United Energy Around the Bay
Get ready for your ride!
Training plans
We know the right training is key to smashing your goals on the bike.
Whether you’re taking on the Family Ride or 300km, these easy-to-follow training guides will help you prepare for your ride and get you to the start line feeling fit, fresh, and ready to go.
Week one kicks off from Monday 17 July 2023 (50km+) or Monday 14 August 2023 (Family Ride)
Before you start riding
While ticking off the suggested weekly hours will help you reach your full potential on the bike, they are by no means a prerequisite to achieve your ride distance on event day.
We understand that life gets busy, so we’ve made the plans super flexible so you can adapt the sessions each week to suit your lifestyle. As long as you’re riding regularly, it’s amazing what you will be able to achieve!
Ride with us
Training rides
We schedule a range of training rides from May to October that cater to bike riders of all levels.
Whether it’s your first time riding in a bunch or you need to dust off the cobwebs after some time off the bike, there’s plenty of opportunities to get you ready for the big day with a group of like-minded riders.
Join the Bicycle Network strava club or Bicycle Network Women’s Community to be the first to hear when new rides are announced.
Training Rides
Sat 10 June | New riders group ride | Albert Park laps or Black Rock return
Start time
8:00am rollout
Ride leaders
Richard Cross (aka Crossy)
Meet up spot
Carousel Café car park (Albert Park)
Route
Albert Park laps – View route (This is a no drop ride on a 5km circuit, so you can complete as many or as few laps as you’d like).
Pace
Approx. 20km/h (no drop)
Notes
If you’re new to riding or haven’t ridden in a group before, this is the perfect place to start your journey. We’ll be completing easy laps of Albert Park and running through the basics of riding in a group – including communication, hand signals, drafting and bunch ride etiquette.
There will be an option for any confident riders to complete a Blackrock (return) loop during the session. Please bring your own spares/tools for fixing flats, water, nutrition and sunscreen.
Please note, this is a free ride but registration is essential to ensure ride leaders are aware of expected numbers.
Stay tuned, registrations will open 2 weeks before the ride.
Register nowSun 25 June | Women's Community: Beach Road with a few hills on the side | 45km, 50km or 60km
Start time
8:00am rollout (please arrive 15 minutes early for briefing)
Ride leaders
St Kilda Cycling Club
Meet up spot
Port Melbourne Life Saving Club
Route
3 Ride Options:
- Haydens Rd – 45km, 171m elevation, average pace 26-28km/hr
- Haydens Rd x3 – 50km, 204m elevation, average pace 28-32km/hr
- Haydens Rd plus Mordialloc – 60km, 262m elevation, average pace 30-34km/hr
Pace/experience
No drop ride. This training ride is targeted at women training for the 50km and 100km ride (those training for longer rides are also welcome to come along!) with 3 ride options available with the same starting and finish location.
Notes
All rides will be at a social pace and riders should feel comfortable sharing the road with other riders and vehicles. Please bring your own spares/tools for fixing flats, water and nutrition.
If you’re unable to complete the training ride please have a Plan B in mind (friend/family to come and collect you or bring your myki card). If any riders are struggling to complete the ride, the ride leaders may recommend shorter routes to assist in keeping the riders together.
Please note this ride is free, however it is essential that you register (via Register Now) so that we know that you are coming and the rider leaders are aware of expected numbers.
Register nowSun 16 July | Women's Community: Torquay – Queenscliffe Harbour return | 76km
Start time
8:00am rollout
Ride leaders
Marion Leeke and Kate Kellett
Meet up spot
The Salty Dog Cafe, 47 The Esplanade, Torquay
Route
Torquay to Queenscliffe Harbour return – View route
Pace
Approx. 25km/h (no drop)
Riders should be comfortable sharing the road with other riders and vehicles. Please bring your own spares/tools for fixing flats, water, nutrition and sunscreen.
If you are unable to complete the training ride, please have a Plan B (friend or family member to come and collect you).
Notes
Rolling out along the Torquay Esplanade, with its magnificent ocean views, the ride heads north as we travel along the major connecting road to Barwon Heads.
We will then enjoy a short section of bike path linking us to the picturesque Thirteenth Beach coastline. On this popular bike route and assuming there is some ocean swell, we get to share the road with keen surfers.
After crossing the Barwon Bridge, we travel around the busy town of Ocean Grove and onwards towards Queenscliff, with some open roads providing views across the Bay towards the Morning Peninsula.
Rolling on through Point Lonsdale, we join the Around The Bay course, making our way past what will be the lunch stop on Event Day, and out toward the Ferry Terminal with Queenscliff Harbour being our turning point.
We will make a timely stop at the Queenscliff General Store, where we can break for well-earned coffee and delicious sweet treats, before making our way back, mostly following our outward journey.
Please note this ride is free, and all are welcome however it is essential that you register (via Register Now) so that we know that you are coming and the rider leaders are aware of expected numbers.
