WestCycle is disappointed to announce the Dams Challenge 2024 has been cancelled after a cost-benefit and risk analysis found the event to be financially unsustainable in the current climate.

Significant increases in event and insurance costs; diminished private and public funding potential and tightened household purse strings due to cost-of-living challenges all played their part in the decision.

“It’s with a very heavy heart that we make this announcement for our marquee event and a beloved one among the road cycling community in Perth, the State and beyond,” said WestCycle CEO Wayne Bradshaw.

“WestCycle inherited what was already a popular event from Bicycling Western Australia (BWA) in 2019 but two COVID-driven cancellations dented continuity and commitment. After the WestCycle Board considered the high risks in operational complexity, weather and associated costs, it become clear we couldn’t proceed with the event.”

Damned by rising costs

Financial analysis showed entry costs would have been required to rise significantly, creating significant concerns about whether we could attract a critical mass of riders, without compromising the experience, event quality and safety of participants.

Restrictions around event timing and associated hot weather consequences and risks, plus a broader downturn in mass participation sporting events, also factored into the decision.

Wayne Bradshaw advised, “In a cost-of-living crisis, this was simply deemed too risky a proposition for a small, resource-tight organisation, like WestCycle to undertake. 

“We reiterate this is not a decision we have taken lightly, and it is a decision we hoped we would not have to take. We know for many cyclists it is an annual cherished event, and for others a ‘Bucket List’ challenge be it 2, 3 or 5 Dams.

“For all riders, volunteers and partners we say thank you for your participation and support over the years and can only reiterate our disappointment that the joy of completing the Dams Challenge is on ice for now.

“Finally, WestCycle thanks all the committed people at BWA for entrusting us with the Dams Challenge and for their continued support over the years.”

Bradshaw continued: “Frankly it’s a sad day for WA community road cycling, but one we couldn’t get around. We remain committed to hosting selected road, gravel and community events and programs, as we continue our mission to represent all WA bike riders.”