FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

The MS Gong Ride is the annual signature fundraising event for MS Plus, where 10,000 passionate supporters ride from Sydney to Wollongong and raise funds to support Aussies living with multiple sclerosis.

The 2023 MS Gong Ride Classic will take place on Sunday 5 November 2023.

The MS Gong Ride is a fundraising event for MS Plus.

MS Plus is the go-to provider of information, advice and support for people affected by multiple sclerosis. We’re a combined entity of the ACT, NSW, TAS and VIC with over 60 years' insight into how to live well with progressive neurological conditions.

MS Plus offers vital support and services for people living with multiple sclerosis while the search for a cure continues. We are here so no one has to face MS alone.

Riders must be 12 years of age or older on the day of the event to participate.

Riders between the ages of 12 and 17 are the responsibility of their guardian, and must remain with them for the duration of the ride.

There two distances to choose from. An 82KM ride starting at Tempe Recreation Reserve in Tempe, and a 54KM ride starting at Preston Park in Engadine.

The number of riders in each Start Wave is capped to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for all participants. Subject to availability, we can move you into a different Start Wave.

You can change your distance and start time, subject to availability, through your fundraiser dashboard

Fully allocated Start Waves will be strictly monitored and only riders assigned to the Start Wave will be permitted to start the ride.

The 82KM distance starts at Tempe Recreation Reserve in Tempe.

The 54KM distance starts at Preston Park in Engadine.

We want your ride to go as smoothly as possible, so check the weather forecast and prepare your gear the night before.

You’ll need the following items to take part in the MS Gong Ride:

• Helmet   COMPULSORY 
• Event Bib   COMPULSORY 
• Drivers Licence / Identification   COMPULSORY 
• Front and Rear Lights   COMPULSORY 
• Sunglasses   ESSENTIAL 
• Water Bottle(s)   COMPULSORY 
• Gloves   ESSENTIAL 
• Wind Vest / Rain Jacket   ESSENTIAL 
• Spare Tube(s) / Flat Repair Kit   RECOMMENDED 
• Sunscreeen   RECOMMENDED 
• Mobile Phone   RECOMMENDED 

Yes, we recommend that you do some training for your ride, especially if you haven't ridden this distance before. How much will depend on your level of fitness and riding experience.

In conjuction with Australian Olympic Gold Medallist and Australian Olympic Coach, Brad McGee, we have developed a 6 Week Training Program to help you prepare for the MS Gong Ride.

The MS Gong Ride will go ahead - rain, hail or shine. The only exception is if in consultation with our traffic management stakeholders the course or conditions are deemed unsafe.

If you will not be riding in the MS Gong Ride, there are other ways to get involved:

1. Help a rider or team reach their fundraising goal by making a donation
2. Join our amazing team of Volunteers - we couldn't run the event without them

Most workplaces are more than happy to support a good cause - all you have to do is ask!

They can support you by:

1. Entering a team in the event, and encouraging employees to sign up
2. Covering employee Entry Fees to participate in the event, via a Team Payment Code which the company is invoiced for after everyone has signed up
3. Dollar Matching (aka Matched Giving) the total amount raised by team members, or making a tax deductible donation
4. Covering the cost of a branded Custom Team Kit
5. Organising a Team Marquee so that after a fantastic ride, everyone can celebrate and relax together!

Sign up early to receive some special entry discounts.

ENTRY PRICES

You may be eligible for a discount on entry fees if you hold a valid Pensioner Concession, Heath Care or Companion Card.

Please contact our Supporter Engagement Team on 1300 733 690 to find out more.

Yes, people with multiple sclerosis receive free entry to all MS events.

Please contact our Supporter Engagement Team on 1300 733 690 to find out more.

The MS Gong Ride is capped to 10,000 riders and in past years has sold out.

We recommend signing up early to avoid missing out.

As per our Event Terms and Conditions, registrations are not transferable to another person or to a future MS Event.

Exceptions will only be made under extenuating circumstances and will require the express permission of the MS Plus Events Team.

Please contact our Supporter Engagement Team on 1300 733 690 for more information.

If you are no longer able to take part in the event, please let us know by contacting our Support Engagement Team on 1300 733 690.

As per our Event Terms and Conditions, entry fees are not refundable if you change your mind or are not longer able to participate in the event. Exceptions will only be made under extenuating circumstances and will require the express permission of the MS Plus Events Team.

