This was the first 5 Dams for both me and my ride partner Emma, and never having done a 3 Dams either we had no idea what to aim for so set ourselves the simple target of finishing successfully whatever the time, but privately I knew I’d be disappointed not to be closer to 9 hours than 10. For practice we’d already ridden most of the first segment of the course to Wungong Dam in segments over the weeks before, but other than that didn’t know what to expect. We’d been given a fixed time to get going and even a place on a start grid, so it was a bit of a surprise to find the start was actually a bit of a free for all and we were all mixed up. But no-one seemed bothered and we were soon on the way, happy to stay with a largish group making their way up Great Eastern Highway , with not a lot of luck on the traffic lights.

At the base of Greenmount the group began to stretch out and pretty soon we were riding on our own. It still amazes me the psychology of climbing hills and how much harder they can be when you don’t know how far there is to go… the first time I went up Greenmount it seemed to grind on forever, whereas this time it wasn’t exactly a breeze but we seemed to come up on the Mundaring turning in no time at all and were heading up for the first dam. Not wanting to stop outside the timing dead zones, we kept going straight past the drummers at Mundaring and cracked into our first fast descent.

Heading to Churchbrook we linked up with a group that seemed to have been swapping places with us a couple of times and stuck with them for a while, until one of them had a puncture right next to me and they pulled off. I caught up with him later at the finish line and it turned out he ended up having to retire, when a second puncture ruptured his tyre as well as the tube a few kms later –a frustrating end of the day for him. By the time we got to Churchbrook Dam we were out of water and even though the clock was ticking and its only another 10km to the lunch stop we pulled up for a few minutes to top up. By this time, the rain had given us a pretty good soaking so we didn’t hang around long enough to get cold.

Over the timepads and into the deadzone for lunch, we took a first proper break and the legs were feeling pretty good.  But even though we didn’t hang about I think we stopped too long in hindsight, and there was a bit of stiffness that needed  to be worked out once we were back in the saddle. It’s a great ride down into Canning Dam, made even better by the number of SPR riders heading back up in the other direction. The roads were still wet though and I was travelling way too fast when a right turn came up unexpectedly – I felt the back wheel lock up and decided to back off the brakes –  I’d have to go past the turning by a few metres and pull a u-turn, but in the end it didn’t cost too much time.

The queue at Canning for fresh water was huge, and even though we’d have preferred full bottles for the leg to Serpentine we decided we’d press on – the clock was ticking after all. So we turned straight round and began the climb back out again and saw a few more SPR uniforms on the way. By the time we got to the top I was getting into what for me was the toughest part of the ride – my hamstrings had tightened up on the climb, and the leg down Albany Highway’s dead road was grim. Even when it was downhill the road surface made it feel like I was pedalling through treacle and I just couldn’t get any lightness into my spin. Luckily my partner was coming into a strong spell at precisely the right time and she did the lion’s share of the work for both me and two other guys to get us along the road – I’d say ¾ of the time she was up front. Once off the Highway though everything seemed to get easier, albeit this was new territory for me so not sure what to expect, and I could feel worrying twinges of cramp emerging in the legs. But the kilometres were clicking down to the distance where I knew the last dam was, and there’s not so much of a climb into Serpentine so by this point it began to feel like the toughest riding was behind us.

The deadzone in Serpentine was the cue for a longer stop… stretching out the legs, getting some sunscreen on now that the rain was clearing, and knocking back a few Red Bulls courtesy of their promo team. They obviously hit the spot because once we got back on the road it was my turn to do the heavy-lifting on the front and I certainly felt like I had a new lease in the legs. It’s a steep rapid descent from Serpentine once it begins, and by now the roads were dried out so it was fun and fast. I’d been warned that a section of road to connect with Mundijong was another really tough piece of dead bitumen, so just to prove how its all about psychology I found it nowhere near as bad as the expectation that had been set. It was just the two of us again, and although we overtook another pair who latched on, it would have been better to have a larger group especially towards the end of Mundijong when it felt like we were pushing a headwind.

