HUNDREDS of kilometres of rugged terrain and five days of endurance are challenges Kalamunda resident Dave Edwards is expected to overcome in the Big Yellow Pipeline Challenge later this month.

Mr Edwards will join fellow cyclists from April 29 to May 3, to ride more than 600km along the historic Golden Pipeline from Kalgoorlie to Perth.

The event raises important funds for Youth Futures’ Nest Program, which supports parents aged 16 to 25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The Nest Program provides young families with stable accommodation, food, and tailored support services.

A Kalamunda resident for 30 years, Mr Edwards said the mission behind the ride is what motivates him to return for his third year as a rider.

“We heard it was a great cause, and being part of the mining community, the ride from Kalgoorlie along the pipeline really resonated with us.

“I don’t think many people realise that if a child is born without a partner support, and without a fixed address, that baby becomes a ward of the state.

“I think that’s abysmal, so a group of us decided to ride and raise money for the Nest Program and Youth Futures.”

He first became involved in 2024 after a colleague introduced him to the initiative, but his involvement deepened in 2025 when the event was at risk of being cancelled due to lack of funding.

“The CEO of Big Yellow Mining, Mitch Wallace, came to me and we just knew we had to step up, so we took the whole event on, organising it all and making sure it went ahead,” he said.

“That’s how Big Yellow Mining became the principal sponsor.”

In 2024 and 2025, Mr Edwards raised $11,000 each year and hopes to reach that same goal again this month with the support of the community and his two sons, who also live in Kalamunda.

He credited the Kalamunda community, family, and business associates for their consistent support in hitting those targets.

“Once they hear about the Nest Program and how these mums and babies can become displaced, they are all on board to donate,” he said.

While the physical demands of the 600km journey are significant, Mr Edwards said the experience remains a yearly highlight.

“The best part of the ride is the camaraderie,” he said.

“It’s the company you’re in on the road, yarning in the evenings and settling into tents for the night.

“It’s a great concept for an even greater cause and, and I’m really proud to be a part of it.”