Usually the domain of four-wheel-drive vehicles, once a year the Gibb River Road through the Kimberly region becomes a punishing course for a socially competitive, 700 km bicycle relay event which raises money for charity.

Participants in the Gibb River Road Mountain Bike Challenge most often split the five-day ride between a team of two to six people, however a handful brave souls have tackled it solo.

Ex Pride WA committee member, Di Hermans will be the first woman to take part in the Gibb River Road Mountain Bike Challenge solo and has nominated GLCS as the beneficiary of her fundraising efforts.

‘It started out as a bit of a joke, really because I’d done the ride as a volunteer for the last two years- the first year as the ambulance driver and then last year I did it as a general dogs-body,’ explains Hermans.

‘We were sitting around having lunch after last year’s ride and someone said “You know Di, it’s about time you actually put your ass on the bike.” Then the organiser Simon turned around and said “You know what? We’ve never had a female do it solo.” I just laughed and he looked at me and said “Haha, you couldn’t do it.” So that was it, I went “Right, you watch me.”’

Since then Hermans has been training by riding between 20 and 40 km per day, depending on her work schedule, combined with weight and gym work and now feels ready for the challenge.

A minimum amount of the money raised by each participant goes directly towards WA Police Legacy, the organisers of the event. However any amount over and above that donation is given to the participant’s nominated charity or organisation.

After having secured two sponsors for the challenge that have now pulled out, Hermans is struggling to raise the money she wants to donate to GLCS.

‘Unfortunately, the way things are going, I might just make the minimum donation for Legacy and have nothing left to donate to community services,’ she said.

Sponsorship or donation inquiries can be made by contacting Di Hermans on di6.66@bigpond.com or 0412 286 218.