Rider Kits and Jerseys

Most of you should have received your Rider Kits by now.  If not, find out how to get them.

Included in your Rider Kits are your Rider Identification Bibs ("bibs"). Riders must wear two bibs on the day - one on your chest and one on your back. They must be clearly visible at all times.

If you entered the 100km, 210km or 250km Rides prior to 22 June, you should have received your Free Event Jersey. If you are not happy with the size, we are happy to exchange it !

Parent Consent Forms

As part of the terms and conditions, it is a requirement for ALL riders under the age of 18 years of age on the day of the ride to submit a Parent Consent Form.  If you have not done so, please download a form and sent it to us today!

Be Prepared

• Ensure your bike is in good working order
• Familiarise yourself with the Road Rules and riding in bunches (see below)
• Learn how to do basic repairs like changing a flat tyre.
• On the morning of the ride make sure you top up your fuel stores with a light breakfast and ensure you have been drinking plenty of water.
• Check the batteries on your bike lights to ensure they are fresh.
• Check the weather forecast – as of today it is looking ok, but we all know that Melbourne is renowned for having four seasons in one day!

Know the Rules

Please remember that at all times, you are on a road, all road rules apply.  In addition, you must share the road not only with other road users such as cars and trucks, but you are also sharing it with 15,000 other bike riders. 

Bicycle Victoria cannot emphasise enough, the importance of following group riding rules.  If you are new to riding in large groups of cyclists, read the tips on our website.

Here are some basic rules:

• Don't slam on the brakes! Try and look ahead as much as possible (just like a car) and predict when you’ll have to slow down and apply the brakes gradually. There are no brake lights on bikes and we don’t follow the 2 second rule so you have to help each other out. Call out "braking"
• Ride consistently and be predictable. Try to avoid making sudden movements and always indicate your intentions.
• Ride directly behind the wheel in front. Try not to overlap the wheel in front or ride too far to one side. If the rider in front has to swerve and your front wheel is over their rear wheel then it could affect a number of riders.
• Use a hydration backpack . If you struggle to get to the drink bottle then use a camelback. You'll hydrate much more effectively and be much safer too.
• Point out obstacles. When you see a pot hole, broken glass or other hazards, warn the riders behind you by moving around it and pointing it out.
• Shout it out! Along with hand signals, verbally warn riders behind you of upcoming obstacles or your change in direction or speed.

What to Bring on the Day

• Yourself, your bike and your helmet
• Your Rider Identification Bibs. 
• Front (white) and rear (red) bike lights
• Tool kit (puncture repair kit, tyre levers, spare tubes and a pump).  Mechanical support will be provided by Apollo en route, but it is best to be prepared!
• Water bottles – there is water at all the rest areas where you can fill up if necessary
• Snacks such as gels, lollies and banana
• Something warm for the ferry crossing (if applicable)
• Your mobile phone
• Some spare change
• Sunscreen – hopefully you will need it!
• Band Aids.  Riders should have their own supplies so Red Cross are free to attend real emergencies should they be required.

Getting There

There are a number of options for getting to Alexandra Gardens.  Check our website for details.  Please note that there are a number of Road Closures in place throughout the weekend, so you will need to plan your trip if you are driving.

Starting Times

Please note that there has been a change to the 210km starting times for those travelling to Sorrento first.

• 250km – 5.30am from the corner of Linlithgow and Alexandra Avenues.
• 210km (ALL OPTIONS) – from 6am on Alexandra Ave between Swan Street Bridge and Anderson Street
• 100km – 8am on Point Nepean Road, Sorrento.  See the map.
• 50km – 8am on Alexandra Ave between Swan Street Bridge and Anderson Street.

Note your nominated Average Speed. In order to have a smooth start, you must stand within your Average Speed Zone nominated at the starting location. The Average Speed Zones will be marked with signs.

For safety reasons it is important that you start at the designated start site, at the designated time.

100km Transport to Sorrento

Almost 850 people and bikes are booked on a bus from the 100km Departure Area (click on the "i" to view), to the start of the 100km ride in Sorrento.

NO MORE BOOKINGS ACCEPTED.

Here are a few things to remember to help make the transport operate smoothly:

• Prepare your bike – you will need to remove your bike pedals and turn your handlebars parallel to the bike. You should bring Allen keys and a pedal spanner to do this (a limited number will be available at the 100km Departure Area).
• Get there early.  The first bus leaves at 5am.
• Have your Rider Identification Bib ready to present to our marshals to check in. Once you are checked in, you must get on the bus.
• The last bus to Sorrento leaves at 6am. 
• Don't forget to grab your free Sunday Herald Sun for the trip!

Lunches

Lunches will be provided for the following rides at Sorrento Pier:

• 250km
• 210km with ferry via Sorrento
• 210km Sorrento return (no ferry)

Lunches will be provided for the following rides at Princes Park, Queenscliff:

• 210km with ferry via Queenscliff
• 210km Queenscliff return (no ferry)

Lunches will be provided for 100km riders in Alexandra Gardens. If you are not used to riding 100km without a meal, you will need to bring additional snacks.

All riders can collect a muffin from the 100km Lunch Collection marquee at the end of their ride.

Westgate Bridge Closures

210km to Queenscliff bound:

6am to 7.30am

50km to Altona bound:

8am to 9.30am.

250km, 210km and 50km Melbourne bound:

10am to 5.45pm.

If you miss the cut off, you must follow the alternative route shown in aqua on this map.

There is to be NO STOPPING on the Westgate Bridge at any time unless in an emergency. Fines apply.

Ferry Times

Ferries leave from both Sorrento and Queenscliff.

First Ferry: 9am

Last Ferry: 1pm.

Tips for the Day

• Don’t go too hard too early – if you are riding all around Port Phillip Bay it is a long day.  Take your time and enjoy the scenery!
• Be prepared for WET and COLD weather
• Keep warm on the ferry - take some spare clothes.
• Check the Official Rest Area closing times in page 15. This is a good way to gauge your progress and where you should be.
• Be respectful of other road users, residents and property owners along the route. Use toilet facilities provided!!!
• Have fun!

Alexandra Gardens - The Finish!

Bike Parking

All bikes should be left in the secure bike parking provided. Any bikes found parked or locked to trees or other infrastructure will be removed.

Get your PowerBar water bottle

Don't forget to bring your voucher for your water bottle, which can be collected at the GO Bike Expo.

Relax and Celebrate!

Grab a coffee, listen to some music and simply enjoy your achievement in Alexandra Gardens after your ride.

 

We hope you have a fantastic ride. All the best!

The ATB Team

 

 

You have received this email as a registered rider for the 2007 Portfolio Partners Around the Bay in a Day.  This email forms part of the rider communications referred to in the Terms and Conditions of Entry.