Bike Around the Bay

The Bike Around the Bay page, provides you with the official registration information, ride distances etc.

Date: October 19-20, 2023 (one-day options available!)

Event: Bike Around the Bay

Route Distances: 77, 97.5 miles

About the Ride:

Bike Around the Bay is a fully supported two-day, 175-mile ride around Galveston Bay that showcases its natural beauty. One-day ride options are also available. All proceeds from the event support the projects and programs of the Galveston Bay Foundation, a local environmental non-profit.

Ride Times and Locations

Day One – Saturday, October 19

Start Location: 2525 FM 565, Baytown, TX 77523 (former Houston Raceway location)
Start Time: 7:30 AM
Route Close: 6:00 PM
Route Distance: 97.5 miles (century loop option just before ferry!)
Breakpoints: Click HERE

Day One Ride Highlights

Riding around Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and along the Gulf of Mexico
Crossing the Intercoastal Waterway at High Island – the highest point on the Gulf Coast between the Yucatan Peninsula and Alabama
Seeing dolphins while crossing from the Bolivar Peninsula to Galveston Island on a ferry ride
Dinner and entertainment at the Moody Gardens Hotel
Riding along the Seawall on Galveston Island
Century loop option on Bolivar Peninsula – click HERE
Moody Gardens day one finish map – click HERE

Note: At the start of Day One, cyclists will ride over a portion of I-10 which will be closed off for the initial group of riders. If riders are late to the start, Support, and Gear (SAG) will transport the rider to the first breakpoint to avoid the section over I-10.

Day Two – Sunday, October 20

Start Location: Moody Gardens – 1 Hope Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77554
Start Time: 7:30 AM
Route Close: 5:00 PM
Route Distance: 77 miles
Breakpoints: Click HERE

Day Two Ride Highlights

Cycling across the Galveston Causeway and on the Texas City Levee
Riding through the small bayside towns of San Leon and Bacliff, and Seabrook
Lunch on the Bay at Sylvan Beach
Riding over the Fred Hartman Bridge

Note: Riders will have a police escort over the Galveston Causeway. Riders are prohibited from crossing the causeway without this escort. If riders are late to the start, Support and Gear (SAG) will transport the rider to the first breakpoint.

Lunch provided on both days

Day One: Cold cuts, chips, veggies, and dessert. A variety of drinks will be available.
Day Two: Hamburgers, hotdogs, and chicken. A variety of chips, drinks, condiments and fixings will be available.

Dinner at Moody Gardens on Saturday

(additional dinner tickets may be purchased for $25 HERE)

Dinner Menu: Coming Soon!

Download the route to your device!

Day One and Day Two Routes are available for download via Ride with GPS. (routes subject to change)

Download the Day One Route

Download the Day Two Route

Ride Options and Distances

Riders have the option of riding one day or two days. Two-day riders will make a complete loop around Galveston Bay with an overnight on Galveston Island. Riders are responsible for their accommodations on Saturday night. Click HERE for a list of recommended hotels.

Saturday Distance: 97.5 miles – Click HERE for Day One Route

Century Loop Option on Bolivar Peninsula just before the ferry – Click HERE for map

Sunday Distance: 77 miles – Click HERE for Day Two Route

One-day riders are welcome to ride either Saturday or Sunday and will need to let Galveston Bay Foundation staff know which day they intend to ride during packet pickup.

Saturday one-day riders have the option of purchasing a bus ticket that will take them from Moody Gardens back to the start in Baytown either on Saturday at 6:30 PM or Sunday at 9:00 AM.
The bus ticket is $35 and includes transportation back to the start for one cyclist, their bike, and luggage. To guarantee your reservations for bus transportation, please pre-purchase before October 16, 2023. Riders who purchase bus tickets after this date will be added to a waitlist and approved based on availability.

NOTE: One-day riders who will be riding on Sunday are responsible for their transportation to the start at Moody Gardens and back from the finish in Baytown.

Ride Requirements

The minimum age for a rider riding his or her own bicycle is 12 years of age as of October 19, 2023. Riders under 12 years old must ride tandem with an adult and have a guardian sign his or her waiver.
Each rider of a tandem bicycle should register separately.
Helmets are required.?You must properly wear an ANSI, Snell or ASTM approved helmet while on the ride.
Distractions.?The use of earphones, radios, or cellular phones is not permitted while riding. Riders need to remain alert at all times.