Monash Sport News

Around the Bay in a Day

Monash Sport sponsored students, staff, graduates and Monash Sport members to participate in the annual "Around the Bay in Day" community cycling event, with all proceedings going directly to the Smith Family charity.

Hosted by Bicycle Victoria, "Around the Bay in a Day" is quickly growing into the biggest community sporting / activity event of its kind in Victoria. This year on Sunday 17 October over 8,500 riders awoke at 4am or earlier to a glorious spring day for the start of the journey from Docklands. Those participating in the ride were able to choose between riding 210 kilometres circumnavigating Port Philip Bay or pedalling 100 kilometres from Sorrento to Melbourne.

A Project Team was convened in late July with the charter of organising the ride from a Monash perspective. The team comprising Glen Cormick, Andrew Robinson, Zoe Davis, Rod Sarah, Ravi Chand, David Pawley and David Collopy organised training rides, information sessions, a 'carbo-loading evening at HG café on Clayton campus, a specially designed Monash cycling uniform and a marquee and lunch for riders at the end of the journey.

With the aid of a group of volunteers, the ride was supported in every conceivable way. From courtesy cars that were used to transport excess clothing items to providing mechanical support for those that came unstuck during the trek, volunteers contributed invaluable assistance on the day.

By travelling in pre-arranged riding groups based on fitness level and/or riding ability, a convoy of Monash Sport cyclists dominated the peloton from Docklands to Sorrento receiving favourable comments from other riders and envious looks from members of other 'teams' that participated.

Of all the stories emanating from the ride, perhaps none was better than the fact that of the 103 registered Monash Sport riders only one was unable to commence the trip due to illness. Of those that did ride, all of them completed what they set out to do and in the process astounded Bicycle Victoria by registering the second biggest team on the day.

Monash Sport are committed to providing support for a range of community based sporting events. The next sanctioned event is the Herald Sun 'Olympic Dream' 10 or 6 kilometre run/walk around Federation Square and the revered 'Tan running track. Those runners who are among the first 100 to register will receive a quality running t-shirt free.

If you are interested in registering please obtain an entry form from kinquest.com.au and email either zoe.davis@campuslife.monash.edu.au or david.collopy@campuslife.monash.edu.au.

View photos from the event