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Michelle Mannex

2025 MS Gong Ride

Let's make it to 1000 TOGETHER ❤️

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$1,000

Michelle only needs $750 to earn an epic MS Gong Ride T-shirt!

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Fundraising Rank: 2565 / 4,369

I'M RIDING 80KM THIS OCTOBER
THE DISTANCE FROM
Sydney TO WOLLONGONG

My MS Story told by the MS Team

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 is 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 more stationary bikes at the Event Finish Village.

Empowered by Michelle’s ride last year, eight others are joining her on the stationary bikes in 2025. For some this is their very first MS Gong Ride, and others are return riders who, like Michelle, feel more comfortable on a stationary bike than cycling on the road.

Here is a message from Michelle, and if this is something you are interested in, please
reach out to the MS Gong Ride Team on events@msplus.org.au “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!

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