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A̶r̶o̶u̶n̶d̶ Across the bay in a day

You’ve heard of United Energy Around the Bay, or ‘Around the bay in a day’ as it is affectionately known, but what about Across the Bay?

Since inception of the famous event back in 1993, riders have always been forced to board the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento to complete the 235km loop of Port Phillip Bay – but that’s all about to change in 2021.

For the first time ever, riders will have the option to stay in the saddle and traverse the 10km mouth of the bay on a specially made water bike from BayCycle.

BEFORE

AFTER

We've heard your feedback

Each year Bicycle Network listen carefully to rider feedback in a bid to keep evolving the 28-year-old event, with previous tweaks including the 20km family ride and the extended 300km challenge.

Having sadly missed 2020 due to the pandemic, Bicycle Network took the opportunity to delve deep into previous rider feedback to make sure the 2021 event was our biggest and best ride to date.

This latest amphibious addition comes after years of feedback from veteran Around the Bay riders who are sick of having to dismount and wait for the ferry – which cools down their muscles and messes up the total elapsed time on Strava.

With a large percentage of regular event participants already opting for the cross-water option, it is expected that the wait to board the ferry will also be significantly reduced for those happy to stick with the easy route.

Riders opting for the cross-water option will simply connect their road bikes to a 'BayCycle' water bike (with the assistance of our team of trained volunteers) and continue pedalling across the surface of the water from Queenscliff to Sorrento.

The average riding speed on the water bikes is 8-12km/h (depending on sea conditions) which will work out to be marginally faster than the ferry once you factor in boarding and disembarking.

And best of all, water-riders will actually save $10 on their entry after the cost of the ferry ticket is subtracted from the total.

Bicycle Network will of course have a SAG boat travelling back and forth to support riders with personal or mechanical issues, and life jackets will be provided to all riders.

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