Locky Gilbert: From Cape to Cape.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Locky Gilbert: From Cape to Cape.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Locky Takes on Cape to Cape for WA’s Sick Kids.
From Survivor and The Bachelor to full-time adventurer, and proud dad to toddler Ava, Locky Gilbert is no stranger to a challenge. This October, he’s gearing up for his next challenge, tackling Australia’s biggest mountain bike stage race, the 2025 Cape to Cape.
Riding as an Official Ride Ambassador for PCHF, Locky will tackle the four-day, 200km course through WA’s spectacular South West to raise vital funds for our state’s sickest kids at PCH.
“Becoming a dad changed my perspective. Knowing the work PCHF does for sick kids and families hits home in a different way now, and it’s meaningful to be able to support them in a way that aligns with what I love doing,” Locky said.
Joining forces with a close mate with the same ‘up for anything’ mentality, Locky is raising funds for PCHF via Two Blokes, One Trail in Cape to Cape 2025. While the event will be new terrain for them as a team, the pair know how to push each other and have a laugh when things get tough.
With the countdown to Cape to Cape now on, we caught up with Locky to find out what’s driving his ride:
How did your interest in mountain biking begin?
I’ve always been into adventure and pushing myself outdoors – from hiking ranges to 4WD touring. Mountain biking clicked because it’s got that same mix of physical challenge and pure freedom. Once I got a proper taste of singletrack, I was hooked.
Have you any notable trails or trail riding events before?
I’ve ridden bits and pieces across WA, mostly local trails around Perth and down south near Margaret River, but Cape to Cape will be my first real multi-stage event. That’s what makes it exciting: it’s a new level for me.
Has Cape to Cape been on your “must-do” list for a while?
Yeah, it’s always been on the radar. Everyone in WA knows Cape to Cape is iconic. For me, it’s the scenery, riding through some of the most stunning coastline and forest in the state, and also the community vibe. You don’t often get to line up with hundreds of like-minded riders in such a unique setting.
How are you planning to structure your training for Cape to Cape?
It’s about building endurance on the bike while still keeping strength work in the gym. I’ll be mixing longer weekend trail rides with interval training during the week, and plenty of core/leg work to handle the climbs and descents.
Any challenges you anticipate in your prep?
Time. Between my business Novaa Gear and being a dad, carving out hours on the bike consistently is always the hardest bit. Also making sure I don’t overcook it – I’ve got a tendency to go hard, so pacing myself in training will be key.
Any personal goals for this event?
Main goal is to finish strong and soak it up. I’d love to surprise myself with my times, but I’m not setting anything too rigid. On the fundraising side, I want to help raise solid awareness and support for PCHF – that’s a big part of why I’m riding.
As a new (and busy) parent – how do you carve out training time?
It’s all about structure. Early mornings before the day gets away from me and making training part of the family rhythm rather than something separate. Sometimes Ava even comes down to the trails with me in the carrier or hangs at the track with my wife Irena, it becomes shared time instead of lost time.
Any rituals, superstitions or race day playlists that get you in the zone?
I’m not too superstitious, but music plays a big part. Anything high-energy. A bit of Aussie rock, bit of hip-hop just to flip the switch before the start line. And the ritual is simple: good coffee, stretch, and a moment to lock in mentally.
Take on the challenge yourself: join Cape to Cape, sign up for the new Cape Kids ride, or rally your community to fundraise for PCHF.
Key event details:
- Dates: 16 -19 October 2025
- 200km across 4 days, with 2,500m elevation
- Ride solo, in a duo or join the 50km single-day event (18 October)
- Registrations close 15 October, 2025
