A magnificent variety of bike riders have today enjoyed glorious Melbourne sunshine and the added challenge of gusty wind on the 21st running of the iconic event, Bupa Around the Bay in a Day – Fundraise for the Smith Family.
As I type in the early afternoon many riders have achieved their goal, arriving at the City of Melbourne festival finish to receive their medals, celebrate with mates and family, glug down Powerade and chomp into Winners Bars to replenish. Conditions are certainly warm, though still just shy of the forecast Melbourne temperature of 30 degrees.
It was a welcome tailwind for riders departing Melbourne this morning, but with no end to the gusting yet, it’s a tough headwind to finish. Riders who did drafting practice in their training will be thankful for it now. Initial ferry delays were resolved by event organisers putting on an extra ferry and moving another service earlier.
At the festival finish, live music entertains riders and friends relaxing on the lawn and browsing the stalls of GoBike Expo presented by Tressider Insurance. Bargain hunters and bike enthusiasts find enticements from Bicycle Superstore, Scody and a host of exhibitors.
It’s conditions such as today’s that make Bupa Around the Bay in a Day – Fundraise for the Smith Family an enduring challenge for the many thousands who take part every year. First timers can be sure of a personal challenge at whatever their preferred distance and return riders will find conditions different each year, with some years a breeze and other years seriously testing. What’s your challenge for next year?
Check out photos from the Day on Bicycle Network’s Flickr page.
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