Dams challenge virgin

[JAS095]

Hi all
As dams challenge virgin I was hoping that those of you who have done it before can give some insight of what is ahead

What did you find the hardest part of the day?

Other than finishing what did you find to be the most satisfying ?


Any advice that think that will make the day easier

[CXCommuter]

Drink drink drink
eat eat eat
pace your self- in the hills it is no point busting a gut to stay with people faster than you
Once down out of the hills if lucky with wind then pick up the pace and stay with a group
The hardest part was the bit before Canning Dam (on the 3 dams course) - the road surface is a bit slow.

5 dams the hardest parts are around Serpentine Dam and the last hour.

Did I mention drinking

[alh9a5]

I agree with everything above, eating and drinking regularly are extremely important. I would add not to change brands of gels, drink tabs etc for the day from what you are used to from your training, as this can cause stomach issues.

Ride at a comfortable pace and do not go into your red zone trying to hang with a group, let them go, there will be other groups you can jump in.

Take the opportunities provided to have a little rest & maybe a quick stretch if you are starting to feel the pain But not too long that you fully cool down.

Personally I found the last 20km on the flat the toughest as I was suffering some immense foot cramps from being clipped in for so long

All the best for the big day

[roller]

What did you find the hardest part of the day?

5 dams: coming out of canning dam and turning to go to serpentine dam, that chug down brookton highway knowing you are heading in exactly the opposite direction to where you will end up crushes you a bit.

3 dams: the awful bit from the base of the hills to the freeway

plus that bit of road is sketchy as, suggest grouping up for it.

Any advice that think that will make the day easier

as others have said, nutrition and hydration - keep on top of things, don't leave it too late to eat or drink (don't wait til you're hungry or thirsty)

enjoy it, it's not THAT hard.

best of luck.

[Rex]

Hardest but most satisfying climb for me was Wungong... last climb

Parts of Armadale Rd has been resurfaced and there is a very nice lined shoulder the whole way and you'll probably have a nice easterly so that part isn't a problem.

But yes, eat and drink even if you don't want to

[Tornado]

I've gone and checked out the "hilly sections over two weekends so I know the course a little. Other than that I'm going to wing it. I've done well with hydration and food in the past so I will stick with what I know helps me survive and go with it.

[Roobar]

Last year was my first time and the detour from where you crossed the freeway back to the start was the worst. Bonked completely on that rough section of closed road to the point I was almost wishing a car would hit me in south perth, that and the bogan glitter on armadale road.

As everyone said drink, drink, drink, eat, drink, drink, eat, repeat ad nauseum

[Pb]

also watch out for some random speed bumps at the bottom of wungong dam, though im hoping people will point them out

[Tornado]

5 sleeps people

[CXCommuter]

In a rush of stupidity I am veloteering- likely be at Mundaring Weir, was going to do 5 dams again but my back (and physio) told me firmly NO!
Very early start for me but early finish also as it is the first main checkpoint.

[Dirty32]

Im in for this too... First timer, for 3 dams.
My riding buddy has done it before once or twice.

Im fit enough to finish it, definitely. There is still that little bit of apprehension having not done it before though!
All in all though, im very much looking forward to it...!

[flashpixx]

All the best riders looks like it will be dry for you. Don't forget to enjoy it

[jaseyjase]

Theres a pair tickets on gumtree if anyone is up for a last minute thing.

i could be tempted to have a crack if someone else wants to have one too!

[Red Rider]

I got a cheap ticket one year due to someone pulling out, but this was at least a month beforehand. I think it will be a bit late to get the names changed on the tickets now. So sure you could do it and get lunch provided at Wungong Dam, but that's an expensive lunch!

[just4tehhalibut]

Course maps are on this page.

The CTA is doing their 100km Achievement Ride through Serpentine Dam and down Albany Hwy on Sunday, so coming the other way to the 5 Dams crews. Just watch for oncoming cyclists when you go past the Dam.

[billy70]

Just finished my last training ride this morning and looking forward to Sunday. First time so I'm sure it will test me!

[Tornado]

I've been up to the hills twice and been through the course. First time from Mundaring through to Karragullen and the second time Karragullen through to Armadale. That takes care of all hills except for Greenmount I believe. Hopefully that should take away most surprises.

Keep upright people and see you out there. Take it easy descending into Wungong Dam or whatever it is called.

[roller]

good luck to all doing the dams this weekend

[Tornado]

If any of you guys don't check your emails today.....

There has been a route change around the Wungong Dam. I received the email this morning.

[ColinOldnCranky]

BWA also has a 12km ride for the kiddies that are not quite up to 5:30 starts and hundreds of kms of puffing.

I'm off, with a few other unicyclists to encourage the kiddies in the Great River Ride. And the whe weather is looking puuuuurfect for getting out and about.

Good luck all, enyoy the saddle sores.

[rusty842]

BWA also has a 12km ride for the kiddies that are not quite up to 5:30 starts and hundreds of kms of puffing.

I'm off, with a few other unicyclists to encourage the kiddies in the Great River Ride. And the whe weather is looking puuuuurfect for getting out and about.

Good luck all, enyoy the saddle sores.

I saw the signs today. Even more classic was the two girls in bwa polo shirts that walked out onto the cycling path and nearly got collected. Luckily the rider 20 metres ahead of me was very skilled and avoided them with some amazing bike control.

[flashpixx]

BWA also has a 12km ride for the kiddies that are not quite up to 5:30 starts and hundreds of kms of puffing.

I'm off, with a few other unicyclists to encourage the kiddies in the Great River Ride. And the whe weather is looking puuuuurfect for getting out and about.

Good luck all, enyoy the saddle sores.

saw a couple of little tackers on the unicycles. Looked very adept too.. kudos

[billy70]

What a stunning day for it! It was definitely tough at times but am really pleased with the organisation and the genuine good will of fellow riders. Felt good all the way around, so my training definitely came up trumps.

Maximum respect to the Five Dams riders, that's a whole other ball game.

[roller]

I saw the signs today. Even more classic was the two girls in bwa polo shirts that walked out onto the cycling path and nearly got collected. Luckily the rider 20 metres ahead of me was very skilled and avoided them with some amazing bike control.

I nearly ran into those girls too, they were in la la land

[rusty842]

I saw the signs today. Even more classic was the two girls in bwa polo shirts that walked out onto the cycling path and nearly got collected. Luckily the rider 20 metres ahead of me was very skilled and avoided them with some amazing bike control.

I nearly ran into those girls too, they were in la la land

Usually it's okay as you expect it but wearing BWA polos made me laugh.