We didn’t design the SEVEN Gravel Race to be easy. From the beginning, our plan was to create an event of epic proportions that could be compared to an early stage of the Tour de France or a current monument of cycling like the Paris-Roubaix. It was an ambitious goal, and not one to be judged by those who haven’t actually ridden the course. For many, just completing the 125km course in the allotted ten hours will be an achievement. For others, qualifying for the Gravel World Championship and the chance to race against the world’s best riders will be their measure. We would be wrong to say there is no fail, as a number of riders do miss the cut-off each year. There will always be next year. For some, completing the 85km FIVE course, the 50km THREE course or the 25km ONE course will be enough to redefine their limits.
The Climbs The full 125km course has approximately 3200 vertical metres of climbing. Thanks to the unique topography of the valley and peaks between Nannup and Balingup, the ten major climbs of SEVEN are amongst the best that the State has to offer. These climbs range in length from 1.2km to 4.5km long with gradients frequently touching on 20%. Our advice is to not use too much energy too early. The Category 3 climbs of Brockman, Arcadia, Ellis Creek, Pinaster & Pallustris, Spur and Hideaway are particularly challenging for tired legs. See where the climbs are located along the course.
The Road Surface The route has only 2kms of wide single track towards the end and virtually no fire trails. All the roads used in SEVEN are unpaved and well-formed with a mix of dirt, gravel, hard-packed clay, quartz grit and mica. They wind, climb, switchback and descend through pine plantations, state forest and farms. The best way we can describe the roads of SEVEN is “parallel single track”. They are exciting, challenging and magnificent to ride. Whilst the full race routes for the SEVEN and FIVE courses aren’t open to the public in ordinary time, the training routes give riders a true taste of the full course, and are open year-round.
The full SEVEN course is open to all riders 19+ years of age, however a medium to high level of fitness will be required to complete all seven sectors in the allotted ten hours. The FIVE course is open to riders 18+ years, the THREE course is open to riders 16+ years and the ONE course is open to riders 10+ years. The event is not suitable for road bikes, but e-MTBs are welcome (non-competitive).
(08) 6336 9688
Elected Director | Off Road
Tim has been in senior leadership and strategic development roles for more than twenty years. He is currently Director of Executive Education in the School of Business and Law at Edith Cowan University and is a past Assistant Commissioner and General Manager in the public service. He is an Accountant (FCPA) and sits on the Divisional Council of CPA Australia.
Tim has been involved in racing mountain bikes, BMX and triathlon for many years, both as a father of two children who race and as a past and current bike racer. Tim is the current over-50 State Champion in downhill mountain biking. He is also a very regular and enthusiastic transport cyclist; frequently seen in a suit and tie riding to meetings in the city on a mountain bike.
Independent Director
Helen is a Town of Cottesloe councillor and is the current Chair of WestCycle’s Transport Advisory Group.
A medical doctor, Helen is a strong active transport advocate with a focus on health outcomes and social well-being.
