Golden Pipeline mountain bike challenge

Scheduled for May 4-8, the Golden Pipeline Challenge raises much needed funds for WA charity Youth Futures.
March 7, 2024

A DROP of water leaving Mundaring Weir, the source of supply for the parched goldfields, can take one to two weeks to reach its destination along the Golden Pipeline, but cyclists will aim to do it in five days.

Registrations are now open for the eighth annual Pipeline Challenge, an epic mountain bike adventure which aims to bring riders together in support of young mums facing homelessness.

Over five unforgettable days, riders make their way from the red dirt of Kalgoorlie to the iconic Parkerville Tavern, tracing the golden pipeline which has been delivering water to the Goldfields for 120 years.

“The Pipeline Challenge is a unique way to test your limits, enjoy the great Aussie outdoors and spend some quality time with mates,” Youth Futures chief executive officer Mark Waite said.

“It also gives riders the chance to explore many tracks that can’t be ridden outside of this event.”

Scheduled for May 4-8, the ride raises much needed funds for WA charity Youth Futures, and their Nest program which supports young mums at risk of losing custody of their baby due to homelessness or domestic violence.

Established in 2015, the event was created to help Youth Futures support as many young people as possible.

Most Pipeliners participate as part of a relay-style team, taking turns to pedal it out.

But some participants want to go that bit further and tackle the whole distance solo, over 600km - no easy feat.

Perth Hills residents and Pipeline soloists Jason Wells and Martin Van Voorthuizen are encouraging others to give it go.

“Riding next to one of the most iconic features in our WA landscape and celebrating what is unique to WA is what sets this ride apart,” Mr Wells said.

“Doing this with others with a shared passion for ‘reward with effort’ on the journey makes it unique, including the young people from Youth Futures education programs who are willing to get out of their comfort zone and give it a crack.”

Mr Wells and Mr Van Voorthuizen are participating in the ride for the fourth and fifth time respectively.

“Being able to have a real impact in a young person’s life is what brings me back to the Pipeline Challenge,” Mr Wells said.

“I come back because Youth Futures is a great organisation to ride for. The team is very passionate about the cause and friendly making the ride challenging and fun.”

Youth Futures has been empowering disadvantaged young people for more than 30 years and delivers a range of accommodation, education, and support programs.

Sadly, more than 1100 young people were turned away from the charity’s seven homelessness services last year, as they were operating at capacity and could not meet the demand.

Registrations close March 15 and anyone keen to find out more can be made here.

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