More than 9700 riders have already raised more than $2.2 million and are on target to hit $3 million to help people suffering from multiple sclerosis in the 35th annual MS Sydney to Gong bike ride.
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Marketing and communications manager Darshan Parmar said there were at least a thousand more riders than last year and the site was better prepared and looked better than it ever has.
Craig Morris, of Campbelltown, and James Walker, of Stanwell Park, were the first two riders across the line and held hands just as they did last year when they also met on the road down from Sydney.
They both started at 6am and did the 90km journey in two hours and 34 minutes. They said it was a little slower than last year because they had to contend with some fairly strong head winds.
For each it is their third year and along with raising funds for MS they said it was a great ride for many reasons.
“Sea Cliff Bridge was hard,” Mrs Morris said.
“We do this for the challenge and fun.”
Mr Walker said the event was a good combination of doing something for charity in riding in a well organised event with closed roads.
“And it was pretty good getting a Police escort across the line,” he said.
Among the ridres in 2016 were Australian cycling greats Brad McGee and Ben Kersten, Rio Paralympic gold medalist Carole Cooke, Osher Gunsberg and Olympic swimmer Sarah Ryan whose father died after an aggressive fight with multiple sclerosis.
There were many heroes on the day such as Stephen Papadopoulos who has had his own rocky journey with multiple sclerosis and at the age of 30 woke up one morning unable to use his legs. Now he has great appreciation for every morning he wakes up able to walk.
Colin Kidd lead a team of 11 riders who are cycling 1,000km from Sydney to Melbourne, starting with the Gong Ride.
Mr Kidd got involved raising funds for MS after his wife, Gen, was diagnosed. The team has raised $20,000 to date is aiming for $50,000.
Todd Philpott who lost his leg in a motorbike accident ontinues to ride in memory of his great friend, the late Chrissy Amphlett.
And Simon Morton has now ridden in the Gong Ride 30 times.
More than 400 volunteers provide support from start to finish for the event where participants are encouraged to raise $250 each in donations. All funds raised go to helping people living with multiple sclerosis in Australia. The MS Sydney to the Gong Ride has now raised over $35 million.
- Multiple sclerosis 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 and diagnosis is typically between 20 and 40 years of age, although onset of symptoms may be earlier
- Statistics show that one in 20 Australians will be touched by mulitple sclerosis through a family member, colleague or friend who is living with the disease
- Multiple sclerosis randomly attacks the central nervous system and is unpredictable
- People with multiple sclerosis can experience a wide range of symptoms and can be affected differently at various stages in their life
- The most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis are fatigue, pain, bladder and bowel issues, spasticity, problems with vision, cognitive fog and changes in emotion
- There are over 23,000 people living with multiple sclerosis in Australia and 75 per cent are women
- An additional 1,000 people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis each year
- There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
