For the past 39 years, tens of thousands of cyclists have hit the road in this legendary ride from Sydney to Wollongong to raise funds for people living with multiple sclerosis. 2020 will now take this ride to another level, with the iconic event taking place virtually for the very first time.

Taking place between 1 October and 1 November 2020, the MS Gong Ride Virtual event will create a welcome opportunity for riders Australia-wide to participate from wherever they are situated and ‘ride’ to Wollongong from any location over 32 days or less.

To ensure completion of the route, riders will track and log their rides via their personal fitness apps, with a suggested range of distances covering 82km all the way to 3,740 km – equivalent of riding from Perth to the ‘Gong, all in support of the 25,000 Australian’s living with multiple sclerosis.

MS Limited CEO, John Blewonski is excited for the inception of the virtual event, and encourages all to take part to raise much needed funds for Australian’s living with MS:

“Even as the world changes, the challenges of living with MS persist. Over 25,000 Australians are living with MS. That number continues to grow, with 10 people in Australia receiving a diagnosis every week. The need for support continues to grow. That’s why I am so delighted to launch the MS Virtual Gong Ride. The MS Gong Ride is usually a sell-out event, and people travel from all over Australia and internationally to take part in this iconic ride. This year, no one will miss out. Wherever you are, you too can take part and fundraise to make sure every person facing MS can live well and receive the support they need.”

Whether a seasoned cyclist, or an amateur getting started, individuals and teams can participate from wherever they call home and go the distance to raise much needed funds for Australians living with MS, so no one has to face MS alone.

For more information: msgongride.org.au

Registrations open to the general public: Wednesday, 15 July 2020

Register here: msgongride.org.au/register/virtual

About Multiple Sclerosis

·       Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that interferes with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

·       Multiple sclerosis 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 approximately 1 in 3 Australians know someone with multiple sclerosis. 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 25,000 people living with multiple sclerosis in Australia and 75 per cent are women.

·       There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis.

For more information on where funds are distributed and the difference riders can make, click here: msgongride.org.au/faqs