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Monash cycles around the bay in a day

19 October 2005

Almost 200 Monash staff, students, alumni and Monash Sport members took part in Bicycle Victoria's Around the Bay in a Day challenge on Sunday 16 October.

Members of Monash's Around the Bay in a Day team.

It was the second time a dedicated Monash team had entered the annual event, with the number of participants almost doubling this year.

More than half of team Monash completed the 210-kilometre circuit, cycling from Melbourne to Sorrento, where they boarded a ferry to Queenscliff then cycled back to Melbourne.

About 60 opted for the Century Challenge, which saw them start in Sorrento and cycle the 100 kilometres to Melbourne.

The Half Century Challenge was introduced this year, and 18 Monash participants chose this option. The ride started at the Docklands, took cyclists across the West Gate Bridge to Altona and back to Docklands.

The university's participation in the Around the Bay in a Day challenge was coordinated by Monash Sport, as part of Monash's 2005 Community Fitness Events Program.

Monash Sport Caulfield and Peninsula site manager Mr Glen Cormick said the challenge had been a fantastic day and everyone involved had a great time.

Senior deputy vice-chancellor and Monash's Around the Bay in a Day patron Professor Stephen Parker.

"Most riders chose the longer-distance rides, which is a huge effort," he said.

"There were quite a few Monash participants who had never done long-distance rides before, so it was a real achievement for them.

"Other participants were envious of Monash's team spirit, with more than 20 Monash volunteers cheering our cyclists on and providing them with refreshments."

The Around the Bay in a Day challenge began in 1993 with all money raised donated to The Smith Family's Learning for Life program, which provides financial, educational and personal support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Monash Sport will coordinate the university's participation in the Portsea Swim Classic in January next year.

Further information is available at the Monash Sport website.