In keeping with today’s Federal Government’s recommendation that gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled as a mitigation strategy against the spread of coronavirus, WestCycle has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 DAMS Challenge that was scheduled to be held on April 5.

We’re disappointed we’ve had to do this – you could say it’s really let the air out of our tyres. But because we’re committed not only to the wellbeing of the cycling family but that of the broader community, we’re confident it’s the right decision.

We appreciate the commitment you have made to training, some of you for many months, and thank everyone who has supported the event by entering.

Our team has now contacted all registered riders via email with details of the next steps. If you have not received an email, please get in touch with us at info@westcycle.org.au and we will be in touch with instructions.

Safe and happy riding.

Event Information

COURSES

RIDER PACK AND EVENT JERSEY COLLECTION DATES

TRAINING & NUTRITION

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

FAQs

ABOUT

The 54km 2 Dams Challenge is an excellent way to experience some of what the full course has to offer lets you experience the thrill of the event. Start with the 2 Dams and work up to the 3 Dams and 5 Dams in the future.

The 134km 3 Dams Challenge gives you a major taste of the challenge and over 1500m vertical climbing. It’s perfect for those aspiring to work up to the 5 Dams next year.

The 5 Dams Challenge is a challenging and rewarding event for serious cyclists throughout Australia. Put your legs to the test on this 205km ride featuring over 2,600m of vertical climbing.

The Dams Challenge returns in 2020! Choose your Challenge from the 2, 3 or 5 Dams distances and conquer one of the top 50 rides globally.

The Dams Challenge is fully supported and includes food and water stations along the course, nutrition supplies, motorbike marshals, first aid, broom wagon and more. You can enter the event as an individual rider.

Riders have a set amount of time to complete the challenge (the course closes at 17:00 hours). This means riders will need to travel at an average of at least 20km/h over the course, depending on stoppage time.

Courses and support checkpoints are subject to change, final versions will be advised in the official rider guide.

The event is a personal challenge and NOT a race – no place-getter prizes are awarded.

Key Dates

  • Free jersey offer and early bird period concludes – midnight 31 December 2019
  • Standard pricing Period starts – 1 January 2020
  • Final day to purchase a Dams Challenge jersey, bib knicks or socks – 31 January 2020
  • Standard pricing period concludes – midnight 23 March 2020
  • Late pricing period 24 March – midnight 31 March 2020
  • Final day to register – 31 March 2020
  • Event Day – Sunday 5 April 2020

EVENT INFORMATION

Start / Finish location: Champion Lakes Regatta Centre – Champion Lakes WA 6111

Date: Sunday, 5 April 2020

Start Times:

  • 5 Dams Challenge from 6:00am
  • 2 Dams Challenge from 7:00am
  • 3 Dams Challenge from 7:30am
  • Event cut-off 5:00pm

Rider Briefings will be held prior to each event, exact times TBC

There are NO allocated start times for participants.  Riders will be released in waves of approximately 20 riders every 30 seconds commencing with the 5 Dams Challenge riders.

54KM

MAP

134KM

MAP

 

 

205KM

MAP

PRICING

RIDER PACK AND JERSEY COLLECTION

Rider Packs and jerseys and/or merchandise (if you ordered any) will be available for collection on Friday, 3 April and Saturday, 4 April.

 

To pick up your pack, please visit us at the following times:

Leederville Sporting Club

78 Cambridge Street, West Leederville

Friday 3rd April – 11:00am – 5:00pm

Saturday 4th April – 8:00am – 12:00pm

 

Strictly NO pick up on event day.

PLEASE NOTE THE ORDER PERIOD FOR MERCHANDISE HAS NOW CLOSED. THE JERSEY SIZE SWAP PERIOD HAS ALSO FINISHED.

  • Each check point will have water and nutrition
  • Lunch is provided for 3 Dams and 5 Dams riders
  • Motorbike marshals will patrol the course providing assistance as required
  • St John Ambulance will be present to provide medical support
  • Broom wagons will follow the last rider
  • Check points and motorbike marshals will have tubes and gas cylinders which can be used and paid for after the event

Please note: Private support vehicles are not permitted as they cause unnecessary traffic congestion and inhibit the ability of official event support vehicles to efficiently navigate the course. Road closures will be in place around some check points and vehicles will not be permitted to enter.

