MS Melbourne Cycle

31 March 2020
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Organiser:
Overview
Whether you are a runner, a rider or somewhere in between the MS Melbourne Cycle + MS Half Marathon is the event for everyone. Its the perfect day for you to have some fun while you exercise, spend the day with friends and family, and raise essential funds for people living with multiple sclerosis.
Course details
Finishers certificateFinishers medalTraining programsEvent bib as a keep-sake of your dayRun timingFree postage of your BibFundraising advice, support and resourcesPreparation advice and resources Food trucks, family friendly activities, and an all-round great event village for some R&R after your challenge
What's included
30km Ride CourseStart your 30km ride at The Wetlands in Flemington Racecourse with a bit of buzz from the event village. It might be early in the morning, but you can expect some dedicated volunteers at the start line to get you geared up and ready to pedal. You’ll ride along the banks of the Maribyrnong River (which is a pretty great spot at that time of the morning might we add), then past Etihad Stadium, and over the Port Melbourne Foreshore.Next, you’ll begin the ascent up the Westgate Bridge, giving your legs a bit of a wake up – as you take in the spectacular views of Melbourne. Usually carrying up to 200,000 cars, trucks and motorbikes every day, cycling over the bridge is one of the most coveted sections of your course.Coming off the bridge, you’ll ride into the top of Williamstown where you can grab yourself a coffee (it’s good, we promise), and jump back on your bike for the last leg of your ride as you return to Flemington Racecourse to our event village. Remember, there are two rest stops along the course that you can jump off at and re energise. We’ve got you covered with water, toilets and first aid facilities at both. And don’t stress about getting lost, because there will be 200 volunteer course marshals directing you along the way. 50km Ride CourseStart your 50km ride at The Wetlands in Flemington Racecourse with a bit of buzz from the event village. It might be early in the morning, but you can expect some dedicated volunteers at the start line to get you geared up and ready to pedal.You’ll ride along the banks of the Maribyrnong River (which is a pretty great spot at that time of the morning might we add), then past Etihad Stadium, and over the Port Melbourne Foreshore.Next, you’ll begin the ascent up the Westgate Bridge, giving your legs a bit of a wake up – as you take in the spectacular views of Melbourne. Usually carrying up to 200,000 cars, trucks and motorbikes every day, cycling over the bridge is one of the most coveted sections of your course. Coming off the bridge, you’ll ride into Williamstown where you can grab yourself a coffee (it’s good, we promise), and jump back on your bike for the last leg of your ride as you return to Flemington Racecourse to our event village. Remember, there are three rest stops along the course that you can jump off at and re energise. We’ve got you covered with water, toilets and first aid facilities at all of them. And don’t stress about getting lost, because there will be 200 volunteer course marshals directing you along the way.
Start times will be allocated based on a combination of factors including rider experience (as specified by you at registration) and the number of places available in each start time. The Ride starts from 7.25am, with start times every 20 minutes to spread riders evenly along the course to reduce congestion. Your allocated start time will be printed on the reverse of your Event Bib which will be posted to you in your Entry Kit in February/March. Please make sure you stick to your allocated start time on event day.
By Train - Catch the Craigieburn line (operating 24 hours) to Newmarket Station then cycle approximately 5 minutes to Flemington Racecourse entry via Epsom Road onto Flemington Drive. You can also walk approximately 10 minutes from Newmarket station along Racecourse Road and then Epsom Road to Flemington Drive.*Please note the Flemington Racecourse Train Station will not be in operation on event day.By Tram - Catch the No. 57 West Maribyrnong tram to Flemington Drive (Stop 30). Low-floor trams do not operate on Route 57 therefore passengers using a mobility aid should catch alternative transportation (e.g. train). Please note: the earliest No. 57 tram departing from Newmarket station (Stop 26) is 8:06am arriving at Flemington at 8:08am and the earliest No. 57 tram nearby Ascot Vale station is 7:07am, arriving to Flemington by 7:11am.Important: Yarra Trams do not permit bicycles on trams unless they adhere to their guidelines of a folding bicycle.By Car - If you choose to travel by car, consider carpooling or asking a friend to drop you off. This will help minimise vehicle congestion on the streets around the event.Parking at Flemington Racecourse (entry via Flemington Drive) is a $20 flat fee or free if you hold a valid disability parking permit. Free car parking may be available at Victoria University - Footscray Park Campus, Gate 3 Ballarat Road, within about 3km of Flemington Racecourse. Please make sure that you check parking signs and please note if you do choose to walk along Ballarat Road, Smithfield Road and Epsom Road to Flemington Racecourse it will take approximately 35 minutes.
It's very important that you service your bike before the ride and take a puncture repair kit, pump and basic tools with you, so you can get yourself going in case of a breakdown. Here's a few more tips to make sure you and your bike are ready for this epic ride:Helmet – You are legally required to wear a helmet that meets the Australian standard. Lights, fluros and reflectors – Make sure these are in good working order, flashing red for the rear and white for the front of your bike.Cycling skills – Know your limits. Training for the ride is not essential but recommended depending on your fitness levels and cycling abilities.
Spectators are welcome and there will be lots of entertainment at the event village. So come along to support this fantastic cause.
Volunteers are an essential part of our fundraising events. Every year our volunteer team contribute time, effort and passion to ensure the ongoing support of those living with MS. We love to see old faces and new and we would love you to join us at the MS Melbourne Cycle + Half Marathon on Sunday 31st March 2019. Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and give back to the community. Check out the available volunteer positions on the organiser's website, there’s a role to suit everyone!
How old must I be?30km and 50km RideIt is recommended children are 10 years of age, or competent cyclists to participate in 30km or 50km course and be accompanied by an adult. 3km and 6km RideCyclists of any age are welcome to participate in the 3km and 6km course. Can my children ride with me in a trailer at the back of my bike?Children can ride in a trailer at the back of a bike under a parent or guardian’s liability.Can I participate in the ride and the run?It's not recommended as both events could overlap however, if you're really keen it is possible. Bare in mind however, that you'll have to register for both and have two fundraising pages.