United Energy Around the Bay
COVID safe events
At Bicycle Network, we see events as an important opportunity to bring the bike riding community together and share the joy of riding bikes. While 2020 saw dramatic changes to the event landscape, we’re busy planning our upcoming event program with the health and safety of riders, volunteers and spectators at the forefront.
Across all of our events, the below key operations will be in place to keep you safe and our events running smoothly. We ask everyone to familiarise themselves with these guidelines and keep up to date with information provided by relevant governments regarding COVID-19 regulations.
Our team want to make your riding experience as enjoyable as possible, so please follow their instructions as we tackle these challenges together.
Social distancing
Please remember to stand and ride at least 1.5 metres apart at all times. To avoid congestion, start line procedures will be spread out and in waves.
Hand sanitiser
All our events will have hand sanitising stations across the course and conduct regular cleaning of all surfaces.
Follow the signs
Event sites are designed to prioritise safety and keep everyone moving in the right direction. Please look out for directional signs and follow our team’s instructions.
Support staff
Our support crews will always have your back, but some things may look a little different or take a little longer than you’re used to. Thank you for your patience.
On route
All rest and lunch areas will have a new layout to assist with flow and social distancing, but we’ll still have all the essentials readily available.
Joining our COVID safe events
We love that we are able to hold events in 2021 and celebrate everything that is great about riding a bike. While you're riding with us, we'd like you to help reduce the risks of coronavirus by maintaining physical distancing, good hygiene and following COVID safe instructions.
Our rider promise
Along with these key changes to our events, we've created a COVID-19 refund policy so you can sign up with confidence.
Is there a minimum age to participate?
20km and 50km rides
These family friendly rides are open to all ages and kids under 15 ride free!
100km rides
Riders must be 12 or older on the day of the ride. Riders under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
What should I bring?
You want your ride to go as smoothly as possible, so check the weather forecast and prepare your gear the night before. You’ll need the following items to take part in the United Energy Around the Bay:
Compulsory
- Helmet
- Event number/wrist band
- Lights – front and rear (compulsory)
Essential
- Sunglasses
- Kit – jersey/knicks/socks/shoes
- Rain jacket/wind vest
- Gloves
- 2 x water bottles
We also suggest that all riders carry:
- Spare tubes/flat repair kit
- Money/eftpos card and myki card
- ID
- Pump
- Mobile phone
- Additional nutrition supplies
- Sunscreen
- House key (recommended even if you are using our bag drop services)
Is a jersey included in my entry?
A bonus event jersey is included with all entries to United Energy Around the Bay before the early bird deadline. Please note, the bonus jersey offer is not available for kids taking advantage of the free ticket option.
Can I transfer my ride entry?
To transfer your ride entry please give us a call on 1800 639 634 or contact us via our website. You can also arrange the transfer in person during kit collection.
You can transfer:
- To another rider
What are the start times and locations for each ride option?
Location: Aughtie Walk, Albert Park
Around the Bay 20km start time – 8:50am – 9:30am (rolling wave)
Around the Bay 50km start time – 7:15am – 8:00am (rolling wave)
Around the Bay 100km start time – 6:20am – 7:05am (rolling wave)
Around the Bay 200km start time – 8:10am – 8:40am (rolling wave)
Around the Bay Classic 210km start time – 5:40am – 6:10am (rolling wave)
Around the Bay 300km start time – 5:15am – 5:30am (rolling wave)
What is my jersey size?
Classic jersey
Please use the women’s classic jersey sizing chart or men’s classic jersey sizing chart to confirm your size before purchasing an entry.
300km finishers jersey
Please use the men’s premium fit jersey sizing chart or women’s premium fit jersey sizing chart to confirm your jersey size before purchasing an entry.
Albert Park
Getting there
The main event site for United Energy Around the Bay is Albert Park. The area will be a hive of activity with riders, visitors, staff and road closures, so please take a moment to think about your travel arrangements.
There is no car parking available in Albert Park. We recommend using Melbourne’s 24-hour public transport system to nearby railway stations or parking in nearby areas and warming up your legs with a short ride to Albert Park.
Distance from railway stations
- Prahran Station 2.7km
- Windsor Station 3km
- Southern Cross Station 3.5km
- South Yarra Station 4km
24-hour car parking facilities nearby
- Ace Parking – 150 Albert Rd South Melbourne
- Secure Parking – 553 St Kilda Road
The Village
Bring friends and family to celebrate your ride at The Village at Albert Park. Pack a picnic blanket, grab your spot on the lawn, and enjoy all the post-ride festivities on offer.
Food trucks
Whether it’s a hot snack or cheeky dessert, it will all be ready and waiting after your ride.
Kids zone
There’s kids entertainment galore! Make sure you visit the kids zone with a mini CX course, colouring wall, treasure hunt and much more.
Spokes bar
Grab your team mates, friends and family, kick back, enjoy the atmosphere and reward yourself with a drink at Spokes Bar.
Cycling expo
Visit the cycling expo to see hot new products and explore a range of goodies available at a one-off bargain from our exhibitors.
Merchandise
The United Energy Around the Bay 2022 merch range is designed and developed by our official merchandise provider HUB Cycling. Explore the range below to complete your kit, or take a peek at the design of our 2022 event jersey.
Pedal worry free with a Bicycle Network membership that includes comprehensive bike riding insurance from just $11.99/month. Plus, your support helps us in the fight for a more bike friendly Australia.
Membership
We've got your back!
The Clubhouse – $59 pp
The Clubhouse lets you come together with your team and other riders to celebrate your ride. Whether you want to cheer on your team as they come across the finish line or simply enjoy a drink and gourmet food with friends, it’s the perfect way to wrap up your day.
What’s included?
- Drink on arrival
- Post ride fuel (meal voucher)
- Private bar
- Deluxe seating, heaters and/or shade
- Exclusive bike parking
- Pre-ride bag drop
Entry is restricted to participants over 18 years of age and must be pre-booked with your ride entry.
Get involved
Volunteer
United Energy Around the Bay could not be run without the support of so many enthusiastic volunteers.
Each year more than 400 wonderful team members cover the course with roles ranging from rest areas, motor marshaling, SAGs, riding as WARBYs, providing direction at hazards and much, much, more.
If you’re interested in volunteering or know someone else who might, please visit our volunteer page via the link below.
Learn more
Sunday 9 October 2022
Changes to traffic conditions
There will be some changes to traffic conditions including lane and road closures for United Energy Around the Bay on Sunday 9 October 2022.
Please take care if you are driving near the event route. With up to 10,000 people participating in the event your journey times may be affected.
Learn More29 years and counting
Event history
While this year’s United Energy Around the Bay will be the first big bike ride for some people, others will saddle up for the 29th time.
A lot has happened since the first ambitious bike ride around Port Phillip Bay in 1993, including infamous ferry incidents and testing weather conditions.
See the full history of the event that has become a bike riding rite of passage.
Read more
A tshirt from the first ever Around the Bay event in 1993.
Grab a ticket to United Energy Around the Bay today and RideOn!
Enter now