United Energy Around the Bay
If you’re a new bike rider or this is your first event, these 8 tips will make sure you have a great day on the bike at United Energy Around the Bay.
1. Choose your distance
Everyone loves a challenge, so set a goal that’s a stretch but achievable with the right training and preparation. You’re spoilt for choice with seven ride options available from The Family Ride to 300km, so there’s something for bike riders of all levels to enjoy.
2. Get the kms into your legs
It may sound simple, but make time to train before the event and build up to your distance over time. Not only will you boost your endurance and fitness, you’ll learn about how to pace yourself and how much nutrition your body needs to power you around the course.
Our training plans are available for all ride options. They’re the perfect way to help keep your training on track.
It’s also a good idea to practice riding in all weather conditions – that way you’ll be ready for Melbourne’s infamous four-seasons-in-one-day.
3. Prepare your bike
Preparation is key – not just for the ride day, but every time you ride, so that you’re not caught out with a mechanical issue. We recommend getting your bike serviced before you start your training, and once again before the event.
4. Know your ride essentials
When you head out for a bike ride, there are eight essential items that you should never leave home without: water, food, pump, spare inner tubes, tyre levers, mobile phone, cash or bank card and your house key. If you aren’t sure how to change a flat, take a Myki or have a Plan B!
Also, don’t forget to keep a close eye on the weather before you ride. Some additional items that are worth investing in are a good quality waterproof jacket and gloves (particularly when training through winter).
5. Find a riding buddy
Riding is always more fun with friends, so buddy up and tackle your training together. Set your goal and commit to a weekly or fortnightly training ride. It helps you have someone to keep you accountable when you’re tempted to stay in the comfort of your warm bed. You can also join our free training rides in the lead up to our events.
6. Keep limber with stretching
Off the bike is important too. Regular stretching or yoga can help increase your flexibility and you’ll reap the benefits over longer rides. Stretching can also help reduce the risk of injury or any soreness you may feel after a ride.
7. Ride with respect
When riding in an event with thousands of others or even out on a weekend training ride, it’s important that you always ride with respect and share the road. There are advantages to riding in a group, but there’s also a number of important group riding courtesies to follow.
When riding in a group or bunch, it’s important that you keep left unless overtaking, communicate your intentions clearly, ride predictably and use hand signals and calls to notify others around you of your movements. It’s also a good idea to take a quick refresher of the road rules.
8. Have fun!
Congratulations – you’re following in the tyre tracks of hundreds of thousands of other bike riders who have gone before you.
United Energy Around the Bay is a rite of passage for so many in Australia’s bike riding community. It’s not every day you get the chance to pedal with 1000’s of other bike riders.
This is your chance to celebrate your place in Australia’s incredible and diverse bike riding community and ride on – enjoy it!
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