By registering in the MS Gong Ride you receive:

• an official (numbered) Event Bib
• an Event Guide
• an online Fundraising Page
• a Finisher Medal

Traffic management, rest sites, toilets, bike mechanics, volunteer support and first aid are also provided along the course to ensure you get to the finish line safely.

Entry Fees cover administrative and operational costs to run the MS Gong Ride and are not a donation, nor are they tax deductible.

Contact our Supporter Engagement Team on 1300 733 690 to confirm your mailing address and arrange for a replacement Event Bib to be sent out.

Mailout of MS Gong Ride Entry Kits will commence in early September 2023.

If you have changed mailing address since registering, please let us know to ensure you receive your Entry Kit.

UPDATE ADDRESS

Using three cable ties, provided in your Entry Kit, attach the Event Bib to the handlebars of your bike through the top two drill holes. Secure the bib by using the third cable tie to attach the bib to the brake cable housing through the bottom two (centred) drill holes - just above the bag drop tear-off tag.

The MS Gong Ride is not a race.

The timing chips on your Event Bib are for safety management purposes only. It helps us identify and manage riders in different sections of the course and enforcement of sector cut-off times.

No finish times will be released to riders under any circumstances.

Entries are capped at 10,000, with the event usually selling out early. On the day entries would be subject to availability.

We recommend signing up early to avoid missing out.

The MS Gong Ride is not a race.

The timing chips on your Event Bib are for safety management purposes only. No times will be released to riders under any circumstances.

We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes prior to your allocated start time, longer if you need to make use of bag drop or require a replacement Event Bib.

If you are not at the start line for your assigned start wave, you will be added to the next available start wave.

82KM Ride - 8.00AM (Tempe Recreation Reserve, Tempe)

54KM Ride - 7.20AM (Preston Park, Engadine)

If you commence the ride after the Sweep Bus ( aka SAG Wagon) and Last Rider have departed the start site your ride will not be considered an official ride in the MS Gong Ride and will not be supported by the MS Gong Ride Team of staff, volunteers, bike mechanics and first aid officers.

Unless you ride ahead of the Sweep Bus, you will also find that rest sites are closed, course signage has been removed and volunteer course marshals are no longer in position.

We ask that if you do start the ride late, and are travelling behind the last rider and sweep bus, that you please remove your event bib from your bike.

We recommend arriving at the start site at least 15 minutes prior to your selected start time, to commence your ride on time.

Check in is not required on arrival.

If you already have your Event Bib, and have attached it to your bike, simply make your way to the start line at your assigned start time to begin the ride.

We encourage participants to use public transport where possible to get to the start site, and on their return trip after the ride.

No dedicated parking is available at the start sites. Please check parking restrictions carefully if you choose to drive to the start site.

Details of a dedicated drop off zone will be provided closer to event day.

A Bag Drop (aka Cloak Room) service will be available at both start sites for $5 - cash or online by credit card. 

Attach the tear-off tag at the bottom of your Event Bib to your bag before handing it over to our Bag Drop Volunteers.

All items 'cloaked' at the start lines will be delivered the Finish Village Bag Drop Marquee.

We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to your assigned start wave and visiting the Bib Collection Marquee to collect a replacement Event Bib.

Your assigned Start Wave / Time will be printed on your Welcome Letter, included in your Entry Kit.

You can also check your Start Wave / Time, by logging in to your Fundraiser Dashboard

The number of riders in each Start Wave is capped to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for all participants. Subject to availability, we can move you into a different Start Wave by contacting our Supporter Engagement Team on 1300 733 690 or by emailing events@ms.org.au.

Fully allocated Start Waves will be strictly monitored and only riders assigned to the Start Wave will be permitted to start the ride.

A number of rest sites will be set up along the course for you to take a break, use the toilets and/or refill your water bottle.

We recommend only stopping at our designated rest sites and ahering to the cut off times to ensure an enjoyable ride.

Time to complete the ride will depend on your fitness and level of experience, and which distance you've chosen to participate in.

More experienced riders may be able to complete the 82KM distance in under 3 hours, whilst casual and social riders may take over 4½ hours.

The MS Gong Ride is not a race - the aim is to enjoy yourself and ride safely.

Coffee vans will be on site for your start at Tempe & Engadine. A complimentary morning tea will be provided by our volunteers at Loftus Oval for participants starting at Tempe. Participants starting at Engadine will enjoy their complimentary morning tea at Red Cedar Flats. At Waterfall Rest Site, Waterfall Public School will have a cake stall we encourage you to support. At Red Cedar as well as having the option to collect your Prepaid Lunch, we will also have a Lions Club BBQ and a coffee van.

