MEET
Michelle
July 2026
Michelle is part of the incredible Team MICH, but she takes on the MS Gong Ride her own way.
Being an original member of power team, Team MICH, Michelle was first motivated to take part in the MS Gong Ride after one of her best friends, Mich (stay with us), was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2019.
It completely changed the way I understood the disease; I’ve seen firsthand the uncertainty it brings including the good days, the hard days, and the strength it takes just to keep moving forward. What has inspired me the most is Mich's courage and determination to not let MS define her.
One night around the campfire, Michelle was sitting with Mich and their friends when she suggested forming Team MICH and all riding together in the MS Gong Ride. While Mich is unable to ride herself, this was a great way for her friends and family to honour her and support MS services.
Committed to cycling the 82km ride, Michelle was dedicated to her training and was hopping on the bike whenever she had to chance to prepare. But during her final training ride, one week from event day, Michelle had an accident on her bike. She broke her wrist and suffered a deep leg wound from the pedal.
Even though I wasn’t able to ride that year, the experience only strengthened my commitment to the cause. It reminded me that while setbacks happen, the fight against MS is so much bigger than any individual obstacle.
Michelle was determined to not let the accident deter her from completing the MS Gong Ride in the future, and in 2022 she rode the shorter course from Engadine. However, while it was a huge achievement for Michelle, she was never able to shake her anxiety around road cycling. The fear of coming off her bike again was always in the back of her mind.
In 2024, Michelle decided to not let that fear stop her from supporting her best friend, and she found a way to complete the ride, her way. She decided to bring a stationary bike to the Event Finish Village and set it up in their Team MICH Marquee. Michelle was still part of the day, completed a challenge but in a way that was right for her. In 2024 Michelle still rode 82km and was able to focus on completing her kms without the constant worry about her accident.
Thinking back on it now, Michelle remembers:
It turned out to be such a wonderful experience. Not only did it allow me to take part without the stress, but it also brought a new sense of connection. I had a second stationary bike with me, and throughout the day Mich and other supporters jumped on to take turns riding beside me. It made the day so much more special, and it reminded me that the MS Gong Ride is about community, teamwork, and standing together for those living with MS, no matter how you ride.
In 2025 Michelle was back with her stationary bike, this time with company. The MS Gong Ride is always striving to become more accessible, and we are so thankful to UniActive for helping us provide stationary bikes at the Event Finish Village that year.
Empowered by Michelle’s stationary ride, seven others joined her on the stationary bikes in 2025. For some this was their very first MS Gong Ride, and others were return riders who, like Michelle, felt more comfortable on a stationary bike than cycling on the road.
It was incredible watching Michelle and her friends take on the MS Gong Ride in their own way. The marquee was electric with friends and family cheering them on, and we all knew something special had just taken place.
For her drive to not let the injury stop her from making a difference for people living with MS, Michelle was awarded the 2025 Spirit of the Gong Award. This is awarded to a person who encapsulates the heart and values of the MS Gong Ride, and Michelle with her sense of community, commitment, and passion is a well-deserved winner. 
I am incredibly humbled to be named the 2025 Spirit of the Gong. For me, the true heart of this event is community. From starting Team MICH for my best friend, to finding new ways to participate on the stationary bikes, this ride has taught me that no matter what obstacles you face, there is always a way to show up for the people you love. I am so proud to be part of an event that celebrates inclusion, resilience, and standing together for everyone living with MS. To be recognised as someone who embodies that spirit of community and resilience means the world to me.
If riding a stationary bike is something you are interested in for our 2026 ride, please reach out to the MS Gong Ride Team on events@msplus.org.au. Take it from Michelle:
I’ve found that the stationary bikes open the door for so many more people to get involved. They’re a great option for anyone who isn’t confident riding in a large group on the road, or for those who simply prefer a more flexible way to participate. You can ride any distance you like - 5km, 10km, 20km, whatever suits you!
It’s perfect if:• You’d love to take part but prefer a more flexible option.
• You’re not confident riding on the road with a large group.
• You want a way for younger kids or family members to join in.By showing that there’s more than one way to ride, I’ve been able to encourage others who might have felt hesitant before. For us, it’s not just about how you do the ride, it’s about being part of the community, raising awareness, and making a difference for people living with MS.
We’re cheering for you Michelle, see you at the Event Finish Village!
