The Dusty Dames don pink tutus for a unique celebratory photo at the iconic Pajinka sign at the end of their 550-kilometre mountain bike trek through Cape York. Photo: Supplied.
What do you get when you combine 22 enthusiastic mountain bikers, 550 kilometres of rough Cape York tracks and pink tutus at Pajinka?
While it may sound like the start of a cryptic riddle, these were the key elements of a historic journey a group of women dubbed the Dusty Dames made last week when they took part in the first ladies-only trek hosted by Cape York Mountain Bike Adventures (CYMBA).
The trek was the brainchild of CYMBA owners Mark Allen and Dave Wood, with the former telling Cape York Weekly it was hoped the ride would become an annual event.
“We realised mountain biking for ladies is a massive emerging thing,” he explained.
“We feel mountain biking is the best way to see the Cape because we’re silent and we’re just floating through the bush.”
The group, which consisted of riders from across Australia, took a charter flight from Cairns to Coen, where the adventure really hit top gear.
Rider Jen Shaw said the experience had been one of a lifetime, with the course incorporating the Old Telegraph Track and Frenchmans Track.
“At 62 years old, this ride was my biggest ever physical undertaking,” she said.
“It was tough going, but we all supported each other, and our guides took us to meet the best people and see the best places on the Cape and looked after us fantastically, ensuring we all met our goal of riding to the tip.”
After the group donned tutus for their obligatory photo at the Pajinka sign, they travelled across to Thursday Island for a night of celebration and relaxation after the gruelling ride.
Mr Allen praised the group’s commitment and ability to work as a team, especially on Cape York’s unforgiving soft sand.
“Little crashes are just part of the experience,” he laughed.
“We all enjoyed taking turns falling over in the soft sand; it can be really hard to ride in, but there was always someone around to help you get up and encourage you to keep going.
“The ride created great social cohesion and friendships I think will last a lifetime.”
Alison Purvis was one of the riders and said it had been fantastic to engage with Cape York locals on the northbound trek.
“People from Coen to the Cape were so kind and curious,” she said.
“Riding a mountain bike was a great way to experience everything the north had to offer.”
Mr Allen said he and Mr Wood were already planning another ladies-only adventure in mid-2025.
The Dusty Dames prepare to embark on their charter flight from Cairns to Coen to start the week-long, 550-kilometre mountain bike ride to Pajinka. Photo: Supplied.
