Cadel's Hometown (63km Course)
A smooth ride out and back to Cadel's hometown
In 2025, thousands of enthusiastic riders took on the Cadel’s Hometown 59km course as part of the TAC People’s Ride.
An enjoyable ride that passes through the coastal townships of Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads, this shorter course will challenge beginner and intermediate riders alike.
This course option excludes the Challambra climb, making it an achievable but scenic option for those wanting to be a part of the incredible atmosphere only the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race can provide.
Cadel’s Hometown short course begins with a loop around the Geelong Botanic Gardens, before heading via Portarlington Rd and the ups and downs of Wallington-Ocean Grove Rd 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 Women’s Road Race as the world’s best riders race for glory.
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The 2026 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 at the traditional start/finish location.
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 continues along Portarlington Rd before a right turn down Curlewis Rd. As you pass wineries and orchards on your way towards Cadel’s home base, Barwon Heads, the rolling hills will provide the main challenge for the Short Course.
Picture-perfect Thirteenth Beach coastline
As you cross the Barwon Heads bridge and 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 head back towards Geelong via the farmlands on Mount Duneed Rd and Horseshoe Bend Rd.
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.