CUT OFF TIMES AND CHECKPOINTS

Strict cut-off times at each check point are imposed.  If you do not pass through the check point before the nominated cut-off times you will be deemed to be out of the event.  Nutrition at the checkpoints will be stated in the Rider Guide when released. The 2 Dams Challenge has no required cut-off times as riders should complete the course before 5 Dams Challenge participants.

All check points and cut off times are subject to change.

Checkpoints5 Dams 3 Dams2 Dams
Serpentine Dam63km63km
Albany Hwy/Jarrahdale Rd92km86km
Wungong Dam112km106km
Canning Dam175km31km
205km134km54km

TIMING

The Dams Challenge is NOT a race however we do time each rider.  The purpose for timing is to enable us to monitor your progress, locate you on the course and for your information.

Family and friends will be able to monitor your progress throughout the day with live-to-web streaming from check-points.

Due to the lack of communications in some areas not every check point will provide live results.  The final location of the timing stations will be announced in the rider packs.

Strava

Become a member of WestCycle’s Strava Club and track your progress against other Dams Challenge participants. You can upload your rides to WestCycle’s Strava Club by using your Garmin, iPhone or Android device.

FINISHER MEDALLIONS

Every 2 Dams, 3 Dams and 5 Dams Challenge rider who crosses the finish line will receive a commemorative medallion to mark the achievement.

The 2020 Dams Training Guide are now here! Click through below to access the 2, 3 or 5 Dams Guides. Make sure to join the Dams Challenge Training Group on Facebook for more helpful hints, tips and a friendly space to ask questions!

2 DAMS GUIDE HERE
3 DAMS GUIDE HERE
5 DAMS GUIDE HERE
JOIN THE TRAINING GROUP

The 2020 Dams Challenge nutrition guides are now here!

Thanks to our friends from Science in Sport for producing these guides for the 2, 3 and 5 Dams Challenges. 

Dams riders can also claim a free fuel pack valued at $35.00! The pack includes 6 of the most popular SiS gel flavours and a 20 electrolyte tabs to help you fuel your training. You’ll have to pay for delivery or get free delivery by spending $15 on the SiS website. To claim this offer, you’ll need to redeem a discount code – simply fill out the form at the bottom of this page on the science in sport website to claim.

Find out more about the fantastic SiS product range and how to fuel for the Dams using the links below.

ACCESS YOUR NUTRITION STRATEGY HERE
GET YOUR FREE FUEL PACK HERE
ACCESS SPECIAL DEALS ON SIS PRODUCT HERE

WestCycle is pleased to announce Vault Cycle Services as the exclusive bike maintenance partner for the 2020 Dams Challenge.

An expert mechanic from Vault will be in attendance at the complimentary Dams Information Evenings for registered riders to assist with rider’s preparations for the event. Vault will also supply Dams riders with handy hints and tips on bike maintenance in the fortnight eNews letters for registered riders.

Vault will be on site on the day of the Dams Challenge to assist riders with mechanical support prior to and during the event so you can make the most of the day.

BOOK ONLINE NOW

The event had its genesis in 1998 and was first officially staged in 2010. It has quickly grown from little over 350 local riders to more than 2,000 participants from all over Australia and overseas.

The 5 Dams Challenge, that fabled endurance test for ageing cyclists, was conceived in a café on the terrace in Fremantle one Saturday morning in 1998. Was it possible to incorporate the five metropolitan dams into a single day’s ride? Intrepid rider Lindsay O’Brien thought so.

The following Tuesday he set out from Claremont, up the scarp at Lesmurdie and on to Mundaring. Then proceeding south to Serpentine, past the dam to the South West Highway and back to Claremont – 280km in just under ten hours.

Many different routes have since been used but all using the basic 5 Dams Challenge framework.

Solitude is the devil’s playground, so the ride is more enjoyable in a group. Many teams of riders have completed the ride, mainly motivated by Ian Pauley who initiated the Summer/Winter Solstice rides and has probably completed the ride more times than any other along with Graham Forward, Peter Gunzberg and Brian “Capo” Roberts.

The ride itself produces its own drama. The fatigue of ill-prepared riders brings out the best and the worst in them. The camaraderie such a ride invokes makes it a memorable experience.