REGISTER NOWSun 30 July | Women's Community: Northside | 40km, 49km or 62km
Start time
8:00am rollout (please arrive 15 minutes early for briefing)
Ride leaders
St Kilda Cycling Club
Meet up spot
Port Melbourne Life Saving Club
Route
3 Ride Options:
- Kew – 40km, 250m elevation, average pace 25-28km/hr
- Balwyn North – 49km, 379m elevation, average pace 28-30km/hr
- Heidelberg – 62km, 662m elevation, average pace 30-32km/hr
Pace/experience
No drop ride. This training ride is targeted at women training for the 50km and 100km ride (those training for longer rides are also welcome to come along!) with 3 ride options available with the same starting and finish location.
Notes
All rides will be at a social pace and riders should feel comfortable sharing the road with other riders and vehicles. Please bring your own spares/tools for fixing flats, water and nutrition.
If you’re unable to complete the training ride please have a Plan B in mind (friend/family to come and collect you or bring your myki card). If any riders are struggling to complete the ride, the ride leaders may recommend shorter routes to assist in keeping the riders together.
Please note this ride is free, however it is essential that you register (via Register Now) so that we know that you are coming and the rider leaders are aware of expected numbers.
Register nowSat 12 Aug | St Kilda – Mordialloc (return) | 44km
Start time
7:30am rollout (please arrive 10 minutes early for briefing)
Ride leaders
Richard Cross (aka Crossy)
Meet up spot
Route
St Kilda – Mordialloc (return) – View route
Pace
Approx. 25km/h (no drop)
Notes
The group will roll down Beach Road at a leisurely pace to Mordialloc before returning to St Kilda for a post-ride coffee. There will be an optional turn around at Black Rock for anyone who would prefer to ride 27km for the morning (however ride leaders will continue on towards Mordialloc).
Riders should be comfortable sharing the road with other riders and vehicles. Please bring your own spares/tools for fixing flats, water, nutrition and sunscreen. If you are unable to complete the training ride please have a Plan B (friend or family member to come and collect you).
Please note, this is a free ride but registration is essential to ensure ride leaders are aware of expected numbers.
Stay tuned, registrations will open 2 weeks before the ride.
Sun 27 Aug | Women's Community: Boulies | 32km, 46km or 51km+
Start time
8:00am rollout (please arrive 15 minutes early for briefing)
Ride leaders
St Kilda Cycling Club
Meet up spot
Port Melbourne Life Saving Club
Route
3 Ride Options:
- Intro to the Boulevard – 32km, 246m elevation
- 3 Boulies – 46km, 442m elevation
- 3 Boulies plus – 51km, 600m elevation
Pace/experience
No drop ride. This training ride is targeted at women training for the 50km and 100km ride (those training for longer rides are also welcome to come along!) with 3 ride options available with the same starting and finish location.
Notes
All rides will be at a social pace and riders should feel comfortable sharing the road with other riders and vehicles. Please bring your own spares/tools for fixing flats, water and nutrition.
If you’re unable to complete the training ride please have a Plan B in mind (friend/family to come and collect you or bring your myki card). If any riders are struggling to complete the ride, the ride leaders may recommend shorter routes to assist in keeping the riders together.
Please note this ride is free, however it is essential that you register (via Register Now) so that we know that you are coming and the rider leaders are aware of expected numbers.
Register nowSun 10 Sep | St Kilda – Mornington (return) | 100km
Start time
6:30am rollout (please arrive 10 minutes early for briefing)
Ride leaders
Justin Benson and Geoff White
Meet up spot
Route
St Kilda – Mornington (return)
Pace
Approx. 25km/h.
Please note this is a drop ride.
Notes
This will be a social but firm pace to Mornington and back. For those that would like to continue on to Arthur’s Seat, that will be possible, but not with the ride leaders. This is a drop ride.
Riders should be comfortable sharing the road with other riders and vehicles. Please bring your own spares/tools for fixing flats, water, nutrition and sunscreen. If you are unable to complete the training ride please have a Plan B (friend or family member to come and collect you).
Please note, this is a free ride but registration is essential to ensure ride leaders are aware of expected numbers.
Stay tuned, registrations will open 2 weeks before the ride.
Sat 16 Sept | St Kilda – Oliver's Hill (return) | 81km
Start time
7:30am rollout (please arrive 10 minutes early for briefing)
Ride leaders
Richard Cross (aka Crossy)
Meet up spot
Route
St Kilda – Oliver’s Hill (return) – View route
Pace
Approx. 25km/h
Notes
The group will roll down to Oliver’s Hill before returning to St Kilda for a post-ride coffee. There will be an optional turn around at Mordialloc for anyone who would prefer to ride 44km for the morning (however ride leaders will continue on towards Oliver’s Hill).