Turning onto the Freeway bike path really felt like the home stretch – sure there were still 50-odd kms to go, but it was all doable from here and no question we’d finish so long as we avoided accidents. But in a reminder how things can change quick, whilst we were topping up bottles and scoffing jelly snakes at a stop point, a couple of riders came back down the path in the wrong direction to tell the event staff that a rider had come off 500m further up and needed an ambulance having popped out his shoulder. I don’t know who they were, but good on them for doubling back to get help, and when we later pulled up alongside the injured rider it was good to see there were half a dozen folks stopped to help out, including an SPR rider.

This group obviously got themselves organised and underway because they caught us a few kilometres up the track, and after a stint on the front I pulled off to drift to the back of a group of 8 that ended up setting a decent pace all the way home. I nearly dropped off at one point, on the climb up to Roe Highway, when the cramping that had threatened earlier decided to set in with a vengeance, but the slight incline gave me the chance to get out of the saddle and change leg position which did the trick and from then on it was a drama-free ride home – albeit that Mill Point Road past the zoo felt like a mountain by this time.

Pulling up at Coode Street, the Garmin was telling me I’d clicked past 4,000 calories for the ride so there were no qualms tucking into the sausage sizzle  while we waited to get onto Bluechip timing to get our time… 8 hours and 23 minutes, way ahead of my expectation and enough for my ride partner to come home as second fastest female behind SPR’s Alison Ramm, so we were chuffed to bits. It had been a great day – the weather had been kind, even the rain had been welcome at the time, and none of the tough bits quite push you over the edge before you get the exhilarating reward of the downhill sections to get your spirits back up. Definitely on again for next year… and now with a target time to beat as well.

So Steve and I had a plan. Complete the 5 dams in 7hrs 45mins. Leave at 6:15 be back for 2:00. No stopping except for the essential water stops or “comfort breaks”. Carry all our own food.  I know you can stop at the neutral zones so it doesn’t add to your official time but I think this makes a mockery of endurance riding and strava doesn’t recognise neutral zones.

We planned to set off at our own pace. Hopefully have a good group to work with and get to the bottom of Greenmount with a 35 average. If the group we were with went too hard we would let them go. It turned out a little differently. We set off down Mill Point Rd and I looked over my shoulder to see the group was a long way behind us. I thought that we should ride on to the lights at Canning Hwy and the group would catch us there. Wrong. We got the light and rode on. We rode at a reasonable pace thinking we would get caught. It turns out we didn’t get caught for another 65km. We got to the bottom of Greenmount with the 35 average that we were looking for and now it was time for the first climb. I was going to be on the front setting the pace for the bigger climbs so away we went. How hard should I go? I felt good but there was a lot of riding in front of us. I decided to ride at a hr of 165 bpm. Not too hard too early, there was still a long way to go. It turns out I set pr’s all the way up Greenmount and it felt good. The  3000 km, 21000m climbing training I had done in the previous 10 weeks must have been worth it.

We headed onto Mundaring Weir road and started eating. I had two bananas, three Bonk bars and four gels to get me through the ride. We rode straight through the first checkpoint and up and down the bumps on our way to Brookton Hwy. I was surprised that we hadn’t been caught already and started dreaming of being off the front all day. Too early for dreaming! Seven riders caught us just before Brookton Hwy and they brought the rain with them! Nice. As we descended Brookton Hwy the rain really came down. Stinging needles in my face and low visibility while descending at 60km/hr. Perhaps a little sketchy but great fun.

All too soon I was pumping the brakes trying to stop for the turn into dam 2. There was now six of us. The other three must have stopped for a puncture or a team mate. The climb into Churchman Brook dam was steady. I am glad I had done it the week before as I knew what to expect and which way to go as I think the directions at this dam weren’t the best. Steve and I stopped for water and the other four guys continued on. We rode through  Churchman Brook and onto Wungong dam. Nice climbing in beautiful but soggy countryside. We rode over the timing mats at Wungong and straight on to Canning dam. The descent into Canning dam is bumpy and uncomfortable but more enjoyable than the long climb out. We got caught by the same four riders, as they had stopped Wungong, just before we turned back onto Albany highway for the long undulating stretch to the final dam. I was thinking it would be great to work with these guys to Serpentine dam but Steve wasn’t up to holding these guys pace. I think this was a bit of a low point for Steve which I can understand as this is where I really struggled the week before on my training ride.

