Amy’s Ride Geelong  - Heat Contingency Update #2

Dear Riders,

We trust you are ready and raring to go for Amy’s Ride Geelong, starting at 8.30am tomorrow, 2nd January. Judging by the riders entering at Geelong today, there is much excitement in the air.

The current forecast high temperature for tomorrow is 42 degrees Celsius.

Based on this forecast the Foundation, in consultation with Ambulance Victoria and Cycling Australia, has revised our heat contingency arrangements to ensure the health, safety and enjoyment of all riders and volunteer crew.

Please carefully read the following update.

All ride distances

The first wave of riders will depart as planned at 8.30am. It is not possible logistically to contact all riders to enable an earlier start time while retaining the allocation of riders into their groups based on estimated speed.

ALL riders are advised to consider participating in a shorter distance to the ride route they have registered for e.g. if you entered the 120km event, please consider riding the 70km route. The primary reason for this advice is to minimize the likelihood and length of time riding in the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 4pm.

Please stay on the ride course and avoid lengthy stops to minimize being out in the heat, and to ensure full support by the ride organization.
Please review all the information in the update of 31 December, about aid stations and sag wagon support.

120km ride

The 120km route will be available for riders registered in speed groups of 30-34km/hr or 35+km/hr ONLY.

Our concern for every participant’s safety includes minimizing ‘riding time’ to 4 hours or less when in extreme heat. For this reason and for the safety of riders, the 120km route is no longer available to riders registered in speed groups 25-29km, 20-24km/hr and under 20km/hr. All riders registered in the 120km ride in these speed groups are advised to participate in the 70km ride and have been reallocated accordingly. Riders may not be supported by the event organisation if they participate in the 120km ride on the basis of these revised arrangements.

All riders should assemble at the start in their group based on their rider number. The groups will be directed accordingly at the rider briefing prior to starting, at numerous announcements from 7am, and by event personnel at the marshalling area.

Riders will also be provided with clear direction at the Grubb Road intersection (17km into the ride), which is the junction for the 120km ride and the 70km ride.

70km ride

There is no change to the planning for this ride distance.

28km ride

Riders are encouraged to ‘turn early’ at any time if they are feeling the heat. A convenient turning point is at Latrobe Terrace. An aid station is located at the ½ way point.

We trust these arrangements will help ensure a safe, enjoyable day for all participants. See you in the morning!