Riders should be comfortable sharing the road with other riders and vehicles. Please bring your own spares/tools for fixing flats, water, nutrition and sunscreen. If you are unable to complete the training ride please have a Plan B (friend or family member to come and collect you).
Please note, this is a free ride but registration is essential to ensure ride leaders are aware of expected numbers.
Stay tuned, registrations will open 2 weeks before the ride.
Sun 24 Sept | Women's Community: Beach Road | 54km, 85km or 106km
Start time
07:30am rollout (please arrive 15 minutes early for briefing)
Ride leaders
St Kilda Cycling Club
Meet up spot
Port Melbourne Life Saving Club
Route
3 Ride Options:
- Mordialloc – 54km, 187m elevation, average pace 25-28km/hr
- Frankston – 85km, 200m elevation, average pace 28-30km/hr
- Mt Eliza – 106km, 538m elevation, average pace 30-34km/hr
Pace/experience
No drop ride. This training ride is targeted at women training for the 50km and 100km ride (those training for longer rides are also welcome to come along!) with 3 ride options available with the same starting and finish location.
Notes
All rides will be at a social pace and riders should feel comfortable sharing the road with other riders and vehicles. Please bring your own spares/tools for fixing flats, water and nutrition.
If you’re unable to complete the training ride please have a Plan B in mind (friend/family to come and collect you or bring your myki card). If any riders are struggling to complete the ride, the ride leaders may recommend shorter routes to assist in keeping the riders together.
Please note this ride is free, however it is essential that you register (via Register Now) so that we know that you are coming and the rider leaders are aware of expected numbers.
Register nowSun 24 Sep | St Kilda – Mornington (return) | 100km
Start time
6:30am rollout (please arrive 10 minutes early for briefing)
Ride leaders
Sam Butcher, Justin Benson and Geoff White
Meet up spot
Route
St Kilda – Mornington (return)
Pace
Approx. 25km/h.
Please note this is a drop ride.
Notes
This will be a social but firm pace to Mornington and back. For those that would like to continue on to Arthur’s Seat, that will be possible, but not with the ride leaders. This is a drop ride.
Riders should be comfortable sharing the road with other riders and vehicles. Please bring your own spares/tools for fixing flats, water, nutrition and sunscreen. If you are unable to complete the training ride please have a Plan B (friend or family member to come and collect you).
Please note, this is a free ride but registration is essential to ensure ride leaders are aware of expected numbers.
Stay tuned, registrations will open 2 weeks before the ride.
Cycle Collective
Indoor Winter Training
We know that winter training can be a grind…
We’ve got your back and have teamed up with our friends at Cycle Collective to offer a comprehensive indoor endurance training program which will help you keep training through the cooler months.
Designed for riders of all levels, Cycle Collective’s spin classes will get you ready for United Energy Around the Bay in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Look out for some familiar faces from Team Bicycle Network on the lead bikes!
Sign up with promo code BNENDURO to get 10% off enduro packages.
Learn more
Get ready to ride!
Blog
Introduction to training zones
Here's what you need to know about training zones and how they'll help you get the most out of your time on the bike when training for your next event.
If you're a new bike rider or this is your first event, here are 8 tips to help you have a great day on the bike at United Energy Around the Bay.
Best places to ride in Melbourne for new riders
There really is something for everyone when it comes to bike riding in Melbourne. Here are some ideas for your next ride from coach, Kate Perry.
The 300 club is for a special group of riders who have circumnavigated a 300km loop of Port Phillip Bay at United Energy Around the Bay.
More helpful tips and resouces
Don't stop there!
Recovering after a long ride – 5 quick tips
It’s easy to get carried away when enjoying time on the bike, but if you’re going to clock up some kilometres, these five tips are important.
Melbourne’s top family friendly bike trails
Need some inspiration for your next bike ride? Here are our top 6 family friendly bike trails around Melbourne. Happy riding!
Group riding basics
Learn the ins and outs of riding in a bunch and among other people to help you enjoy your next big bike ride.
Join the club
Bicycle Network’s Strava club is full of like-minded bike riders of all abilities, from the Peaks Challenge regulars to those entering their first 50km United Energy Around the Bay ride. Join the club and stay tuned for local training rides in the lead up to events near you.
Go to stravaWinners Sports Nutrition
Nutrition for training and ride day
Winners Sports Nutrition are proud to be the Official Energy Bar & Gel of United Energy Around The Bay 2023. Winners energy products have been developed specifically for cyclists and are used and recommended by cycling champion Cadel Evans.
Winners have created a special United Energy Around the Bay Energy Bar Pack containing a selection of great tasting energy products, perfect for riders looking to ensure they are well fuelled during training and the ride.
10% discount offer
Winners are also offering a 10% discount on all their products from winnersbars.com for all riders participating in United Energy Around the Bay 2023.
Use coupon code: ATB2023
Score a free event jersey (valued at $90) with your entry.
Enter now