An event like the Dams Challenge requires a small army of volunteers. There is no better way to get close to the action, gain experience for university or TAFE or just give back to the WA cycling community by volunteering your time and being part of a world class event.

REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER
  • Where is the event village for the Dams Challenge?
    The start/finish area will be situated at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre – Champion Lakes WA 6111.
  • Where do I enter the Champion Lakes Regatta Centre?
    Access for parking at the Champion Lakes Regatta Centre is off Champion Drive between Tonkin Hwy and Lake Road, please follow the directional parking signs.
  • Where can I park?
    There is FREE parking available at the event village (access via north-west side of the lake on Champion Drive ONLY. No access via Henley Drive). MAP
  • What will parking cost?
    Free
  • Can I swap my jersey size or design?
    Strictly NO jersey swaps from 1 January 2020.  Please note if you change your event category after this date (eg from 3 Dams to 5 Dams) your jersey design will not change (it will still be a 3 Dams jersey).
  • Is there a type of bike restriction?
    There is no restriction to what type of bike you choose to ride in the Dams Challenge provided the bike is legal to ride on the road.
  • I have ordered a jersey. When will it be available for collection?
    Rider Packs and jerseys will be available for collection from TBC on these dates: Friday, 3 April (Time TBC) or Saturday, 4 April (Time TBC). Strictly NO pick up on event day.
  • I have registered and completed the payment. How do I know if my registration is confirmed?
    You will receive a confirmation email and receipt once your registration is successful.  We will contact you leading up to the event with further information.  If you do not receive an email confirmation please contact us.
  • Can minors under the age of 16 ride?
    Yes, with a signed exemption form
  • I can no longer ride, can I get a refund?
    WestCycle has a no refund policy. We do allow you to nominate a replacement rider (up until one week prior to the event). If you would like to nominate a replacement rider please complete this Rider Substitute Form and email to info@westcycle.org.au. A small admin fee may apply. No changes are permitted in the week leading up to the event
  • Can I ride an e-bike?
    Yes, you can ride an e-bike for the 2 Dams and 3 Dams events. You will be asked if you are riding an e-bike in the registration portal and your timing will be noted that you have completed the event as part of the e-bike category.
  • Can I collect my rider pack before the event?
    Yes. You can collect your rider pack and jersey (if you ordered one) on Friday 3 and Saturday 4th April. Locations and times TBC.
  • How do I create a team?
    Registering a team is easy!

    All you need to do is select “Create Team” on the registration page and choose your team name. You can then select the type of team (public, invite only, or password protected) and payment option for your team mates (group pay or individual pay). Setting up the team will make you the Team Leader.

    As the Team Leader, you can invite team members to join your team by sharing the link to your prospective team mates. The link will be sent to your email. Alternately, let your team-mates know what your team name is and they can enter the name in the designated box when registering.

  • I've already registered. How can I join a team?
    If you have already registered, you will need to contact us so we can add you to a team. Simply email us at info@westcycle.org.au with your name, contact details and the name of the team you would like to join and we will update this for you. You will receive a confirmation of this change from us within 2 business days.
  • Registration Prize Promotion Terms and Conditions
    Dams Challenge Competition Terms and Conditions 2020

    These terms and conditions govern the prize drawing for the 2020 Dams Challenge Competition which include a chance to win a $1000 Bike Shop Voucher OR a set of 5 Pedal Mafia Custom Kits.

    1. An entrant into the draw is required to have completed a registration for the 2020 Dams Challenge.
    2. All registered riders are eligible to win the prize.
    3. Winners will be drawn at random and notified on Tuesday February 18, 2020.
    4. The Winners will be contacted by email, a valid email address is required to enter the draw.
    5. The competition runs from Friday January 17 until Friday January 14 inclusive.
    6. The Winner may select their preferred prize.
    7. If the Winner selects the Bike Shop Voucher, the Winner will be entitled to one $1,000 voucher to use however they like from a shop listed on WestCycle’s bicycle store locator.
    8. If the Winner selects the Custom Kit prize, the Winner must liaise with Pedal Mafia with regards to the design and other aspects of the Custom Kit prize.
    9. Any costs associated with taking the prize (e.g. travel, postage) are the responsibility of the winner.
  • How does the Team Timing work?
    If you’ve registered within a team, you will receive an individual time and an overall team time, which is the accumulated time of the fastest 4 riders on your team to complete the Challenge.

