Veterans ready for Around the Bay return

MORE than 10,000 cyclists will take part in six rides across Port Phillip Bay for the return of United Energy Around the Bay.

Vietnam veteran, VetRide participant and Ocean Grove resident Leigh Treleaven will be among the riders taking part Around the Bay, which is returning on Sunday, October 09 for the first time since 2019.

Beginning and ending at Albert Park, Mr Treleaven, who is riding with fellow veterans, will cross over the West Gate Bridge and through suburbs including Williamstown and Mordialloc.

Mr Treleaven served on Navy Ships in the Radio (Special) Category, including deployment on Destroyers in the Far East Strategic Reserve and Vietnam, was stationed in locations including Jakarta, Washington D.C., and Hawaii during his service. His name is forever inscribed on the Vietnam War Memorial at Ocean Grove Park.

“Around the Bay is an opportunity to ride with fellow veterans, particularly as I am one of the younger Vietnam Veterans,” Mr Treleaven said.

“In the future I would like to see more Iraqi, and Afghanistan Vets get involved, as we Vietnam Veterans are not getting anything younger.”

VetRide is an organisation dedicated to improving the welfare of service and ex-service Australian Defence Forces personnel through cycling.

Mr Treleaven said he had been a part of VetRide for five years, having participated in the first multi-day ride from Seymour Veterans Vets Memorial to Canberra Vietnam Vets Memorial.

“The Seymour Vietnam Veterans Memorial to Canberra was an eye opener for me as I spent some time with younger vets and realised how little has changed for the treatment of post-traumatic stress between Vietnam and the current deployments,” Mr Treleaven added.

“In fact, I think little has changed since World War One and World War Two, so anything we can do to change the situation for future generations is well worthwhile.

“VetRide enables me to meet up with and socially mix with kindred spirits who understand any issues that many of us are may be dealing with.”

Around the Bay routes are on closed roads, include full on-route support and has six ride options: a family friendly 20kms, 50km, 100km, 200km, the classic 210km loop and 300km ride.

All rides start and finish at Albert Park Lake where an event village will provide a range of entertainment for riders. Fundraising from the event will support their official charity partner, The Smith Family.