Wild remote roads of the Pilbara are among the roughest in the country, but it's an adventure for 15 blokes riding on postie bikes to raise money for mental health.
Suicide and mental health has been an issue for years in the resource industry in north-west WA.
Ben Morley, who works in the resources sector, has lost colleagues to suicide and knows of the pain for loved ones left behind.
This year he put up his hand to join the Bush Chook Postie Bike Challenge to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute.
He said it was all the informal conversations that happened around the campfire that really had the most value.
"The most important thing for blokes — and blokes are really bad at doing this — is reaching out and talking about it," Mr Morley said.
The big resources industries of the Pilbara now had a focus on mental health since recent cases of suicide triggered action.
"They have a lot of psychological services and counselling services now," Mr Morley said.
Painted landscapes are a treat for the eye
Daniel Crabbe and his business partner Alan Morgan were inspired to start these postie bike adventures in the Pilbara after riding on the Gibb River Road challenge in the Kimberley.
"We had an absolute ball up there and we decided we could do it in the Pilbara to showcase some of Karijini and the gorges that we've got here to raise a bit of money for charity along the way," Mr Crabbe said.
"That's a key aspect of our business and our enterprise and so for this ride we've raised $16,700 [and counting] among the lads who are here, which is amazing."
"There's nothing more ridiculous to take through the bush than a postie bike really."
He said riding through the beautiful landscape was an opportunity to have a bit of peace and time for reflection.
"At the moment the country looks absolutely magnificent," Mr Crabbe said.
Recent rains from the cyclones had created harsh and soft contrast in the landscape.
"We've got buffel grass coming up to our waist at the moment through some of the creeks and then we've got the cliffs and the gorges," he said.
Mental health is key
Each night the blokes sit around the campfire and drink a few "bush chooks" and have a serious talk about men's mental health.
"After a couple of cans, it's easier to share," Mr Crabbe said.
The group was close-knit now in its third year after many campfire discussions.
"Hopefully everyone can go back to their mates and talk seriously about men's mental health," he said.
