Wollongong’s Ted Hanson started participating in the MS Sydney to the Gong Ride as a challenge, but it soon became personal.
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The real estate agent discovered that a number of his friends had been touched in some way by multiple sclerosis, a devastating neurological condition which affects more than 23,000 Australians.
‘’One guy I’d known for 40 years and he’d had it for 30, yet had never spoken to me about it,’’ Mr Hanson said. ‘’All of a sudden the ride – and what it stood for – became very personal for me.’’
This Sunday will be the eighth year – and fifth year in a row – that he will take part in the 90-kilometre ride, which winds its way down the coast from Sydney Park at St Peters to Lang Park, Wollongong.
‘’As far as scenery is concerned, the views throughout the ride are world class,’’ Mr Hanson said.
‘’I first did the ride in the 1990s and the event has just grown so much over the years, and there’s just such a sense of camaraderie among riders – it’s fantastic.’’
Weather forecasts are favourable for the 35th MS Sydney to the Gong Ride, which has become Australia’s largest and most respected community bike ride.
As far as scenery is concerned, the views throughout the MS Sydney to the Gong Ride are world class.
- Ted Hanson, cyclist
Up to 10,000 riders take part – including high profile Australian cyclists such as Carol Cooke, Brad McGee and Ben Kersten.
It will be an early start for participants, with the 90-kilometre ride kicking off at 6am; while those opting for the 58-kilometre ride start at Engadine at 8am.
‘’I’ll be up at 4am to get to St Peters,’’ Mr Hanson said. ‘’Even though I ride up to 130 kilometres a week with my riding group, the ride is always a challenge.’’
As for the fundraising challenge, the father-of-three is nearly halfway to his $2000 goal.
Since 1981, hundreds of thousands of cyclists have raised more than $35 million to help MS Australia provide a range of services and support for those with MS.
These include the MS Connect phone and email service, immunotherapy support and respite and accommodation.
Following the ride each year, the cycling gets more serious with the MS Wollongong Criterium at Flagstaff Hill which will feature some of the nation’s leading cyclists battling it out over 55 laps.
For more information visit www.msgongride.org.au/
