After months of training and preparation, getting bikes tuned up and dialed in and checking long range weather forecasts with fingers crossed, more than 12,000 riders were up with the birds this morning for the 22nd Bupa Around the Bay – Ride for a Child in Need.
Riders rolled out on all manner of bikes, from carbon roadies to recumbents, Melbourne share bikes and unicycles, to take on six ride distances ranging from 20km – 250km around Melbourne’s iconic Port Phillip Bay. But they weren’t just taking on a personal challenge; riders have also raised almost $900,000 (so far) to help The Smith Family “empower disadvantaged kids to create a better future through education”.
It was almost a perfect spring day, with weather in the balmy mid-twenties and no sign of rain. However, a gusting northerly wind added an extra challenge and really put the riders’ training to the test.
Along the way riders had the chance to escape the wind, rest up and refuel at the newly-revamped rest stops, greeted by an enthusiastic team of volunteers serving all manner of energising goodies, including Hydralyte and Winners Bars. There were also bands playing motivating tunes and massages on offer from the amazing Bupa Troopers.
The afternoon saw thousands of tired but happy faces cross the finish line at Alexandra Gardens, where riders were welcomed by cheering family and friends.
Once they’d collected their medals, riders celebrated at the Bupa Around the Bay festival, relaxing at the Spokes Bar, enjoying a massage and having a boogie to the live music.
Riders also had the opportunity to check out the latest bike gear and snag a bargain at the GO Bike Expo, presented by Tresidder Insurance Group.
Throughout the day it was inspiring to see so many people of all ages and abilities having fun, getting active and putting their fitness to the test.
A huge thank you to the hundreds of Bicycle Network volunteers who helped make the ride run smoothly—it couldn’t be done without you! Thank you also to the event sponsors: Bupa, The City of Melbourne, Wiggle, SCODY, TeamUp, Winners Cycling, Hydralyte, Exodus Travels, Hobsons Bay Council, Hocking Stuart and Flexicar, and if you haven’t yet, it’s not too late to sponsor a rider and support our charity partner, The Smith Family.
Check out the event’s photos here to see if one of our roving photographers snapped you, and riders can log in to view their ride times here.
Ride On content is editorially independent, but is supported financially by members of Bicycle Network. If you enjoy our articles and want to support the future publication of high-quality content, please consider helping out by becoming a member.
Had a great 50km ride today, Planning to do a big 210 next year.
A HUGE thanks to all the volunteers! We couldn’t have this ride without you.
Yes, I agree by the time I finished the cold change had come through and the dozens of volunteers at the road junctions were looking cold! And yet they still pointed out the way with a smile on their face and even a cheer…..
What an amazing effort, truly EPIC.
Special mention to the team at Geelong for handing out yummy treats like muffins and chockies and being so friendly about it!
It was a great day for a ride. Did the 50 and took 2 hours off my time from 2012 (this year I didn’t stop for the broccoli soup at altona 😉 ) I’m old and fat. I hope to do better next year. 😉
It was a great day for a ride. Did the 50 and took 2 hours off my time from 2012 (this year I didn’t stop for the broccoli soup at altona ) I’m old and fat. I hope to do better next year.
Thanks everyone for organising such a fun event. This was my first time entering and it was such an achievement for me to tackle the West Gate Bridge like that. Thanks for the opportunity an Ill be back next year, with friends.