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Chidlow man wants others to join him on epic Pipeline Challenge bike ride for youth homelessness

Lynn GriersonHills Avon Valley Gazette

CHIDLOW resident Kevin Reading conquered an epic bike ride to highlight the plight of youth homelessness and now he is encouraging others to join him for the 2018 event.

Youth Futures is calling on cyclists to unite by signing up for the charity’s Pipeline Challenge in May.

Over five days, mountain bike riders will make their way from the red dirt of Kalgoorlie to Mundaring Weir, tracing the golden pipeline which has been delivering water to the Goldfields for more than a century.

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Mr Reading said the challenge was worth repeating.

“I really liked the easygoing way it’s run; there’s no pressure to outdo others, you can do it anyway you like,” he said.

Most Pipeliners complete the ride as part of a relay-style team, taking turns to pedal forward in the name of supporting WA’s homeless youth.

There will be overnight stops along the way in Coolgardie, Southern Cross, Merredin and Northam.

Event organiser Erica Blaney said some cyclists rode solo and tackled the entire distance of 600km.

“The Pipeline Challenge is more about camaraderie and highlighting the issue of youth homelessness than completing the ride in the quickest time possible,” she said.

“While we do have many mountain bike enthusiasts pushing their limits, the course has been designed so that it is still achievable for novices, so long as they do their training.”

The charity turned away a staggering 1000 young people from its homelessness services last year because its six centres were operating at capacity.

The Pipeline Challenge began in 2015 to boost the charity’s coffers and help more young people find accommodation, education and other support programs.

For details, visit www.pipelinechallenge.com.au.

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