Food and beverage vendors will be at the Finish Village in Wollongong, along with a public bar. You also have the option to collect your Prepaid Lunch.

Water stations to top up your water bottle will also be available at each rest site.

Anyone can order a team marquee it's a great way to gather post event and celebrate the achievement of completing the ride.

ORDER NOW

Your safety is our number 1 priority. A considerable amount of planning with authorities and emerncy services has been undertaken in the lead up to the event. At the event we have a large contigency of Police, St John Ambulance and NSW Ambulance personnel in attendance.

First aid personnel will be available at the starts, rest sites, finish village and along the course. If you require medical support, call the first aid number on the reverse of your Event Bib.

We recommend getting your bike serviced in the lead up to the ride, and carrying some basic repair tools and parts, i.e. patch kit, with you on the day.

If you require assistance on the day, call the bike mechanic phone number on the reverse of your Event Bib, and await assistance in a safe location on the side of the road. Our bike mechanics will be patrolling the course, and will carry some equipment to help get you back on the road.

If you are unable to complete the ride, contact our event operations using the number on the reverse of your Event Bib, and wait patiently in a safe location on the side of the road for our Sweep Bus (aka SAG Wagon) to collect you.

The Sweep Bus will take you to the next Rest Site or closest train station.

Sydney Trains have scheduled (up to) 26 Special Event Train Services to get participants home from the MS Gong Ride.

You will need a Special Event Train Ticket, which can be purchased during registration or from shop.ms.org.au/gong (subject to availability).

Opal cards are not accepted on Special Event Train Services.

Parking near the Finish Village is limited and time restrictions may apply.

If someone is picking you up, we have a dedicated Pick Up Zone at the Wollongong Innovation Campus Car Park

Taking part in the MS Gong Ride as a Team is a great way to spend time with friends, family, or colleagues.

Whoever creates the Team will be appointed Team Captain, but we can change that later (if needed).

Already registered? Create a Team through your Fundraiser Dashboard.

Signing up today?  Register & Create A Team

After a team has been created, you can change the team name through your Team Dashboard.

PLEASE NOTE: If you change your team name any links you have previously sent may no longer work.

As a Team Captain, you will have access to a Team Dashboard where you can log in a see all registered Team Members in your team.

Sometimes participants join your team by accident or because they're looking for other people to ride with in the challenge. As the Team Captain, it is your choice whether a participant should be on your team or not.

To remove a participant from your team, please give our Support Engagement Team a call on 1300 733 690 or send us an email to events@ms.org.au.

To make your team Invite Only, go to the Edit Team page in your MS Gong Ride dashboard and select No for Allow Anyone To Join My Team.

To change the Team Captain for your team, please give our Support Engagement Team a call on 1300 733 690 or send us an email to events@ms.org.au.

Select the Team you would like to join on our Join A Team page to register and be added to your Team.

If you are already signed up, search for the team you'd like to join, and simply click on the Join Us button on the team page while logged in to your own account. This will automatically connect you to the team.

If a team is set up as invite only, you will need to contact the Team Captain and request that they send you an invite to join their team.

No, you can join a team at any time.

You can join a team during registration, if your Team Captain has already signed up and created the team, or at any time afterwards by clicking Join Us on the team fundraising page.

As a Team Member, you will be able to view all your Team Members on the Team Fundraising page

If you have joined a team by accident or simply wish to leave a team, please give our Support Engagement Team a call on 1300 733 690 or send us an email to events@ms.org.au. 

Unfortunately, each participant can only be a member of one team at any one time. To join a new team, you will need to leave the team you are currently in.

No. You are welcome to ride solo or create/join a team.

Official event merchandise can be purchased whilst registering for the event, or at any time from the MS Plus Online Shop.

SHOP NOW

All official MS Gong Ride Cycling Apparel is produced by our Event Partner, Hillbrick Custom Cycles & Sportswear.

Cycling apparel is Made To Order and no stock is held by MS Plus. When you place an order for a product from our cycling apparel ranges, we order that product in the size selected, from our supplier.

Cycling apparel is Made to Order and takes approximately six (6) weeks to deliver. Production takes approximately four (4) weeks. We then quality check, pack and send the order to you which takes a further 7-14 days.

If you would like to wear your cycling apparel at the event, please place your order no later than six weeks out from the event day.

