many events at Kielder, from the Kielder 100 in September 2010 to the Kielder Marathon and several duathlon races.

“Kielder was where I had my first taste of competitive cycling a few years back. I’m always looking for the next big thing that will push me mentally and physically to my limits and beyond.  Kielder is one of the very few places in the UK where such a demanding one day challenge could be made possible.”

Disability charity Calvert Trust Kielder has been chosen as the beneficiary for Killer Kielder.  Matt is hoping to raise over £10,000 to support the work of the Trust who help people with disabilities to realise their potential through the challenge of outdoor adventure.

“I was keen to support a charity that is local to the Kielder area.  Calvert Trust Kielder was for me both an obvious choice and a perfect match with the spirit of Killer Kielder, ‘It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.’  In the same way I am setting myself the biggest challenge of my life; Calvert Trust enables people to overcome theirs everyday.”

Matt is being supported in his challenge by Bruichladdich, Progressive Hebridean Distillers “Bruichladdich is an adventurous and epic experience, the challenge Matt has set himself will certainly give him a taste of both. M Steel Cycles, creative design consultancy Perro, Exposure Lights and Purple Mountain are also supporters of the challenge. 

You can follow Matt as he prepares for this epic adventure challenge including a full calendar of races and other challenges by visiting his website www.killerkielder.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @killerkielder.  You can sponsor Killer Kielder by visiting www.justgiving.com/killerkielderchallenge