Epic bike trek hits fundraising highs
The organiser of the Gibb Challenge has confirmed the 2014 event will set a new fundraising benchmark, with plucky cyclists from all over Australia raising about $500,000 for charity.
Participants started the 700km relay in Derby in the West Kimberley and braved the conditions to make it all the way to the finish line at El Questro last week.
More than 66 teams and 340 riders put their hands up and helmets on to tackle the challenge, with most of the money raised heading to principle beneficiary the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Teams of two to six riders had to raise at least $1000 each before setting off.
Overnight camping stops were welcome at Imintji Community, Mount Elizabeth, Ellenbrae, Home Valley and El Questro stations.
The first team to cross the finish line was the Royal Hutt River Silver Tales, from Perth, who raised $13,000 for RFDS through team members Andrew McMillan, Joe Young, John Saul, Wayne Chapman and supporter Kate Saul.
A notable participant was 13-year-old Taj Mueller from Broome, who took on the challenge for the second time.
Event director Simon Rimmer said the event ran smoothly, aside from a Victorian rider suffering a dislocated shoulder and some "nasty gravel rash".
"The guy had his shoulder reset and continued riding later that same day," he said.
Rimmer said the 2014 event was a huge hit.
"The 2014 campaign was our most successful challenge to date," he said.
"With the Bush to Belly Yiyili Community providing amazing barista service, Ian Cocker entertaining the dusty peloton in the evenings and a cultural performance by the Mowanjum Community at Mount Elizabeth, and the fundraising about to set a new benchmark, I'm rapt."
