SEVEN links together Western Australia’s best trails and most spectacular climbs to form the ultimate one day challenge in Australian cycling. The 125km route features nine categorised climbs, with over 3000 metres of elevation gain. The scenery along the way is more typical of North American landscapes than how people typically imagine Australia to be. The route has been designed to be difficult, completion of all seven sectors will represent victory, SEVEN will redefine your limits, and succeed or fail, it will be an experience that you will remember forever.

Location

The course starts and finishes in the picturesque township of Nannup, approximately 40 minutes drive from the major regional centres of Busselton, Bridgetown and Margaret River. The Melo Velo Cafe and Bike Shop is our event village host, and their delightful grounds along Brockman Street provide the perfect starting point for your SEVEN adventure. The route winds its way around the golden triangle of cycling in WA that is formed by connecting the townships of Nannup, Bridgetown and Donnybrook. This area is estimated to be around 30,000 acres and have in excess of 1000km of rideable roads and trails.

The Climbs

Thanks to the unique topography of the valley and peaks between Nannup and Balingup, the ten major climbs of SEVEN are amongst the best that the State has to offer. These climbs range in length from 1.2km to 4.5km long with gradients frequently touching on 20%. Our advice is to not use too much energy too early. The primary climbs of Brockman Farm, The Crucible, Kinky, Arcadia, and Chainsaw Ridge are in particular challenging to tired legs.

The Road Surfaces

The route has only 2.6kms of single track at the finish and virtually no fire trails. All the roads used in SEVEN are unpaved and well-formed with a mix of dirt, gravel, hard-packed clay, quartz grit and mica. They wind, climb, switchback and descend through pine plantations, state forest and farms. The best way we can describe the roads of SEVEN is “parallel single track”. They are exciting, challenging and magnificent to ride.

Who can enter? 

SEVEN is open to riders of all abilities, however a medium to high level of fitness will be required to complete all seven sectors in the allotted ten hours. The event is not suitable for road bikes. For riders from non MTB backgrounds we strongly recommend the use of caution on descents, as for every epic climb in the event there is a corresponding downhill.

Entry Options

Enter with the intent to try and ride all seven sectors (SEVEN) or choose from an 85km/1700m option that takes in five sectors (FIVE) or a 50km/1100m option that takes in three sectors (THREE). There is also an option for people to sign up to be a part of our crew if you would like to be a part of the event, but don’t feel that you are up to riding.

Registration

Rider registration is from 4pm to 7pm on Friday 17th at the Melo Velo Event Village along Brockman Street, Nannup. A rider briefing will be held immediately after from 7pm to 7:30pm. We ask that all riders make the effort to register on Friday evening and attend the rider briefing. 

Event Day

The race starts on Brockman Street in Nannup at 7am sharp. We ask that all riders be on the start line by 6:45am for the pre-race briefing at 6:50am. All riders must be officially registered to start. Those who cannot make registration on Friday are asked to be at the registration desk at 6am on Saturday to collect race packs. 

On course support

We will have four motoscouts patrolling the course, with a SAG wagon and 4WD ambulance following the last riders. There will be nine checkpoints along the route. All will have checkpoint marshalls. Checkpoints 1, 2, 5, 7 and 9 are also hydration stations. The Wrights Bridge Checkpoint (no. 5 & 7) at the halfway mark will be the busiest. It’s located at 42km for FIVE riders, and at 60km/81km for SEVEN riders. Our Command Post will be located here, along with Vault Cycle Services, St John Ambulance and the major hydration and food station, which will have fruit cake, biscuits and jelly snakes. Before the race starts on Saturday morning, you can give us your food packs and we will take them out to Wrights Bridge for you, so you can have your own preferred nutrition during the race.

Awards

Golden Axe

• Overall Fastest Male and Female

*Gold Buckles – fastest time in the following categories

• Overall Male and Female
• 40-49 Years Male and Female
• 50-59 Years Male and Female
• 60+ Years Male and Female
• Clydesdale 100kg+ Riders

*Silver Buckles

• Fastest times in above categories for riders entering FIVE
• All riders entered in SEVEN who successfully complete the entire course inside of designated cut off times.

Bike Selection 

MTB: Extra gears for climbs and more surety on the descents, for most riders MTB will be the best option. In 2018 65% of entered bikes were MTBs.

CX/Gravel Bikes: For certain sectors and in certain areas CX or Gravel Bikes will have a speed advantage over MTBs. On climbs and on technical descents we expect that these type of bikes will lose time to MTBs. Our recommendation is to know your bike and understand your limitations. In 2018 35% of entered bikes fell into this category.

Hand Cycle MTB: The route is certainly suitable for hand cycle MTBs. A few of the steepest sections may see front wheels losing traction, but the roads are wide and you can pick from several line options.

E-Bikes: Even on an E-bike SEVEN will be challenging. You will not be eligible for awards but you will receive a time.

Accommodation

For riders wanting to stay central to all of the action the Nannup Caravan Park is positioned right on the start line and offers all of the ammenities usually associated with such facilities. You will also be within easy walking distance of the after party on Saturday night. Around Nannup and the surrounding towns there are various options for more luxurious sleeping arrangements, these can be found on the accommodation page of this website.

“SEVEN will change your perception of Western Australia forever”