All Photos by Daniela Tommasi
A cycling challenge unlike any other… May 18th 2019 (provisional)
SEVEN links together Western Australia’s best trails and most spectacular climbs to form the ultimate one day challenge in Australian cycling. The 124km 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 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
The 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, Arcadia, Chainsaw Ridge and Bishop are in particular challenging to tired legs.
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 an 85km option that takes in five sectors, (FIVE.) There is also an option for people to sign up top 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.
Pre Event
A series of pre event orientation days will be held in the lead up to SEVEN to help familiarise people with the nature of the road surface and of the terrain. A rider briefing will be held on the eve of the race at 6pm Friday, May 17th.
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
- 40-49 Years Male and Female
- 50-59 Years Male and Female
- 50-59 Years Male and Female
- 60+ 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 where MTB’s
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.
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”
