The dust has settled. The legs are sore. And somewhere along 600 kilometres of red dirt between Kalgoorlie and the Perth Hills, something pretty special happened.
The 2026 Big Yellow Pipeline Challenge is done — and the community that showed up for it? Extraordinary.
This ride has raised $950,000 so far in 2026. Combined with the September 2025 event, that’s over $1.5 million raised in the past 12 months going to The Nest program, supporting young parents in Perth experiencing homelessness or escaping family and domestic violence.
We’re $50,000 away from hitting $1 million for this ride alone.
Fundraising is still open. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of something that genuinely changes lives — now’s the moment.
This event isn’t about kilometres. It’s about the people who show up.
Paul and Fred rode solo — every single kilometre, just the two of them and the road. When asked why, Paul kept it simple:
“It’s something you want to do for yourself and raise awareness for people that don’t have what we have.”
And when someone asked what was harder — the ride, or sleeping rough with a newborn?
“It’s not as hard as sleeping under a bridge with a newborn.”
Carl from Iggs Free Range? Summed up five days in the saddle with perfect honesty:
“Remarkably good. A little bit sore in the butt, but pretty good.”
Then there were the Blades of Oary — three women training to row across the Atlantic Ocean — who joined this year and immediately got it. Cassie said it best the night before the ride:
“Everybody getting together and talking about what Big Yellow and the Pipeline achieves through Youth Futures… organising this many people is absolutely insane. Well done to all those involved.”
Up at 2am. Out in the dark. Signs planted, routes marked, riders kept safe — before most of us had even opened our eyes. Andrew has volunteered at the Pipeline Challenge since its very first ride in 2015. He keeps coming back because he understands exactly what it’s for:
“This is what the meaning of the event is about — getting support for young homeless people, for young mums, making sure they don’t lose their babies.”
Callum from the Armadale 4WD Club was 15 the first time he came — in the passenger seat with his dad, collecting signs. Now he’s back leading the charge:
“This event brings out the best of everybody. Take the leap. We will help you. I promise you’ll have a fantastic time.”
Mitch Wallace, CEO of Big Yellow Mining and a driving force behind the Pipeline Challenge, shared his appreciation for the team of volunteers:
“Big cheers for all our volunteers. They do an amazing job each year, every year. We couldn’t do this ride without them.”
And a special shoutout to Euan Williamson from Big Yellow Mining — the quiet engine behind so much of what made this year work:
“Just the amount of work that guy did before and during the event was phenomenal.” — Dave Edwards, Big Yellow Mining
The Nest exists for young parents who have run out of options. Escaping violence. Facing homelessness. Raising babies in impossible circumstances.
Last year, 163 young families seeking accommodation couldn’t be supported — simply because there wasn’t enough capacity. Behind every one of those numbers is a parent doing their absolute best for their child.
That’s why every dollar matters. That’s why these riders hurt for five days in the saddle. That’s why the $1 million milestone isn’t just a number.
The ride grew 50% from September 2025 to this event. Martin — who has poured everything into making this happen — is already dreaming bigger:
“We’re looking forward to another 100 riders next year.” – Martin Pratt, Big Yellow Mining
But Dave has a word of warning:
“Get in early — we will be restricting numbers. It’ll be first in, first served.”
Thinking about it? Don’t think. As Paul said:
“Do it for yourself. Do it for them.”
