United Energy Around the Bay

Event Info

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.

Joining our COVIDSafe 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 COVIDSafe instructions.

A new look finish line

The finish line at Bicycle Network events will look a little different this year to help us reduce the risks of coronavirus. New procedures will stop people crowding at the finish line while still letting you celebrate your ride with family and friends.

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.

Sunday 6 october

Event day info

United Energy Around the Bay is this Sunday! To help make sure you’re ready to roll, we’ve listed all the key pieces of information you need below.

All of this information and more can be found in your ride guide!

Start time

You can find a list of start times for each ride in the drop-down below. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your start time, in time for the rider briefing – don’t forget daylight savings!

Getting there

Take a moment to think about how you’re getting to Albert Park. Parking will be limited, so we recommend catching a train or parking in a neighbouring suburb and warming up the legs with a short ride to the start line. More about getting to Albert Park here – including train disruption updates.

Rider ID

To help us identify that you’re one of us, all participants are required to wear a United Energy Around the Bay 2019 wristband and display your bike number plate on the front of your bike (this also contains your timing chip). Both can be found in your rider pack!

Other information

Rider pack collection

Riders can opt to collect their pack in the lead up to the event. Rider pack collection will be run out of the Bicycle Network Melbourne office for two weeks before event day.

Where:

Bicycle Network Melbourne office, Level 4, 246 Bourke Street Melbourne 3000

Date: 23 September – 26 September | Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Date: 30 September – 2 October | Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Date: 3 October | Time: 9:00am – 7:00pm

Date: 4 October | Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Date: 5 October | Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm

Ride start times

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)

Jersey size swap

Only those people who entered before the early bird deadline on Friday 26 July will receive a jersey with their pack.

If your jersey does not fit, you can swap it for a new size from Bicycle Network HQ in Melbourne (Level 4, 246 Bourke Street, Melbourne) only during the following times:

Date: 3 October | Time: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Date: 4 October | Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Date: 5 October | Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm

Sizing is strictly limited and subject to availability. Returned jerseys will only be accepted if they are unworn, with the original tags and bag.

Valet service

There is an optional free valet service for 200km+ riders passing through either Sorrento or Queenscliff.

Riders using the valet service can pack an A4 sized plastic satchel to carry items they may want when they arrive at the rest stop. This may include a fresh kit, extra nutrition or spare tubes. Riders with valet will also receive a second satchel to return anything back to the finish. Previous riders have used this return service to transport spare tubes they don’t need or warm layers.

The valet service can be organised at Bicycle Network during pack collection times. Please bring any items you would like to pack and we’ll provide the A4 plastic satchel to be packed and left with the team.

After the ride on Sunday 6 October, valet satchels will be available from the bag drop area from approximately 3:30pm at the United Energy Around the Bay finish site. Please note that there may be a period of time between when riders finish and the valet bags becoming available.

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

20km Elwood return

50km Williamstown–Elwood loop

100km Frankston return

100km Sorrento–Melbourne

135km Geelong–Melbourne

200km Sorrento return

210km anti-clockwise loop

250km anti-clockwise loop

300km anti-clockwise loop

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

EventFAQs

Here are the answers to your most common questions.

If your question isn’t in the list, please contact us via our website or call on 1800 639 634

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 (Sunday 25 July 2021). 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 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.

View All

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.

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 11 October 2020.

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

Merchandise

The United Energy Around the Bay 2021 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 2021 event jersey.

Shop now

Membership

We've got your back!

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.

LEARN MORE

The Clubhouse – $55 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
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.

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.

Volunteer registrations will open on Monday 17 May 2021.

Learn more

28 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 28th 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.

Event Info

COVID safe events

Social distancing

Hand sanitiser

Follow the signs

Support staff

Joining our COVIDSafe events

A new look finish line

Our rider promise

Event day info

Start time

Getting there

Rider ID

Other information

Where:

Event day preparation

1) Read your ride guide

2) Collect your pack

3) Enjoy your ride

DOWNLOAD YOUR RIDE GUIDE

Getting there

Distance from railway stations

24-hour car parking facilities nearby

EventFAQs

20km and 50km rides

100km rides

Compulsory

Essential

We also suggest that all riders carry:

You can transfer:

Location: Aughtie Walk, Albert Park

Classic jersey

300km finishers jersey

The Village

Food trucks

Kids zone

Spokes bar

Cycling expo

Changes to traffic conditions

Merchandise

Membership

We've got your back!

The Clubhouse – $55 pp

What’s included?

Volunteer

Event history

Become our friend