    To receive a team time, your team must all ride the same distance option on the day to ensure timing accuracy. If you have multiple team members wanting to ride different distances, it may be best to enter multiple teams e.g. WestCycle 1, WestCycle 2, WestCycle 3 etc.

  • Do my team members need to ride the same distance?
    Yes. To receive a team time, your team must all ride the same distance option on the day to ensure timing accuracy. If you have multiple team members wanting to ride different distances, it may be best to enter multiple teams e.g. WestCycle 1, WestCycle 2, WestCycle 3 etc.

    Remember, registering as a team is not compulsory. You can ride with your friends, colleagues or family on the day without formally registering as a team!

  • Can I use public transport to get to the venue?
    Check to see if you can use public transport to the venue from your start location HERE
  • Do I have to register with another rider as part of a team?
    No.  In 2017 the Dams Challenge was opened up to individual riders so each rider now needs to register individually.  You may still choose to ride as a pair (as in previous years) or on a team on the day of the event. To nominate a team when registering, follow the prompts during the checkout process. Riding in a team completely optional – there will be plenty of people to ride with on the day!
  • Can I change my event category?
    Yes, if you wish to change from 3/5 Dams to 2 Dams, the difference in price will be refunded, less an administration fee.  If a free jersey was included in your 3/5 Dams registration this will be forfeited.  If you would like to keep the jersey then the difference in price will not be refunded.

    If you wish to change between 3 or 5 Dams, please contact iinfo@westcycle.org.au 

    Please email info@westcycle.org.au to arrange the transfer.   Please note that it is not possible to change jersey event types or sizes from 1 January.

    Any event category changes MUST be recieved by Sunday, 29 March 2019.

  • Where can I collect my rider pack?
    Rider Packs and jerseys will be available for collection from TBC on these dates: Friday, 3 April (Time TBC) or Saturday, 4 April (Time TBC). Strictly NO pick up on event day.
  • Can I ride a time trial bike?
    Yes, however we strongly discourage the use of Time Trial bikes and TT bars as they are not the most ideal bike to ride in this type of event.
  • I have signed up for the Dams Challenge. When will I receive specific event information?
    An information pack with all the details you will need will be uploaded to this site and emailed to all registered riders in the week prior to the event.  Important details and changes will also be communicated to riders through email on a regular basis.
  • Can I change the size of my jersey?
    No.  All jerseys are ordered in accordance with your requested size at time of registration.

    Jersey sizes can be tried on at Pedal Mafia HQ, Subiaco should you wish to try one on prior to registering.

  • I have just joined/renewed my membership with WestCycle however when I try to register for the event I get an error message.

    Our registration system requires up to two business days to upload new membership details.  In order to receive the member discount you will need to wait at least until the next day.  If you are still not successful please contact us.

    To claim your membership discount, please enter your details exactly as they appear on your Tidy HQ member profile to ensure your membership can be validated. Your member profile details have been emailed to you if you are a financial member, you can also access them by logging into your Tidy HQ member profile HERE

    All members will be crossed checked to ensure they are financial and eligible to receive the preferential member price. Any non members found to have claimed the member price will be contacted to pay the full registration price.

    If you experience technical difficulties with this process, please contact the WestCycle office during business hours on 08 6336 9688 or email info@westcycle.org.au

  • What are the terms and conditions of riding the Dams?

    Please see 2020 Dams Challenge Terms and Conditions

  • Can I transfer my Dams registration?
    A rider may transfer their registration for the Dams to another rider. A request for a transfer must be received in writing by WestCycle before the close of registrations for the Event and must include all relevant details of the new Rider. To lodge a rider transfer please complete the Rider Substitute Form
  • Do I need a license to ride the Dams?
    No, the Dams Challenge is not a race therefore a license is not required, but we strongly recommend that riders become a WestCycle Ride Member to ensure they are covered 24/7 for personal accident and public liability whenever and wherever they ride, including at events like the Dams.

    You can become a member HERE

    You can also add a membership to your Dams registration through the Register Now portal.

  • Can I purchase a jersey after the early bird period finishes?
    All riders who enter before midnight on 31 December 2019 will recieve a Pedal Mafia 2020 Challenge jersey valued at $129.

    If you register after the early bird period you can purchase a jersey, matching bib knicks and socks up until 31 January 2020.

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