Registrations coming in fast for annual ride

THE Great Ocean and Otway Classic Ride returns to the Surf Coast next weekend, expected to bring in thousands of cyclists for the annual event.

Touted as one of the regions’ premier cycling events of the year, O2 Events director Jordan O’Neill says organisers expect more than 3,000 participants to choose one of the three course options this year, one of which has already sold out.

“Starting and finishing in Torquay, cyclists will ride along one of the world’s most famous roads, as they pass by sheer limestone cliffs and the picturesque farmlands of the Otway ranges,” Mr O’Neill said.

“With a course for everyone, cyclists can participate in one of three distances 60km, 145km or 204km, but it’s important to note the 204km distance has reached field capacity.”

The courses feature a breath-taking coastal scenery along one of Australia’s most iconic stretches of coastline passing through a list of Surf Coast and Otway towns along the way.

 

Towns cyclists will pass through include Moriac, Deans Marsh, Skenes Creek, and Lorne.

The Great Ocean Road between Skenes Creek and Torquay will remain open in both directions, but vehicles will need to adhere to speed reductions for the safety of both cyclists and vehicles.

Torquay’s Esplanade from Beach Road to Gilbert Street will be closed from 5am to 9:30am and from Zeally Bay Road to Gilbert Street from 9:30am to 5:30pm.

Registrations for this year’s ride will close next Friday at 4pm, unless participants allocations are sold-out before then.

For more information, to register, or for other road closures, head to greatoceanotwayclassic.com.au