We rode Albany Hwy at a steady pace and I was so happy to see the sign to turn off the highway to the final dam. We stopped for water at Serpentine and saw the same four guys that had passed us. They were dealing with a mechanical issue in the neutral zone. One group decided to work with us for the long journey back. I am glad they did. With a team of four we set a cracking pace. The climbs were quickly over with & we enjoyed the fast descent to South West Hwy. Just another 70km on the flat and we would be home.

I think it was about the time we turned onto the freeway that I started struggle. I was trying to tell myself that 50km was an easy distance. Just an easy lap around the river and we would be home. Yet I had this overwhelming desire to get off my bike and lie down. Just lie there and splash some cold water on my face. Who really needs to finish this thing anyway? I had some water and gel and got on with working with the group. It took a while but I got my head back into a positive space. We worked well together and managed to average over 35km/hr for the section to Armadale Rd. After Armadale Rd our average dropped to 32km/hr. I think this says a lot about where our collective energy levels where at.

Passing the Raffles was an awesome feeling. I though yeah, we have made it! The climb up Mill Point Rd past the zoo was hard but then it was downhill to the finish. The four of us were the first 5 dammers across the line. It was a great feeling & one I celebrated by lying on the grass and pouring the cold water that my lovely wife & kids had bought for me over my head.

Steve & I ended up with an official time of 07:43:26 or a Garmin time of 07:40:30 averaging 31.1 km/hr and a respectable 14^th place. (12^th if you remove the #10 & #11 who only did 4 dams?)

Would I do it again? At first I thought no, but as the days go by and I focus on the highs and forget the lows I think maybe, just maybe…

Back in January Jordan suggested that we should team up for the 5 dams challenge.  My first reaction was a preference to do the UCI event, but after some logical reasoning by Jordan, the commitment was made – the dams it would be.  A couple of good training months followed with several 150 km+ rides, with the Good Friday 3 dams ride being the absolute highlight.  Soon the big day dawned, and we were at the start line, full of enthusiasm, talking to a couple of other SPR riders (Richard, David, Daniel, with Alison a couple of rows back) about our goals.  Being first timers, Jordan and I decided the main aim was to finish, anything else would be a bonus.

At 6.17.32 sec we rolled out and immediately formed into a large pack of ~60 riders up Gt Eastern Hwy.  Mid 30s pace was comfortable with the only hairy moment at the lights at the Guildford pub when about 20 riders deciders to save a few seconds over 8 hrs by running the red light.  When you ride with other packs it is re-assuring to know that SPR rides and riders are pretty good on safety.  The Greenmount climb was pretty steady, A B-double fuel truck in the outside lane was moving only marginally faster than the riders, and this caused some traffic build up.  Most drivers behind seemed to be mountain bikers and they were very supportive (a trend that continued for the whole ride).  Getting into Mundaring, our pack was reduced to about 20 riders and we made good time to the first dam.

Jordan and I decided not to stop and listen to the drummers that were keeping everyone entertained.  We kept a good pace along the Weir Road and by the time we reached Bickley Valley were still averaging 30 km/h and in a good pack.  At Pickering Brook, we stopped for water – not a designated stop but we wanted to make sure we kept topped up.  We lost the group at that stage and did the next 20 km together, kept company by the consistent rain that decided to avoid the UCI event and park itself in the hills instead.

We passed the SPR Sunday riders at Karragullen, as they sheltered at the petrol station and got a wave of support.  The Brookton Hwy descent was a bit hairy as the continuing rain created pools of water on the road, but once we turned into Soldiers Rd the rain cleared.  I was still feeling good at this stage and made sure Jordan was keeping a steady pace.  We passed Churchman Brook, again not stopping, and soon after arrived at Wungong for the first big break.  We stocked up on water, electrolytes and food and caught up with some of the other SPR riders.  We were still feeling pretty good so decided to keep going (and I wanted to avoid the band who were playing – is there a cover band in Perth that plays any music written after 1989?), although I would have put up with more Van Morrison if it meant missing the climb out.

