Due to the projected forecast of 38 degrees in Geelong on Monday, and in consultation with Ambulance Victoria, the Foundation has make some changes that will impact some riders especially those registered to take part in the 120km ride.

It is important that all riders carefully read the updated guidelines below and take the appropriate action in preparation for Monday. Please assume the following measures will be in place given the unlikely reduction in the projected forecast.

Further updates will be communicated via the Amy Gillett Foundation website should further changes need to be made based on the advice from the relevant authorities.

The Foundation and its respective partners are taking all available actions to ensure the safe participation of all registered riders and we are looking forward to another fantastic event.

Extreme Heat contingency

•    The AGF wishes to retain the 120km, 70km, 28km routes as options for the bulk of riders deemed capable of these distances
•    Our primary concern is for riders who are slower and/or may have not judged the distance/effort/exhaustion combination, and also for our volunteers and crew out in the field

120km riders

•    All riders who do not reach the 17km junction at Portarlington Rd and Grubb Rd (left turn = 120km loop; right turn = 70km loop) within a certain time based on an average speed of 20km from the last group to depart , will be marshalled to turn right and complete the 70km route. The designated time will be advised to all riders prior to the start on Monday morning.
•    All riders who have self selected the lowest speed group (Under 20km/hr) are likely to be out riding for in excess of 6 hours. These riders will be required to participate in the 70km route, for safety reasons.
•    All riders , in particular riders who have self selected in the 20-24km/hr speed, will be encouraged to consider participating in the 70km route in consideration of the weather, dehydration and the impact of a loss of even 1% body weight in fluid and length of ‘ride’ time
•    For the riders impacted by doing the 70km ride instead of the 120km who have already received rider bibs, there is no need to have these changed over. The most important element is to ensure that you are wearing the bib and have completed the emergency contact details on the back.

70km riders

•    All riders will be encouraged to consider participating in the 28km loop in consideration of the weather, dehydration and the impact of a loss of even 1% body weight in fluid and length of ‘ride’ time

All 70km and 120km riders

•    In the interest of rider’s safety the AGF reserves the right to withdraw riders that fail to reach the final aid station (97km, Torquay Airfield, Blackgate Rd) outside the estimated latest arrival time (currently 2.15pm - but this too will also be confirmed on the day prior to the start of the ride)
•    Regardless, the Sag Wagon driver will actively encourage riders at the tail of the event to consider withdrawing e.g. at aid stations. The Sag Wagon driver shall report any rider he is concerned about to the ride organisation/medical support
•   Riders abandoning the event and do not wish to wait for the Sag Wagon are able to be collected from friends or family along the route or at aid stations. The ride is held on an open road therefore allowing riders to be collect along the route.

Sag Wagon Support

•    The Sag Wagon is a 20-seater vehicle with a first-aid qualified driver that will follow the last participating rider, rather than being stationed out on the course
•    The Sag Wagon will provide a tangible representation of the ‘end of the supported riders’
•     Riders will be deemed to be ‘in the ride’ given they stay on the ride route including stops at aid stations. Ride organisers may not be held responsible for riders who leave and rejoin the ride e.g. sightseeing stops, coffee stops, dip in the ocean, etc. The Sag Wagon may bypass them while they are ‘off the ride’ and will continue to follow the last participating rider.
•    The location of the Sag Wagon along the route will also provide reliable guidance to the ride organisation in terms of planned arrival of the last riders at marshal points, aid stations etc
•    In addition to the Sag Wagon on the 120km circuit, an experienced AGF representative will be riding at the rear of all 70km participants to assist anyone where necessary that is having problems

SRAM mechanical support

Just a reminder as advised in previous communications that the neutral support team from SRAM will have vehicles out roaming the course assisting riders who have mechanical problems and can be contacted per the contact number of the back of the bib where necessary.

AID Stations

A further reminder that Torq nutrition bars and pre-mixed Torq electrolyte drinks will be available at the aid stations and from the Torq marquee at the start. Please respect your fellow riders and only take only one energy bar per rider throughout the course – there isn’t enough to take one from each aid station!
There will be freely available water at the Barwon Water drinking fountain in Eastern Gardens.

120km riders - There will be four aid stations on the course: Portarlington, Queenscliff, Barwon Heads and Torquay (Blackgate Rd)
70km riders - There will be two aid stations on the course: Barwon Heads and Torquay (Blackgate Rd)

Thank-you once again for your support and we look forward to seeing you down at Geelong for the 7th annual Amy’s Ride and to seeing the joy many of you will get not just from challenging yourself but also from the opportunity to ride with some of our national cycling legends!