The Great Ocean and Otway Classic Ride returns to the Surf Coast next weekend, expected to bring in thousands of cyclists for the annual event.

Touted as one of the regions’ premier cycling events of the year, O2 Events director Jordan O’Neill says organisers expect more than 3,000 participants to choose one of the three course options this year, one of which has already sold out.

“With a course for everyone, cyclists can participate in one of three distances 60km, 145km or 204km, but it’s important to note the 204km distance has reached field capacity.”

The courses feature a breath-taking coastal scenery along one of Australia’s most iconic stretches of coastline passing through a list of Surf Coast and Otway towns along the way.

Towns cyclists will pass through include Moriac, Deans Marsh, Skenes Creek, and Lorne.

The Great Ocean Road between Skenes Creek and Torquay will remain open in both directions, but vehicles will need to adhere to speed reductions for the safety of both cyclists and vehicles.

Torquay’s Esplanade from Beach Road to Gilbert Street will be closed from 5am to 9:30am and from Zeally Bay Road to Gilbert Street from 9:30am to 5:30pm.

Registrations for this year’s ride will close next Friday at 4pm, unless participants allocations are sold-out before then.

For more information, to register, or for other road closures, head here.

Read Surf Coast Times story here.

Image credit: The major drawcard of the Great Ocean and Otway Classic Ride is long stretches of riding along the marvellous Great Ocean Road. ABOVE: Over 3,000 riders are expected to attend next weekend’s Great Ocean and Otway Classic Ride. Photos: CON CHRONIS