Bibbulmun Run
Kalamunda trailhead ©Nicki Rehn
This Sunday, I’m going to get up really early and drive to the outer Perth suburb of Kalamunda and start running south. Way south. 963km south. Solo. Unsupported. In 19 days. I’m going to fast-pack the entire length of the Bibbulmun Track, a spectacular continuous hiking trail that links Perth with the south coast town of Albany via remote bushland, virgin forests, and isolated beaches.
Fast-packing means that I’ll be taking as little as possible in a light-weight backpack (12 kg incl. water and food) which allows me to travel large distances each day — up to 60km. Hike uphills, run down. Stopping rarely. Going from dawn to dusk. Emptying my life of all but the trail, the simple necessities, and the journey.
Long Gully bridge crossing the Murray River south of Dwellingup ©The Bibbulmun Track Foundation
Fortunately, this particular trail has established basic shelters about every 20km of its length. I’ll be sleeping in these when I can, or in my bivy under the stars, or occasionally in the luxury of a hostel in a couple of the small towns through which I’ll pass.
Beavis Campsite ©The Bibbulmun Track Foundation
I still don’t even know if I can walk an average of 51kms day after day after day, but I’m hoping that years of adventure racing and trail running and mountain climbing and marathons will help ease the suffering. Or at least help me handle the suffering like an old pro. I’ll let you know at the end of April when I show up in Albany … hopefully.
Hey Nicki -
Best of luck. We’ll all be waiting anxiously for news of your journey!
Hey Nicki,
The team is cheering for you and we know if there’s anyone who can do this it’s you! You probably won’t read this until you’ve already finished – but rock on and run hard!
Sean
Best of luck, Nicki! Sounds like the perfect adventure.
Good luck Nicki – may the sun always shine, may the wind always be at your back, and may your highs and lows be a mountain pass, followed by a beautiful valley. Happy Trails.
I wish I could be a bug on a tree listening to you as you run by … I guarantee the conversation is going to be great!! hahah. Have a blast out there, wish I was along for the ride!
Xoxox
Claire
I walked it. 42km was the longest day.
If you can do it in 19 days, that would be incredible.
have a great time nicki……I know you’ll enjoy it. can’t wait to see you this summer! Kian thanks you for the gift too!!
Hey Nicki – I see you are logging your Km here:
http://www.attackpoint.org/log.jsp/user_1935
Looking good so far, after 11 days & 568 KM …you are 10Km ahead of schedule!
Hello Nicki: Way to go! Bill has been keeping us updated on your incredible journey. Wishing you a all the best!
Karen
Hey Nicki – way to go!!!
Christina, the kids and I are cheering for you. Have a great final week.
Cheers
Nicki past us trudging the Bib after her day 6. We are cheering you on and hope to welcome you into Albany.
Well done Nicki! I see that you made it safely to your destination in 20 days!
http://www.attackpoint.org/viewlog.jsp/user_1935/period-7/enddate-2009-04-25
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickirehn/
Awesome accomplishment! Sends hugs and high fives from afar.