The Trade by Rudyard Kipling - Royal Australian Navy

Navy successfully completes the...
Navy tackles water on Social Ride,
spare Day after Gibb Challenge.
In May, a team of 6, plus 2 support crew of sailors from HMAS Stirling attempted and successfully completed the Gibb River challenge. The 740km race
across the Kimberly from Derby to Kununurra, then crossing the old stock route of the Gibb River raised much needed funds for the Ryan Marron Foundation
and the RAN’s local charity, Malibu Special School. The team chose the name “Blue Edge” and proudly wore the number 69. In the end the team came a
creditable 5 th place overall.
After a 3 day journey from HMAS Stirling to Broome, the team setup camp at the Norforce Army Barracks. With training rides conducted in the company of
local MTB Riders and another along the pristine Kimberley coastline at Cable Beach, the scene was set for 5 gruelling days in the saddle. 63 other teams
were to be competing in the ride that would begin in Derby and finish at the luxurious El Questro Station Resort.
THE TRADE
EDITION 2, 2012 1
Captain Mark & Tom
set off on another leg.
The Gibb River Challenge participants, LSCKSM Grant Casbion, SMNAWA Garreth Shackleton,
POETSM Mark Madison, Mr Tom Power and Sonar Technician Submariner Eric Cornelius.
If only Tom could keep the
Rubber pointing Down!!.
Navy Camp at Home
Valley Homestead.
Tom & Trevor discuss bike stuff with Dave from
Broome Prison (The Loose Screws).
El Questro Sunset Supper.
The Team from L to R, Gareth (EBU), Grant (Cheffo),
Tom (the Tank), Eric (the Yank), Captain Mark, Ian (BU).
Day 1 saw the field off to a 6am start with the
Blue Edge team employing some clever early
tactics and remaining at the front of the field for
the first 70Km sealed road section of the ride.
Severe head winds punished any of the teams
that were dropped from the lead pack and they
were quickly left behind. As the event transitioned
to the corrugated gravel road that is the Gibb,
Blue Edge found themselves in 4 th position. With
a strategy that saw 2 Blue Edge riders remaining
on the road at all times to combat the wind, the
team was able to consolidate their position and
finish in 5 th place at the completion of the 220Km
Day One at Imitji Store.
As the sun rose on the following day, it became
obvious that there would be no respite from the
25km head winds that had whipped at the field
the previous day. As the day wore on, Blue Edge
found themselves in the company of the TME
Team from Bunbury and both teams battled
hard all day before joining forces to complete
the 168Kms of Day 2, arriving at Mt Elizabeth
Station and maintaining their 5th and 6th places
respectively.
The Blue Edge Team changed their strategy
slightly on Day 3 to coordinate riding changes
with their new found friends of TME. Both teams
worked together tirelessly into the headwinds
and by completing 5Km legs for the 143km
stage, extended the lead to their nearest rivals.
Arriving at Ellenbrae Station in 5 th place overall,
Blue Edge were poised to achieve a high placed
finish - a just reward for all the hard work and
training that had been completed over the 3
months leading up to the event.
Pre Ride brief with Fundraising Ventures.
Mercifully, the headwinds dropped to 20Km/
h and the ride through the Cockburn and
Pentecost Ranges on the fourth day was almost
enjoyable. Despite some tough climbs, the
scenery was nothing short of breathtaking and
on several occasions, all the team members
mounted their trusty steeds for an exciting
60Km/h + downhill run!
For the first time in Gibb Challenge history,
competitors were given the opportunity to ride
across the Durack River – with Croc spotters in
position; all teams successfully navigated the
water course without incident. As the team all
proceeded to ride the last 7Km downhill of the
day, Ian Miles recorded an impressive top speed
of 74.4Km/h which equalled the recorded highest
downhill speed for the Gibb Challenge.
With the “Challenge” section of the Gibb ride
completed and a very competitive 5th place
cemented, the Blue Edge team decided to ride
the final 60Km stage together and enjoy the
camaraderie of the other teams as they were
once again treated to a Gibb Challenge First
- the opportunity to ride across the Pentecost
River. With water levels up to 500mm in places
and an unstable rock bottom, this challenge
was accepted by all but a few of the 450+ riders
that participated in this years Gibb Challenge.
Only a handful successfully navigated the 250m
crossing without falling off but this in no way
dampened the enthusiasm of all who attempted
FEATURE
Eric sets up his Swag. Gibb Action with Loose Screws and Malaga Cycles
- Navy riding away in the distance!!.
the crossing. Unfortunately, visiting US exchange
sailor, Eric Cornelius was the last Blue Edge team
member to cross the river and was subsequently
fined at the evenings festivities at El Questro!!
Blue Edge Team OIC, CPO Trevor Syme said he
was very proud of the Team and the way that
they conducted themselves, both on and off the
bikes. As part of the fundraising strategy Blue
Edge Team members set up a bike cleaning
station for use by all of the teams. This initiative
was extremely well patronised during the 5 days
of the event.
The Blue Edge Team would like to thank the
Australian Defence Cycling Club for its support
in funding the entrance Fee for the Team, a
donation of $3000. Without the support of
the ADCC, the Team Members would have
had to pay there own way and this enormous
contribution assisted immensely to the teams
ability to raise further funds for Charity.
In all, a total of $2000 was raised for the Ryan
Marron Foundation, the Event Organisers charity
of choice for the 2012 event, and a sizeable
$7540 for the wonderful staff and students of the
Malibu School. These funds will be put to good
use in a number of school projects that Navy will
undertake in the upcoming school holidays.
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THE TRADE
EDITION 2, 2012