Home Valley Station

17 May. Day 15. 4th day of The Gibb Challenge ride.

Home Valley Station.

0835/1520. 104 KM

The same early get up and breakfast start today but we hit the road a little later as Simon (Simon Rimmer, the event organiser) had swapped the group start times around for the sake of equality.

Best part of the day’s start was freshly baked scones, cream and jam and coffee at 5:30 am! Scones were care of the homestead staff, and were delicious. Coffee was barista’d by Callum and Nicole of Lucky Country Adventures. They donated all the profits from all the coffees to the RFDS. Callum also sent the hat around after he said he would shave off his mou and mullet and raised $3000- from that. Darned amazing.

Our group start was at 0835. Today's ride relatively easygoing. Two rotations each rider saw us through for the day. The general inclination was downhill, especially the last few kilometres: a long, sweeping section of recently bituminised road. We stopped off at “Telstra Hill” part way down. So named because it is the only point along the GRR where you get Telstra mobile reception. But more importantly it offered stunning views across the valley towards Wyndam, and taking in the very scenic Cockburn Ranges. It’s also the confluence of 5 large rivers, including the Pentecost, that flow into the Cambridge Gulf.

Just a few more klicks and we pulled into Home Valley Station. Another welcome relief night stop. Some shady campsites, a swimming pool, and a large bar and dining area aptly called the Dusty Bar. This is party night on the Gibb Challenge. The final day, to follow, is only 50 km, an easy day, so it's a time to chill and relax. This time it's a sit-down buffet meal accompanied by a live and a silent auction. I just missed out on a nice painting of a couple of Boab trees with classic Kimberley colours.

A few ports back at our campsite and a late (10 pm!) turn in.Read more