MONKEY MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE 2025 TRẦN MAI – THE NEW QUEEN OF MONKEY MOUNTAIN

On the afternoon of October 20, Trần Mai — a beautiful and determined cyclist from Đà Nẵng — completed her 333rd ride, which also marked her final ascent of Monkey Mountain (Khỉ Già, Sơn Trà) in the Monkey Mountain Challenge 2025.

With a total accumulated elevation gain of 197,356 meters, Trần Mai set a new record and was officially crowned Queen of Monkey Mountain.

This achievement is equivalent to climbing Monkey Mountain 259 times and Mount Everest more than 22 times,  surpassing the previous record of 300 Monkey Mountain ascents set by Nga Nguyen in 2024.

There is, admittedly, a small sense of “what might have been.” Had Trần Mai not ended her challenge nearly two months early due to a trip to the United States, her total elevation could have reached 220,000 meters — roughly 400 ascents of Monkey Mountain. Even so, the result is nothing short of extraordinary, especially for a mother of two, now over 40.

To reach this milestone, Trần Mai:

• rode 333 times,
• spent 662 hours and 33 minutes in the saddle, and
• covered a total distance of 10,374 kilometers.

This was not merely a test of physical strength. It was a journey defined by discipline, perseverance, unwavering determination, and at times, the courage to push through distractions and criticism along the way.

The most encouraging outcome is that Trần Mai’s effort has become a powerful source of inspiration for the growing community of amateur cyclists who love mountain climbing. As the year drew to a close, the ranks of “Monkey Mountain warriors” grew larger and more vibrant. Each morning on the mountain was no longer just about spinning wheels, but also about shared smiles, friendly waves, and quiet encouragement exchanged among riders.

The cycling movement in Đà Nẵng is clearly thriving — dynamic, connected, and full of positive energy. Every climb is not only a personal challenge, but also a simple affirmation: this is what it means to live fully, day by day.

Trần Mai is currently in the United States and is expected to return after Tết. To mark the New Year, Mr. Old Man conducted a brief long-distance interview with the Queen of Monkey Mountain.

Mr. Old Man: Congratulations, Queen of Monkey Mountain. As we enter the New Year, what advice would you give to cyclists who want to take on challenges like yours?

Trần Mai: Believe in yourself, stay persistent, and never quit. With determination and consistency, you can overcome any challenge.

Mr. Old Man: Any warnings you’d like to share?

Trần Mai: Absolutely. Sports in general — and cycling in particular — always carry risks. Be careful, listen to your body, and ride safely. I wish everyone a joyful, healthy, and safe cycling year ahead!

Mr. Old Man: What was the toughest part of your Monkey Mountain Challenge 2025 journey?

Trần Mai: It wasn’t the nearly 10% gradient. The hardest part was balancing work and family so I could ride every day. I’m deeply grateful to my husband and my children, who worried about me but always supported me wholeheartedly in this “crazy” challenge.

Mr. Old Man: Thank you — and Happy New Year 2026!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

The Monkey Mountain summit, located just beyond a short climb from the Sơn Trà Radar Station — famously known as the “Eye of Indochina” — sits at an elevation of 549 meters above sea level. It is a favorite check-in point, yet a formidable challenge even for seasoned cyclists.

The climb is only 5.67 km long, but its average gradient reaches an unforgiving 9.7%. For comparison, the legendary Hải Vân Pass averages just 5.4% — barely more than half the steepness of Monkey Mountain.

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Mr. Old Man, 01.01.2026