Couch to Around the Bay in six weeks

You don’t have to pedal yourself into the ground, but as with most things, the hardest part is getting started. 

A good way to overcome the first obstacle is to remove the barriers. It’s too easy to make a last-minute excuse. Have your riding clothes, helmet and bike ready the night before, so you’re ready to go when the time comes – no excuses.  

It doesn’t have to be every day, and it doesn’t have to be very far, but week one is all about having a ride, or two, or three, to start getting the legs and wheels spinning. Riding to work, or part way, is a great way to start building a routine. It’s all about getting comfortable and familiar with your bike.

Keep pedalling. As your fitness and comfort builds, you may want to increase your distance a little. Invite a friend to come along with you so you can encourage each other.  

Craving some extra motivation? United Energy Around the Bay is proud to support our official charity partner, Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision. By fundraising for Maddie’s Vision you’re helping fund research that will result in faster diagnosis, better treatments, tailored support and improved outcomes for patients and families impacted by Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes.

It’s never too late to start fundraising.

#FightLikeMaddie

It’s important that as you start to increase your distances that you start paying attention to what your body is telling you it needs while riding.

Chances are that if you’re a not a regular rider, you’ve probably never really paid much attention to what you eat or drink while you ride. And truth be told, for the Family Ride or 50km ride, you don’t need to adopt any extreme diet changes.

All you need to really remember is energy in = energy out. Foods with a low GI provide your body with sustained energy over a longer period of time. This helps keep your blood sugar levels stable and helps ensure you can perform at your best

For example, fruit and a tub of low-fat yoghurt, or an English muffin with honey/jam around one to four hours before training will help boost your energy.

Lean protein, such as red meat and fish, will help you recover from the last ride and build strength.

It’s also important to stay well hydrated. Drink plenty of water before you start your training session. Then replenish your fluid levels at least every 20 minutes or so after exercise.

When on a longer ride, you should try to either eat or drink something every 10 minutes, and only drink water with food – sports drinks should be taken alone.

It’s not every week you get to take part in such an iconic Melbourne event. Jump online and check out the route you’ll be taking to help build the excitement.

The Family Ride has a brand new route for 2023 on fully closed roads around Albert Park. If you’re taking on the 50km or 100km ride you will have the unique experience of riding over the Westgate Bridge, which may seem daunting, but there’s nothing to fear! It’s just a short climb on a fully closed lane to unlock stunning views of Melbourne.

Now’s also a good time to finalise your kit for the big day and go for a ride in the clothes you intend to wear, carrying everything you will carry on event day, so you don’t stumble across any surprises.