Your guide to Around the Bay

The big day is nearly upon us and to ensure that you have an unforgettable ride, here's some last minute reminders and important tips covering the three most important Bs; bike, body and brain. 

• Rider kit collection, new rider registration and jersey swap - if you don't receive your rider kit before Thursday (regardless of whether you paid for postage) you'll have to collect it in person from Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne. 
  • Friday 7 October 12pm - 7pm
  • Saturday 8 October 10am - 5pm
  • Sunday 9 October 4.30am - 8am
    * Please note: 135km riders can collect their kits in Geelong. 
• For more questions about rider kits, please visit our website. 
   
• Final event enews - in case you missed them, you can view them online here: 
  • 20-50km version
  • 100-160km version
  • 210km-250km version
     
• Ride guide and event assistance - your all-in-one guide to the event. Read it online here. If you need help while out on the road and it's not an emergency requiring ambulance or police, please contact the event team on 0425 381 816 or 0425 777 484. Save these numbers to your phone now. 
   
• Don't forge to check out the offers at the GO __bike Expo - Grab yourself a bargain at the GO Bike Expo on this Saturday and Sunday. Check out the exhibitors. 
   
• Share your journey - we want to see your pics and progress from day, don't forget to #AroundtheBay on Instagram/Twitter or join us on Facebook for event updates as they happen. 
   

• If you can sneak one in, it's always a good idea to get a __bike service before the ride. But if you've run out of time, here's an easy 'M Check' that you can do at home to make sure you're ride ready and that bike is in perfect working order. Read more > 
• Get your kit and gear sorted the night before so that you don't leave anything behind especially our compulsory items including wrist band, number plate, helmet and lights. Use our handy Around the Bay gear checklist and check the weather forecast beforehand.  

On Around the Bay, you'll be riding with 10,000 of your closest friends. To ensure that everyone has an unforgettable day we ask that you ride with respect, look after each other, keep left unless overtaking and communicate clearly.

 Here's a great video with some tips for riding in a mass participation bike ride: 

Your body is your Around the Bay engine, so it's incredibly important to look after it in the lead up to the day, during the event and after the ride. 

• Before riding, the best warm up is dynamic stretching. Here's a great one to keep you limber and ready to ride.
• After a big day on the bike, give your body a post ride treat by gently stretching your hamstrings, glutes and hip flexors as well as your lower and upper back. Here's some of our favourites. 
• In the lead up to an event, rest is incredibly important. You won't make up for all those days you silenced the morning alarm, so take a break and only go for a light spin the day before the event. Make sure you get plenty of sleep too. 

If your body is your engine, then food is your fuel. To meet the energy demands for Around the Bay you'll need to eat plenty of carbohydrate rich foods and fluids before, during and after your ride.  

• Food and hydration are a critical part of your preparation and ride day. Here's our recommendations for what to eat and drink.
• Each rider is different so while there will be plenty of rest stops with food and drinks along the way - we always recommend that riders bring a little extra for themselves. 

Your brain is just as important as your body when taking on a big ride - especially if it's the first time your riding 100km or taking on a new distance. 

• Take the stress out of the day by being prepared and knowing as much as you can about the ride. Read the ride guide, know your start times, cut-offs and rest areas. 
• The bike riding community is a diverse bunch - take the opportunity to chat and get to know the riders around you. You never know - you could make a brand new friend or riding buddy. 
• Lastly, take a moment to reflect and celebrate your achievement - on Sunday, you'll be part of cycling history, as you cross the finish line with 10,000 others as part of Australia' biggest cycling event - Around the Bay. 

Good luck and have a great ride on Sunday. We can't wait.