Canning Dam was the next stop and no sooner were we making our rapid descent in (waving to SPR 3 dammers going the other way), then we were making our slow ascent out.  It was then time for Albany Hwy and the section I was dreading the most pre-race.  The traffic gave us a wide berth and a couple of groups tried to hang on to us, lost contact, then got back on again.  We passed the David Manners threesome, one of whom came off in the gravel and was being attended to (a few scrapes and bruises apparently) and just as we arrived at the Jarrahdale turn off, were joined by a quicker group. We latched on to them and covered the 30 km to Serpentine fairly quickly.  150 km down and still feeling OK, it was time for some more food, some Red Bull and a liberal application of sunscreen, given the rain was now behind us.

We then devised a cunning plan to start off solo again, with a view to getting through the hills at our own pace, then get caught on the flat and sit it with a larger group for the run home.  The first part of the plan was executed perfectly as we wound our way past Karnet, then off the scarp.  We safely negotiated crossing the SW Highway and heading back towards Serpentine the plan was starting to unravel.  There was no sign of the cavalry behind us and my legs decided to start cramping.  It was now that I was appreciating the true value of a team ride, as Jordan did some longer turns and kept me going with a few stories about country living.  Up ahead we could see the freeway and finally we spied a pack of 8 behind us.  We stopped for more water, snakes etc at the checkpoint and then it was teeth gritting stuff as we took off, still with the pack behind.

By now the sun was quite warm, every pedal stoke was causing cramping and if I tried to stretch out, another part of my legs would seize up.  The ever-helpful Jordan mentioned the sight of a bandicoot just off the path.  I nodded in approval, not having the heart to say I would have killed the bloody thing if it meant I could just get off the bike.  Finally, after 62 km of ourselves we were caught by the group behind.  We decided to stay with them, and hung on doing turns as required.  I was beyond pain by now, knocking off 500 m sections of the course in between my legs almost giving up.  We passed Thomas Rd (aim now to getting to Anketel Rd), Anketel Rd (aim now to getting to Rowley Rd), etc.  The group was very encouraging, pushing everyone along.  I knew the hill from Berrigan Drive up to Roe Hwy would be tough and sure enough I had a total shutdown in one leg near the top, but got through it.  By South St I thought I could make it and once we crossed Leach Hwy, I knew I was OK.  The last 15 km went steadily, again with great encouragement from all around.  We reached the end of the freeway and into Mill Point Rd.  I did one last push up the zoo hill, and with the finish line in sight cruised down with Jordan side by side and finally over the line – we’d made it.  A man hug then followed and we parked the bikes and checked stats.  Officially we did 8 hr, 1 min.  When the Garmin took into account the Pickering Brook stop, we ended up at 7hr 53 min, an average of 30.2 km/h for 238 km.  We were both in a world of pain, but well pleased with the effort.

However, the pain did not end there.  The last 2 km back into Kensington tested the legs again (and Jordan had at least 10 km extra to do!) and, on arriving home, home my wife has to remove my shoes and socks, as once I bent my legs, the cramping kicked off again.  A last I could lay out in a hot bath and think about the achievement.  Some more food and water, then it was off to the Windsor to hear the war stories from 3 dams, UCI and the T word event in Mandurah, amongst great company.

As a postscript, a big well done to Alison, who finished first female in the 5 dams event.  This was her 3^rd time and she swore on the line that this would be her last.  I’d also like to thank the many SPR rides who came along on early hills rides in summer and made those hours more enjoyable.  To my family, thanks for the support over the past few weeks – even after the ride when you were laughing at Dad, when he couldn’t pull his socks off without yelling in pain!  Finally, a big heartfelt thanks to Jordan for all his support during the race and especially between kilometres 180 and 220.  A great team effort!!