Cadel's Hometown (59km Course)

A smooth ride out and back to Cadel's hometown

Total elevation gain: 367m

Max elevation: 39m

Following on from the successful reception of this route in 2024, Cadel’s Hometown 59km course returns in 2025.

An enjoyable ride that passes through the iconic township of Barwon Heads, the 59km course provides a flatter cycling experience for beginner and intermediate riders alike.

This course option excludes the Challambra climb, making it an achievable but scenic option for those wanting to take to the roads themselves as part of our weekend of cycling.

Cadel’s Hometown short course begins with a loop around the Geelong Botanic Gardens, then takes advantage of the smooth surfaces offered on Barwon Heads Road for the out-and-back ride to Cadel’s hometown of Barwon Heads.

Finishing on the famous Geelong waterfront, celebrate your ride at the Steampacket Gardens Event Village, or find a vantage spot along the course to catch the Deakin University Women’s Race as the world’s best riders race for glory.

The 2025 course

A buzzing start in Geelong

When you don the lycra in Geelong, you’ll instantly feel part of our wonderful cycling family.

The music, entertainment and atmosphere at our famous waterfront start line will have you buzzing as thousands of cyclists join Cadel for the start of the 2025 TAC People’s Ride!

Cruise around Eastern Park

Rolling out from the start line, you will first take Hearne Parade along the water, and see first-hand why Geelong is a stunning place to ride, with views of Corio Bay.

Turning down Limeburners Road, the course turns right at Boundary Road through residential Geelong.

“I rode last year and absolutely loved it! I’m looking forward to bringing some new friends down to have a go!” – Andrew

A smooth ride to Barwon Heads

Turning right and riding over the Breakwater Road Bridge, you’ll turn onto the smooth surface of Barwon Heads Road.

Passing through Charlemont and Armstrong Creek, you’ll make the trip towards Cadel’s home base, Barwon Heads.

Picture-perfect Thirteenth Beach coastline

As you pass (or stop for a break at) the buzzing Barwon Heads Hotel and café at the roundabout, the course takes you toward the picturesque Thirteenth Beach coastline.

Rolling along the coastline, you’ll turn inland onto Bluestone School Road and rejoin Barwon Heads Road as you head back to toward Geelong.

Geelong and the Waterfront finish

Returning to Geelong, via Barwon Heads Road, the course crosses back over the Barwon River, and into East Geelong.

A modest climb back through the Geelong Botanic Gardens is the one and only hill throughout the course with spectacular views across the bay.

The final cruise around the Deakin University Geelong Waterfront Campus, will be a celebratory finish as you enjoy the final cruise to the finishing gantry! There’s no better sense of achievement than crossing the finish line and catching up with friends at the post-ride event village.

PROUDLY PRESENTED BY TAC

The Transport Accident Commission is a Victorian Government-owned organisation that supports those injured on our roads and promotes road safety.

Each and every one of us, as motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists has the shared responsibility to use our road system safely and with respect for each other.

Together we can ride towards a future where every journey is a safe one.

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