He hails from the hilly Holme Valley.
Now pensioner Graham Purdam has conquered a mountainous two-wheeled challenge.
The 73-year-old cycling veteran took on a gruelling 500km route in the shadow of Mount Everest in a bid to raise cash for deaf children.
And while Graham is used to pedalling the hills around Holmfirth, the mountain roads of Nepal put the much-feared Holme Moss climb into perspective.
But despite the fearsome gradients and long days in the saddle, Graham said he had taken it all in his stride.
“It as okay because I’m reasonably fit,” he said.
“It was quite demanding: you’re in the most mountainous region in the world.
“It’s probably the most dramatic view you will see anywhere – it’s a stunning vista.”
Graham said the relentless cycling uphill had left them one day with 40km of pure descent.
But he said there was “no chance” of him holding up his fellow riders, most of whom were half his age.
He added: “It was a challenging ride but most people coped with it.
“The ability and fitness levels of others varied but the determination factor was constant – 100%.
“It wasn’t a race but there was no chance of them having to wait for me.
“It’s amazing how much power you can generate when you’re sitting there pedalling away. It’s almost as though the hills don’t exist.”
Graham took on the challenge last month in aid of the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS), for which he has already raised almost £30,000.
He has already completed challenges around the world, including in Mexico, Costa Rica, Iceland, Vietnam and in the mountains of Peru.
He said: “Nepal was challenge number 11 on my card and maybe my last: but never say never.
“For sure, Nepal was the best. It was not amazing, a much-abused word, but it was incredible, staggering, remarkable, overwhelming, astounding, momentous, stupendous and truly memorable!
“Nepal is the ultimate adventure, an exciting destination for climbers, trekkers and cyclists.
“The sights, sounds and smells, the loving smiling locals all set in the shadow of the majestic Mount Everest.
“The Diwali Hindu Festival of Light celebrations also provided an extra exciting dimension to our travel during the week.”
Graham’s epic efforts have raised a further £3,400 for the NDCS and, while he may not take on another overseas adventure, he has vowed to keep on cycling and is looking forward to the Tour de France coming through his home turf next July.
