The Ford Otway Cycling Classic is a mass participation road cycling event with three different rides to suit all types of cyclists, from a challenging 140km circuit to a tranquil 23km journey, all amidst the magnificent Otway Rainforest in and around Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road.

The Rainforest Ride is designed to provide something for all levels of rider, from your ‘Beach Road speedsters’ who can tackle the challenging 140km Rainforest Circuit, to kids and their parents who can share a ride and walk in the rainforest with the 23km Waterfall Explorer. All rides are set amidst some of the most spectacular scenery around and take place along quiet sealed roads in the countryside.

Each ride will include a number of optional stop off points and tourist attractions riders can include to break up the ride:

• Free entry to the world renowned Otway Fly tree top walk – bike security provided whilst riders visit (140km Rainforest Circuit)
• Free entry to the Cape Otway Lighthouse with its amazing cliff top views and historic surrounds (140km Rainforest Circuit and 70km Lighthouse Discovery Ride)
• Drink/food stations throughout the course approx. 25-40km apart
• Self guided walking tour along the short rainforest track at Maits Rest
• Buy a coffee at any of the cafés along the way

So what sets the Ford Otway Cycling Classic apart from other participation road rides?

• The premier course is around a new circuit that the vast majority of riders would not have ridden before
• All rides include stunning scenery along their entire length – no boring bits!
• There’s a great range of optional activities and side trips available to break up your ride
• The roads are very quiet with little traffic, few trucks or other road users
• The location at Apollo Bay provides an ideal weekend away whilst still being a day trip from Melbourne if required

All rides will be conducted in a supervised event environment:

• Police and traffic management
• Well signposted and marshalled course 
• Mobile medical support including paramedics, sports trainers and other medical professionals
• On course mechanical support
• Frequent refreshment stops providing water and sports drinks free of charge
• On course photography and entertainment

Refund Policy:

• If a competitor voluntarily withdraws from the event (due to injury, illness…) and notifies Rapid Ascent (info@rapidascent.com.au) more than 2 weeks prior to the race, you can receive a cash refund of your entry fee less an administration fee. (140km-$40, 70km-$30, 23km-$10) If a competitor notifies Rapid Ascent less than 2 weeks prior to the event, no refund will be given. There will be no credits issued under any circumstance.

ONLINE ENTRIES CLOSE 9AM FRIDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 2012

The official event program for the Ford Otway Cycling Classic that includes all the details about the event including the event schedule, course maps, rider service points, safety information and much more can be downloaded from here.