Cycling apparel items are final sale. They cannot be cancelled, changed, exchanged, returned, or refunded after order has been placed.

Once your order is shipped, you will be emailed a shipping confirmation containing a tracking link for your order:

• Select View My Order from within the email
• Beneath the map, you will find a clickable Tracking Number for your order

Manufacturer Direct apparel are products on our store, i.e. t-shirts, hoodies, polos and tote bags, that are Made To Order and shipped to you directly by our supplier.

Casual apparel is Manufacturer Direct and no stock is held by MS Plus. When you place an order for a product from our casual apparel ranges, we order that product in the size selected, from the manufacturer.

Manufacturer Direct apparel take approximately three (3) weeks to deliver. Production takes approximately 5-7 days and shipping a further 7-14 days.

If you would like to wear your casual apparel at the event, please place your order no later than three weeks out from the event day.

Manufacturer Direct Apparel are final sale. They cannot be cancelled, changed, exchanged, returned or refunded after order has been placed.

Once your order is shipped, you will be emailed a shipping confirmation containing a tracking link for your order:

• Select View My Order from within the email
• Beneath the map, you will find a clickable Tracking Number for your order

Custom apparel are products from our Cycling Apparel range that is designed and produced with your own logos and/or artwork. Whether you are a team of 2 or 200, you too can Ride to Fight MS in a Do It For MS Custom team kit!

With Do It For MS Custom apparel, there are no setup or design fees (for up to two revisions to your artwork).

We hope to have your artwork finalised within two edits. If further revisions are required, an additional design fee may be charged.

No, there is no minimum order quantity for Do It For MS Custom apparel.

If you are ordering ten (10) or more pieces of Do It For MS Custom apparel, we offer discounts starting at 10%. For orders of twenty (20) pieces, or more, please Contact Us for a quote.

Custom Apparel is Made To Order and final sale. They cannot be cancelled, changed, exchanged, returned or refunded after order has been placed.

Please check the sizing charts and how to measure guides carefully before placing your order.

Once your artwork is approved, and your order is paid and submitted, it will take approximately six (6) weeks to deliver. Production takes approximately four (4) weeks and shipping a further 7-14 days.

For your order to arrive in time for the MS Gong Ride on Sunday 5 November 2023, your artwork must be approved, paid in full and in production by Thursday 21 September 2023.

Once your order is shipped, you will be emailed a shipping confirmation containing a tracking link for your order:

• Select View My Order from within the email
• Beneath the map, you will find a clickable Tracking Number for your order

A Special Event Train Ticket is an eTicket that will allow you to travel from Wollongong Station to the rail network bounded by Bomaderry, Goulburn, Bathurst, Scone and Dungog stations; non booked services (excluding Domestic or International Station), on one of (up to) 26 Special Event Train Services that will be running for the MS Gong Ride on Sunday 5 November 2023.

Opal Cards are not permitted on these services, and are for the return trip only. You will need to make separate arrangements to get to the Start Site on Event Day.

Special Event Train Services will only be stopping at Wollongong, Thirroul, Stanwell Park, Otford, Waterfall, Engadine, Sutherland, Hurstville, Tempe and Central.

Special Event Train Tickets can be purchased during registration, or online from the MS Plus Store

Your Special Event Train Ticket will allow you to travel on the Sydney Trains Network (rail network bounded by Bomaderry, Goulburn, Bathurst and Dungog stations) on your return journey only from Wollongong. You will need to use your Opal Card if you are travelling by train to the start line.

This year your Special Event Train Ticket will be a eTicket delivered to the email address provided when placing your order. Our Volunteer Train Ticket Assistants at the station will need to scan this eTicket before you will be allowed to board a Special Event Train. Please have your eTicket open on your mobile device as you approach the station, and the screen brightness turned up to assist with scanning.

Opal Cards are NOT accepted on Special Event Train Services.

To get you home after the event, Sydney Trains have scheduled 25 Special Event Train Services running (approximately) every 15-20 minutes from 9.30AM to 5.30PM.

Of course. Please give our Supporter Engagement Team a call on 1300 733 690 or email orders@shop.ms.org.au and we will resend you your Special Event Train eTicket email.

Our Volunteer Train Ticket Assistants will be able to find your Special Event Train Ticket order through a name search. We also recommend carrying a printed copy of your ticket as a backup.

eTickets can be scanned straight off your mobile screen, but if you prefer to carry a hard copy feel free to print your ticket. If you have purchased multiple tickets, you may find it easier to print each ticket and distribute at the event to your team. 

