07 Apr 2019 Up to 1800 cyclists will set out from Champion Lakes today in the state’s biggest road cycling event, the Dams Challenge. Run by Bicycling WA, the Dams Challenge is a series of three routes of varying difficulty through the Perth Hills spanning 2 Dams (53km), 3 Dams (136km) or 5 Dams (205km). Lifeline WA is the official charity partner for the 2 Dams Challenge from Champion Lakes to Churchman Brook and Canning Dam, but the organisation will be represented across all three challenges. Crisis support volunteers, fundraisers and an official team will all represent Lifeline WA, raising funds for the not for profit. Lifeline WA Chief Executive Officer Lorna MacGregor said the mental health benefits of exercise made the event a natural fit for Lifeline WA. “Exercise has long been linked with improved mental health and cycling in particular has a strong social element with groups often training together and bonding,” she said. “Today’s Dams Challenge is a great opportunity for people to put all their hard work on display. “Lifeline WA would like to congratulate all participants for taking part and wish them luck in achieving their goals at this event, whether it’s to achieve a personal best or simply to cross the finish line.” Although all participants will be timed, the event is strictly non-competitive, with the focus on socialising or finishing, so no winner will be crowned today. However, cyclist from all three Challenges will receive a commemorative medallion to mark the achievement of crossing the finish line. The event begins with the 5 Dams Challenge from 6am, the 2 Dams Challenge from 7am and the 3 Dams Challenge from 7:30am. Participants will be required to complete their respective course by 5:00pm. Bicycling WA CEO Chris Gaskell said Champion Lakes home base will be a hive of activity throughout the day, including bike stalls, massage areas, food trucks and a bar. “The Dams Challenge is an epic day in the cycling calendar of Western Australia,” he said. “It’s an event that people spend months training for, and we always hear great stories on the finish line about cramps, climbs, punctures and achievements. “It’s the highlight of the BWA calendar and even though you hear people swearing on the day they’ll never do it again, the next day they’re asking when entries are opening for next year.” Last year, participants consumed a tonne of beef, 8,000 litres of water, 3,000 bananas and 4,000 energy gels during and after the event. Lifeline’s 24/7 telephone crisis support service is available on 13 11 14. Back To News Stories