United Energy Around the Bay
Event day preparation
On top of making sure your bike* and body are ready to roll, preparation for the big day is as easy as 1, 2, 3
1) Read your ride guide
The official United Energy Around the Bay ride guide has all the information you need to know before heading to the start line on Sunday 6 October.
There is a unique ride guide for each of the nine ride options that can be downloaded via the link below.
2) Collect your pack
Rider pack collection will be run out of the Bicycle Network Melbourne office for two weeks before event day. See a list of collection times below.
*If you paid for postage before 31 July, you’ll recieve your pack in the mail from 13 September.
3) Enjoy your ride
Once you’ve read your ride guide – which includes start and ride briefing times – and collected your pack, you’re good to go!
Take a moment to think about getting there. We recommend catching a train and riding to help warm up your legs.
*There will be mechanical support available on event day, however Bicycle Network recommends getting your bike serviced prior to your ride to avoid any disappointing breakdowns on route. Read more: Is your bike fit and healthy?
DOWNLOAD YOUR RIDE GUIDE
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 event parking available in Albert Park. We recommend using Melbourne’s 24 hour public transport system to nearby train stations or parking in the outer suburbs and warming up your legs with a short ride to Albert Park.
Distance from train stations
- Prahran Train Station 2.7km
- Windsor Train Station 3km
- Southern Cross 3.5km
- South Yarra Train Station 4km
24 hour parking facilities nearby
- Ace Parking – 150 Albert Rd South Melbourne
- Secure Parking – 553 St Kilda Road Car Park
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 face painting, an animal farm and much more.
Spokes bar
Grab your team mates, friends and family, kick back, enjoy the atmosphere and reward yourself with a drink at handle 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.
Sunday 6 October
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 6 October 2019.
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 More
What is the date of United Energy Around the Bay 2020?
Next year, United Energy Around the Bay will be held on Sunday 11 October, 2020.
Rather than clashing with the Melbourne Marathon and daylight savings, we’re swapping our regular weekends.
register interestIs 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.
135km + rides
Riders must be aged 15yrs or older on the day of the ride.
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 (Friday 26 July). 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. There is a $10 event transfer fee.
You can transfer:
- To another rider
What time does my ride start?
Ride start times and all other important information can be found in the Ride Guide.
20km start time – 8:15am (rider briefing at 7:45am)
50km start time – 7:30am (rider briefing at 7:15am)
100km Frankston return start time – 7:00am (rider briefing at 6:45am)
100km Sorrento to Melbourne start time – 8:00am (rider briefing at 7:45am)
135km Geelong to Melbourne start time – 6:45am (rider briefing at 6:30am)
200km Sorrento to Melbourne start time – 6:30am (rider briefing at 6:15am)
210km start time – 5:45am (rider briefing at 5:30am)
250km start time – 5:30am (rider briefing at 5:15am)
300km start time – 5:15am (rider briefing at 5:00am)
The Clubhouse – $50 pp
The Clubhouse lets you come together with your team and other riders to celebrate the ride post event. 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?
- Champagne on arrival
- Post ride fuel – meal voucher
- Private Bar
- Deluxe seating, plus heaters and/or shade
- Exclusive bike parking
- Pre-event bag drop
- And more!
Entry is restricted to participants over 18 years of age, and must be pre-booked. If you’ve already purchased your entry please contact us to secure your spot.
Membership
Pedal worry free
Bicycle Network membership includes comprehensive bike riding insurance from just $11.49/month. Plus, your support helps us in the fight for a more bike friendly Australia.
LEARN MORE
Volunteer
Get involved
United Energy Around the Bay could not be run without the support of so many enthusiastic volunteers.
Each year we have more than 400 wonderful team members who help raise funds for The Smith Family and support more than 10,000 riders who pedal the United Energy Around the Bay.
It you’re interested in volunteering or know someone else who might, please hit the link below and register.
27 years and counting
Event history
A tshirt from the first ever Around the Bay event in 1993.
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 27th 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 moreWant to join United Energy Around the Bay in 2020?
Register interest