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!!