Around the Bay 2026 rolled out on Sunday 18 October, and Port Melbourne Cycles was there in the Event Village at Albert Park, the start and finish of the ride. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our stand. Thinking about riding next year? Here is everything you need to know about the routes and distances, and how to get your bike ready.
What is Around the Bay?
United Energy Around the Bay is a one-day bike ride around Port Phillip Bay. Bicycle Network runs the event, and it calls it Australia’s biggest one-day bike ride. In 2026, the ride celebrated its 32nd year.
However, it is not a race. Instead, riders choose a distance that suits them, from a family loop to a full lap of the bay. Every route also includes rest stops, food and drink, plus medical and mechanical support. The longer routes also come with a finisher’s medal.
Around the Bay 2026 routes and distances
There is a ride for almost everyone. Here are the 2026 routes, as listed by Bicycle Network.
| Route | Start | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Lap the Track (6km laps) | Albert Park, 8:45am | Car-free laps around Albert Park. Ride as many as you like before 12pm. |
| 50km | Albert Park, 7:45am | Over the West Gate Bridge to Williamstown, then back via Elwood and the St Kilda foreshore. |
| 100km | Albert Park, 6:45am | The West Gate Bridge and Williamstown, then Beach Road to Mordialloc. |
| 135km | Cunningham Pier, Geelong, 6:30am | The ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento, then the Mornington Peninsula and Beach Road to Albert Park. |
| 220km Classic | Albert Park, 5:30am | The full bay loop through Geelong, Queenscliff and Sorrento, with the ferry in the middle. |
For example, the 50km route climbs about 566m, while the Classic climbs about 857m. Kids aged 14 and under also ride free on Lap the Track and the 50km. For full route maps, cut-off times and entry, visit the official Around the Bay routes page.
The Classic: a full lap of Port Phillip Bay
The 220km Classic is the ride most people picture. It leaves Albert Park at 5:30am and heads west towards Geelong. Next, riders take the ferry from Queenscliff across to Sorrento. Then the route runs up the Mornington Peninsula and home along Beach Road.
Riders start in speed waves, and they need to average at least 21km/h. Also, everyone must catch the 1pm ferry at the latest. So if the Classic is your goal, plan your pace and your stops.
Who rides Around the Bay?
Around the Bay brings together first-timers, families, clubs and workplace teams. At the 2026 launch, Olympic champion Grace Brown and AFL great James Hird helped spread the word. The message was clear: you do not need to be a pro to set yourself a big goal.
Many riders also raise money for charity. Bicycle Network has six charity partners for the 2026 ride. They are Variety Bikes for Kids, Diabetes Victoria, Beyond Blue, Stroke Foundation, Cancer Council Victoria and Very Special Kids.
Why Around the Bay is such a good event
- Closed and quiet roads: parts of the course, like Lap the Track and the St Kilda foreshore, run on closed roads.
- Iconic views: you ride over the West Gate Bridge, along Beach Road and across the bay by ferry.
- A goal for every level: the distances step up from family laps to 220km.
- Full support: rest stops, food, drinks and mechanical help keep you rolling.
- A great finish: every route ends at the Event Village festival at Albert Park.
Port Melbourne Cycles at Around the Bay 2026
Our stand was in the Event Village at Albert Park, and it was great to meet so many riders before and after their ride. We loved being part of the day, and we plan to be back for Around the Bay 2027.
Also, our shop at 107 Bay Street, Port Melbourne, is only a short ride from Albert Park. That makes us a handy stop before and after the big day.
Get your bike ready for next year’s Around the Bay
A long ride is much more fun on a bike that works well. So give yourself time before ride day.
- Book a service early. Workshops get busy before big events. Book a bike service with our Port Melbourne team.
- Check your tyres. Look for cuts and worn tread, and pack a spare tube or plugs.
- Clean and lube your chain. A clean drivetrain shifts better and runs quieter.
- Test your gears and brakes. Do a short ride a few days out, not the night before.
- Plan your food and drink. Carry two bottles and some snacks between rest stops.
No bike for the day? Our bike hire service has road bikes you can book. You can also see our full service and repairs menu.
Around the Bay 2026 FAQs
When was Around the Bay 2026?
The ride was on Sunday 18 October 2026. Start times ranged from 5:30am for the Classic to 8:45am for Lap the Track. For next year’s date and entry, check the official Around the Bay page from Bicycle Network.
Where does Around the Bay start?
Most routes start and finish at Albert Park. However, the 135km route starts at Cunningham Pier in Geelong and finishes at Albert Park.
How long is Around the Bay?
You can choose from Lap the Track (6km per lap), 50km, 100km, 135km or the 220km Classic.
Is Around the Bay a race?
No. It is a supported ride, not a race. Each route does have a minimum average pace and cut-off times, though.
Where can I find Port Melbourne Cycles?
In 2026 we were in the Event Village at Albert Park. Our shop is at 107 Bay Street, Port Melbourne, only a short ride from the start.
See you next year
Around the Bay is one of the best days on Melbourne’s cycling calendar. So whatever distance you choose next time, we hope to see you at Albert Park. Need a hand getting ready? Contact Port Melbourne Cycles, or browse our road bikes.
