More than 7000 riders braved testing conditions on Sunday to take part in a very special United Energy Around the Bay, the 30th anniversary of Melbourne’s most iconic bike ride.
Those taking on the 300km route were rewarded with a cold and wet start line at Albert Park just after 5am, and things hardly improved by the time the 220km and 100km riders departed not long after.
But spirits remained high as the riders rolled out, blue skies emerging as the sun rose over the lush lakeside at Albert Park. By the time the family ride kicked off at 8:45am, participants had already been gifted a classic Melbourne four seasons in one day experience.
This theme continued throughout the day as sunshine was routinely interrupted by dark clouds, downpour and harsh winds.
The unfavourable weather did little to dampen the mood, however, as thousands of new and old friends spurred one another on to generate the unique and energetic atmosphere you’ll only find at Australia’s largest single-day bike riding event.
Mud-splattered finishers were greeted with hugs, cheers, medals and high fives back at the event village, but one group of riders in particular were in the mood to celebrate.
Winston Silbereisen is one of the nine United Energy Around the Bay legends to have ridden in every event since its inception in 1993.
At aged 73, he has dialled back the distances over the years and completed the 100km route in 2024. But his enthusiasm is as strong as ever.
“I’m not going to stop,” says Winston. “I’m down to 100 and I turn 74 this month so I might get down to a 50km in a couple of years. Then there’s a 25km option they say? I’m going to keep riding as long as a can.”
If like Winston you’re already setting your sights on the next lap of the bay, super-early bird tickets are now available for United Energy Around the Bay 2025. Click here to lock in your spot.
Check out the 2024 highlights video below.
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