8. 50km Ride Details

About this page

All you need to know about the ride that takes in scenic Hobsons Bay and goes over the Westgate Bridge - twice!

Here are some great reasons to take on the 50km ride challenge!

  • All riders get a free t-shirt!
  • The 50km ride commences at Alexandra Gardens in the City of Melbourne. You then get to ride over the West Gate Bridge - twice! Check out the map of the course.
  • All riders get a snack and a sports drink when they reach the finish site.
  • You get to stop halfway at the Altona Beach Break and stretch the legs, indulge in some refreshments, listen to live music and soak up the atmosphere before heading home to Alexandra Gardens, right in the heart of the Melbourne Cycling Festival.
  • There is a dedicated mobile mechanical support vehicle should unexpected basic repairs be required.
  • There will be a team of Volunteer Riding Marshals to encourage you along the way.
  • For the 50km Ride Option – the Rider must be aged 12 years or older on the day of the Ride.

          

 Stay tuned for the 2010 free event T-shirt design...

 

 Route - 50km  M-A-M

  • The Ride commences at Alexandra Gardens in the City of Melbourne (Melway ref: 2F J7), takes you over the West Gate Bridge, then into Hobsons Bay to the halfway point in Altona before heading back to Alexandra Gardens in Melbourne.
  • For a full description of the main roads that the Ride travels on, download the 50km Rider Road Details(PDF 192KB)
  • For a detailed map of the Ride, click on the 50km course map.
  • View the 50km Route profile 

Code of Conduct

Riders are responsible for following all road rules and are expected to share the road with other users.  Riders must adhere to the Code of Conduct at all times.

Start Location and Time

Alexandra Gardens at the intersection of the Swan Street Bridge and Alexandra Avenue from 8am - 8.45am.

Please note that all riders are legally required to have both front and back lights when riding before sunrise or after sunset.

Rest Areas

  • Alexandra Gardens (Melway 2F J7)#
  • Pier Street, Altona - the halfway point (Melway 54 H11)#
  • Alexandra Gardens (Melway 2F J7)#

Note: # Red Cross First Aid Posts will be set up at these rest areas.

We will provide you with access to water at the rest areas.  There will be opportunities to purchase drink and food along the route in case you need additional nutrition.

West Gate Bridge Opening and Closing Times

For riders heading to Williamstown the West Gate Bridge opens at 8.00am and closes at 9.30am.

For riders heading back into Melbourne the West Gate Bridge closes at 5.45pm.  If you do not reach the bridge by this time, you will need to take the alternative route (shown in teal on the Google Map).

Please Note:

  • It is illegal to ride on the West Gate Bridge prior to it being officially opened by event marshals.  Fines apply.
  • It is illegal to stop on the West Gate Bridge at any time. Fines apply.
  • You should be prepared for any type of weather conditions on the day. 

Altona Beach Break - the halfway point

Relax and enjoy the halfway point at the Altona Beach Break. 

Bib Information

  • Bibs MUST be visible and worn at all times during the ride. 
  • Each rider will be given two bibs - one to be worn high on your chest and one to be worn on your back.  
  • You must complete the emergency information on the back of your bibs.
  • You will also be identified for photos by your bib, so it is important that it is clearly visible.

 Other Information

  • You must be comfortable riding on open public roads and interacting with other vehicles.  There will be limited traffic treatments in place, there will be event directional signage and route marshal support to assist you navigate your way around the rider route.
  • Sag Wagons will be operating all day to provide support for riders who have mechanical problems or are unable to continue riding.
  • Marshals are located throughout the route to provide directions and assistance at busy intersections, roundabouts and similar locations.
  • Red Cross are the official First Aid providers and will be located at all the major Rest Areas. 

Reporting Incidents

Report all incidents to the nearest marshal including hazards (potential or otherwise) or accidents.  If there is an emergency on the route, call either of the emergency numbers on the back of your bibs which are:

  • 0425 381 816 or
  • 0425 777 484

 

Support the people who support your bike riding. Join Bicycle Victoria.

Course notes

All entries* received by 1 October 2010 into the 50km ride, go into the draw to win a Trek 7.3FX Bicycle!

Competition Terms and Conditions

*Open to Victorian residents only

Map of Course 

50km Route Profile (PDF 20KB)

Note the rises and falls indicating hills or bridges. Along the bottom of the graph are the kilometers and vertical axis indicates the height. Don't be put off by the big rises in the graph’s they only last for on average a kilometer or two!

Notes

This map is an indication of the Ride only and it is subject to change.

Riders must follow the marshal's directions on the day at all times.

If you have having problems viewing the map, try refreshing your screen.

Bicycle Victoria does not warrant that this map can be used by all browsers.