The Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride to raise money for MS is huuuuuuuuuge! This year the organisers are capping the numbers at 10,000 riders and hope to raise 2.5 million dollars for MS research.

There are two distances to choose from – both covering a scenic course:

58km
90km

When: 1st November

Where: Various starting points

There are two major descents on the rides – one at the waterfall when the route enters the Royal National Park, and another on Lawrence Hargrave Drive (from Bald Hill to Stanwell Park). To ensure safety, riders at the top of each descent will be formed into manageable groups and motorcycle marshals and Police will escort each group down the descent.

The course is via public roads, and there will be good Police presence and Marshals along the route. There are also stops for fruit, muffins, water etc. to help get you through the ride.

The sponsors for this epic bike challenge include: the RTA, Sydney Morning Herald, Subaru, Brita, Avanti Bikes, Netti, AustCycle, Kennards Hire, 96.5 Wave FM, The Bike Hub, Bicycle NSW, Gatorade, NSW Volunteer Rescue Assoc, Sydney Markets, Southern Cross Ten, Bicycling Australia and St John Ambulance.

Hats off to the organisers and volunteers who make this day happen… why not join them and have the time of your life on this brilliant ride while raising money for a good cause. Please visit the Sydney to Gong website for more details.

The Great Bike Ride is Perth’s largest mass cycling event. There are three distances, each showcasing the Perth Swan River:

10km – starts 8.30am and is a leisurely out and back course following the river.
53km – starts 7.30am and is one lap of the route. This is a timed course with a timing band.
106km – starts 6.00am and is two laps of the route. Also a timed course with a timing band.

When: Sunday 22nd November

Start and Finish: Langley Park, Perth.

The routes for the rides have been cleverly planned, minimising traffic intersections, and keeping at river bank level as much as possible. The rides are supported with Road Marshalls, three aid stations along the way, posted signage, a lead vehicle, and a SAG wagon.

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Perth, the aim of the ride is to raise funds for the St John of God Foundation Horizon House Project, Hope for Children and the Heart Foundation.

The organisers have set up an interesting fee format: If you raise the scheduled amount of dollars in your fundraising kit (different amount for each of the rides) then you get to ride for free. Also, children under 6 years of age can ride the 10km route for free.

Sponsors include: City of Perth, KPMG Australia, Woodside, National Australia Bank, Cyclo Sportif, Scody, The Waterboys, Intertec Consulting, Brain Cells, Cycle Instead, and Budget Car and Truck Rental.

So come on WA-ers, get involved in a spectacular ride for a great cause.

Footbiking was represented by Alan, Bruce, Phil, Steve and Deb in the 50km ride, Lyn and Annie in the 25km ride and newbie footbiker, Karen, tackled the 10km route.

Good times (both ride time and just plain good fun) were had by all. And there was much chatter and smiles at the finish line.

Phil was heralded as ‘super footbiker’ for completing the 50km road ride on the Cross Max Kickbike – the equivalence of a mountain bike scooter! Great work, Phil!!!

As usual, Alan and Bruce took off and plowed through the ride, setting times that us mere mortal footbikers are avid to match, while Deb set a new Australian 50km Record for women.

Karen, a new footbiking junkie, surprised herself with a fast time – and now that the footbiking bug has it’s hold we’re sure to see Karen at future events. Fantastic ride Karen!

Organisation of the day was well done with plenty of signage, Marshalls on every major corner, good Police presence, and well stocked break sites. Thank you to the organisers for that.

Thank you to the sponsors: Byrne Ford, Bike Force Australia, Go See Touring, Be Natural, Gatorade, Netti, Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, Australian Bananas, Channel Ten, 4BH 882 and City News. And special thank you to the Marshalls, First Aiders, stall holders and Police for their dedication, friendly cheers of support and for just making the day safer.

I’m sure next year will raise even more funds and awareness for MS and be an even greater success!