Helen Durbridge, Ballidudette: “I’ve always loved the bush, riding a bike in the fresh air”
Helen Durbridge will be on the line in Ballidu this year, keen to check out the varied Shire of Wongan-Ballidu gravel and develop her relatively recent love affair with gravel.
“It’s funny, I used to play junior hockey in Ballidu as I grew up in Toodyay,” Helen told us. “I’m really excited to get out on the trails around Ballidu.”
The 61-year-old mother of National Road Race champ and pro cyclist with the Jayco Alula team, Luke Durbridge, will take on the 82km The Ballidude ride with her son, Rowan.
“You see some beautiful things on a bike.”
Although a self-confessed lover of riding and someone who regularly commutes 40km a day into the city from her Bassendean home, signing up for events is a newer passion. Bike it to Ballidu Gravel will build on recent participations in the 2023 Cape to Cape and the 2025 Dwellingup 40km Wallaby MTB events.
“I’ve always loved the bush, riding a bike in the fresh air,” she says. “It just makes me feel good. You are truly amongst nature on a bike and see some beautiful things. At Cape to Cape I was on my limit but it was a fantastic experience. I came away unscathed and keen for more!”
The mother of three has developed her gravel riding on the Heritage Trail in the Perth Hills.
“It’s a great space for me – either riding solo or with friends,” she says. “I’m enthused to get more involved in the gravel riding scene and keen to meet and ride with more women too.”
Riding with Luke
Helen has just returned from a European break that saw her in Paris as Luke completed his 11th Tour de France.
“Riding bikes has been an amazing journey for Luke and seeing him win the 2025 Nationals at Kings Park this year was just wonderful for him, our family and the WA bike scene, it was so exciting!”
Helen does share the odd ride with Andorran-based Luke when he is back in town, usually in the Summer off-season during his early preparation for the Nationals Road Race that will be held in Perth for the next two years at least.
“It’ll usually be in the Hills or on the Munda Biddi – maybe we can ride Ballidu together when Luke retires!”
www.ballidugravel.com.au
