One of the Illawarra teams in the MS Gong Ride is Team MICH. Photo: Team MICH.
Thousands of cyclists will hit the road for iconic charity bike ride MS Gong Ride from Sydney to Wollongong to raise funds for those living with multiple sclerosis (MS) this Sunday (2 November).
The popular cycling event will see social Sunday riders and ultra competitors choose either 53 km or 80 km courses, with registrations still being accepted.
Already 5000 riders have chosen to ride solo or as part of a team, as they make their way from either Engadine or Tempe, through the Royal National Park and along the renowned Sea Cliff Bridge, before crossing the finish line in Wollongong.
Among them are The Gong Ballistics, returning for the 16th time and headed up by Tina, whose brother lives with MS.
Another Illawarra team, Team MICH, ride in the name of Shellharbour woman Michelle Taylor, who was diagnosed with MS in 2020.
Her husband Aaron has been riding for her ever since.
It’s a ride that started in 1981 and has seen hundreds of thousands of cyclists hit the road to raise funds for not-for-profit organisation MS Plus.
This year, the MS Gong Ride aims to raise $1.5 million to ensure people living with MS receive the vital support they need to break down barriers, achieve their goals, and live well.
MS Gong Ride CEO John Blewonski said about 10 people in Australia were diagnosed with MS every week, and 33,335 Australians were living with MS, with every dollar raised helping them live a better life.
“For 44 years, eager cyclists have shown up and pedalled for a great cause,” John said.
“The dedication of our riders is truly inspiring.
“We have thousands of riders prepared to take on the epic challenge of cycling from Sydney to Wollongong to raise vital funds for people with MS.”
He said they couldn’t be prouder of the Illawarra and surrounding communities for getting behind the MS Gong Ride and looked forward to celebrating at the finish line.
Road and lane closures will be in place during the event, including the speed limit reduced to 40 km/h along Lawrence Hargrave Dr from Stanwell Park to Thirroul from 6 am to 3 pm.
In Bulli and Fairy Meadow from 5 am to 4:30 pm, sections of Elliotts Rd near the finish area will be closed and the speed limit reduced to 40 km/h on other sections of Elliotts Rd.
Special event clearways will be in place on the Princes Highway from 4 to 11 am, and Stanwell Park to Fairy Meadow from 5 am to 3 pm.
Motorists should exercise caution as cyclists will be sharing some roads along the course, and are reminded when overtaking cyclists to leave a 1.5 m distance on roads with speed limits over 60 km/h and a one metre distance on roads 60 km/h or under.
Patrons attending are advised to use public transport as there will be limited participant drop off areas at the start sites.
MS is a disease of the central nervous system that interferes with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
It is the most common neurological disease in young adults, with diagnosis typically between 20 and 40 years of age, but the onset of symptoms may be earlier.
2025 MS Gong Ride will start from Tempe Recreation Park in Tempe or Preston Park, Engadine, depending on which length course is chosen, and finish at Thomas Dalton Park in Fairy Meadow on Sunday (2 November). Register as a rider or donate via the website.
