Melburn Roobaix

The quintessential FYXO event is 'Melburn Roobaix' held in 2012 on Sunday 24 June.

In its 7th year, the annual 'Hell of the Northcote' is a fun ride across, through, over and under Melburn's bumpiest cobbled alleyways concluding with a lap of the glorious Brunswick outdoor velodrome. This is a cycling event inspired by the grueling Queen of the Classics, the Paris-Roubaix.

Old and new, young and old, ladies and gent, on bling bikes or beaters. Fixed or free, geared or singlespeed, one wheel or two, there is truly no other event which aligns all sects of the cycling religion for a 'Sunday in Hell' to celebrate this great city.

The route is less than 40km and a time of 6 hours is allowed to complete the course. Completing the course is not compulsory, no prizes are awarded for speed or athletic merit. This is not a race in any way, shape or form, just a hell of a lot of fun.

How long is the Melburn Roobaix?

If you ride all 12 sectors along the suggested route the course is approximately 38 km. You have until 4pm to get to the finish for the prize raffle, which gives you 5 hours if you depart at 11am when registration closes. This should allow time time to get lost, find yourself, repeat your favourite sector, take photos, stop for coffee, and make new bike friends.

Completing all 12 sectors the course is not compulsory. You will be eligible for all raffle prizes if you at the velodrome at 4pm. No prizes are awarded for speed or athletic merit. This is not a race. It is a hell of a lot of fun.

There will be category prizes for:

Cutest Couple
Most Awesome Foursome
Best 'Roobaix' Bike under $200
Best of Ground
Furthest travelled

What should I bring?

Your bike and helmet at a minimum. A sense of humour is recommended. Other items might include:

Cash, card or other monetary instruments.
Phone or other communication device.
Basic tools, pump and spare tube(s).

What happens if it rains?

You may get wet. The ride will go ahead rain, hail, or shine. It’s a long day outdoors so dress to suit the weather and you'll have more fun. No one likes being cold or wet or both.

What if I get a flat tyre?

This is a self supported ride. If you can't fix it yourself ask a fellow rider to come to your aid.

What if I get lost?

Phone a friend, stop and ask for directions, or call your Mum.

What should I ride?

You can ride anything you like. Bicycle, Tricycle, Unicycle or Tandem. New or old. Bring the bling or a beater. Fixed or geared. Big wheels or small. Fat tyres or skinny. Suspension or rigid. Absolutely anything (except recumbents) is acceptable. For the safety of yourself and others it is recommend you have at least one hand brake.

Melbourne Bike Share is offering their bikes for FREE the entire day. For those registered to ride or those tagging along to spectate. With big tyres, 3 gears and a comfy seat they are up to the task of handling the punishment of the pavé. Email MBS to get your activation code for use on the day.

What if I have another question?

Contact FYXO.

How do I complete the course?

In your Melburn Roobaix musette you will find a map, a list of sector questions and a pen.

Find the 1st sector on the map.
Navigate your way there and ride to the end of the sector.
Answer the question relating to the sector.
Repeat until you are at Brunswick Velodrome (Finish).

What happens if I don’t ride all the sectors?

If you skip a sector, or get a question wrong you will still be eligible for the prize raffle.

I came first! What did I win?!

Nothing. Not for second, third or any minor placing. This is not a race.

When does registration open and the ride start?

Registration opens at 10am for registered riders to receive their rider pack and closes at 11am.

You may start riding as soon as you have received your rider pack.

NO ENTRIES OR NEW REGISTRATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE DAY.

By participating on the day you agree to the event Terms and Conditions.

Where does it start?

To be announced a week prior. Registered riders will also be notified by email of this location.

How do I get there?

By bike is best. For those unfamiliar with Melburn, a group ride from Fed Square departing at 9.30 will reach the start location comfortably by 10am using the bike paths.

Nearest train station will be announced a week prior.

'Roobaix' Velodrome*

Food and Drink

Quench your thirst at The Lomond bar. Serving cold beer, cider and stout.

Beatbox Kitchen will have Burgers and fries.

Brunswick Cycling Club will have a sausage sizzle, featuring delicious chicken, and beef sausages and a vegetarian option will be available. Soft drink also available.

Coffee Supreme will be on site to keep you caffeinated.

First Aid should it be required will be provided by St John’s Ambulance at the velodrome.

Toilets for #1s and 2s available at the finish.

*Otherwise known as the Brunswick Velodrome.