Almost 10,000 bike riders cycle Around the Bay

Almost 10,000 __bike riders have braved windy conditions at Bicycle Network’s Around the Bay today, turning Port Phillip Bay into a sea of cyclists.

Despite tough conditions, families, school groups, corporate teams and individual cyclists turned out in force to ride distances ranging from 20km to 250km, covering every corner of the bay from Sorrento to Rosebud, Queenscliff and Geelong.

Bicycle Network General Manager of Events, Rebecca Lane, said that it was brilliant to see so many people enjoying a day out on the bike.

“Around the Bay is a celebration of cycling and we were thrilled to see people of all ages and abilities getting out there and having fun on their bikes,” said Ms Lane.

“The weather conditions tested the resolve of riders and there were some weary legs crossing the finish line, but it was great to see them still doing it with a smile.”

Riders weren’t just in it for themselves however, with funds being raised for event charity partner, The Smith Family, who help disadvantaged Australian children. Many riders set individual fundraising targets, with the overall goal for the day being $1.2 million.

Sophie Fontaine, one of a pair of identical twins who rode Around the Bay dressed up as Where’s Wally, said that she and her sister Amanda made the most of tough conditions and were able to help keep up the spirits of other riders.

“Despite the wind we managed to stay on and completed the 50km leg! Everyone was really friendly and the atmosphere was good. We love dressing up as we get to see people laugh and smile,” said Ms Fontaine.

Ms Lane also praised local authorities and event sponsors for making sure the event ran smoothly. 

“Assistance and advice from the SES, the Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria Police, VicRoads and others made sure that we were able to run the event smoothly and make necessary changes to the some of the route,” said Ms Lane.

“The Smith Family and all other sponsors and partners also helped us celebrate along the way and at the finish line to put on a fun filled day for riders.”

See photos from the day on our Flickr page here.

You can also catch up with how it all unfolded on Twitter and Instagram using #AroundtheBay.