Cyclists hit the Bellarine during bay ride

ABOUT 10,000 bike riders passed through the Bellarine at the weekend when they took part in Australia’s biggest bike ride, Bicycle Network’s Around the Bay.

With nine separate ride options ranging from 25 kilometres to 250 kilometres, riders of all ages and abilities were able to saddle up on Sunday.

Among the masses were children as young as three years old in the 25-kilometre ride and 10 Around the Bay legends who have ridden every single ride after taking part in the first event in 1993.

The start line, finish line and festival were all located at Alexandra Gardens.

The ride circumnavigated Port Phillip, with rest stops located along the route, including at Mordialloc, Frankston, Werribee, and Geelong.

Ferries shipped riders between Queenscliff and Sorrento.

Bicycle Network chief executive officer Craig Richards said it was the perfect way to celebrate the silver anniversary of Around the Bay.

“Around the Bay has something for everyone and we saw that with so many different types of bike riders today,” Mr Richards said.

“It was so good to see everyone come together to celebrate the 25th Around the Bay and really enjoy going for a bike ride.”