NB Each eTicket is unique and can only be scanned once.

A Prepaid Lunch Pack is an eTicket that will allow you to collect a prepacked lunch containing a sandwich, juice popper, piece of fruit and a snack, from your preselected collection point - either Red Cedar Flats in the Royal National Park, or from the Finish Village in Wollongong.

Prepaid Lunch Pack can be purchased during registration, or online from the MS Plus Store

Your Prepaid Lunch Pack ticket will be a eTicket delivered to the email address provided when placing your order. Our Volunteer Lunch Assistants will scan this eTicket before you will receive your lunch pack. Please have your eTicket open on your mobile device, and the screen brightness turned up to assist with scanning.

Of course. Please give our Supporter Engagement Team a call on 1300 733 690 or email orders@shop.ms.org.au and we will resend you your eTicket email.

Our Volunteer Lunch Assistants will be able to find your eTicket order through a name search. You may also want to carry a printed copy of your ticket as a backup.

eTickets can be scanned straight off your mobile screen, but if you prefer to carry a hard copy feel free to print your ticket. If you have purchased multiple tickets, you may find it easier to print each ticket and distribute at the event to your team. 

If you are collecting a Prepaid Lunch Pack at Red Cedar Flats in the Royal National Park, we recommend printing your ticket as mobile reception can be patchy.

NB Each eTicket is unique and can only be scanned once.

No, by fundraising a minimum of $350 for the MS Gong Ride, you provide vital support and services to people living with multiple sclerosis. Every dollar you raise will go directly to ensuring the thousands of Australians with multiple sclerosis are able to receive the support and care they need to live well.

It can be as easy as asking your family and friends to support you in this challenge. Your commitment and effort will not only be a rewarding experience for you but will ultimately support people living with multiple sclerosis.

All donations $2 and over are tax deductible in Australia.

Your fundraising goes directly to offering services and support to people living with multiple sclerosis, while the search for a cure continues. It allows us to fund programs like Plus Connect, MS Nurse and Social Work Advisor, providing those with multiple sclerosis access to a caring voice at the end of the phone line and specialist advice and guidance on how to manage their symptoms. Your support ensures no one faces their journey alone.

Find out more about MS Plus, read about your impact or visit our Resource hub.

The best way to get people donating, is directly through your online page. This provides them with an instant tax deductible receipt and means you can keep track of your fundraising efforts.

If you intend to host a fundraising event to collect further cash donations please see our hints and tips below.

Visit the Get Support page in your Fundraising Dashboard to share your page to Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

You can also send one of our pre-written emails to your contacts, or copy your fundraising page URL to paste and share anywhere you like.

All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible. Anyone who donates through your online page will be instantly emailed a receipt.

70% of companies in Australia offer ‘matching funding’ as part of their employee benefits. This means they support their employees’ charitable efforts by matching their fundraising dollar for dollar. It is a great way to double your fundraising efforts – and all you need to do is ask. Speak to your HR department and ask them for their support.

We can provide your company with any documentation they may need, including tax-deductible receipts, information about what we do and a letter of thanks and recognition.

If you receive cash and cheque donations in person rather than online, we will issue you with three key documents:

1. An Authority to Fundraise (required for any offline fundraising)
2. A Donation Register
3. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) form to bank your funds 

To request these documents, simply contact our Supporter Engagement Team.

Once you have received them, simply follow the below steps!

1. Keep the donation register up to date
   Firstly, say a huge thank you to your donor! Fill in the register with your donor’s name and email address, so they can receive a tax receipt for their donation.
2. Finished Fundraising – now Complete your EFT Form
   When you have collected all offline donations, fill in the EFT Form with the total amount being deposited. The EFT form has your unique reference number for banking your donations. This reference number is important to ensure your donations can be added to your fundraising page.
3. Bank the money
   Now you can transfer the funds to MS using the following bank details:
   MS Plus
   BSB: 033-112
   Account: 256562
   
4. Send us your Donation Register and EFT form
   Email the Donations Register and the EFT form to events@ms.org.au 
   Please note we need to receive the deposit before we can update your fundraising page.

Good on you for taking your fundraising to the next level! First step, is to contact us. Our team will help you register your event, offer helpful advice and provide you with:

• Your Authority To Fundraise letter- this is used to demonstrate that your event has been officially approved by MS as a fundraising activity for the MS Gong Ride.
• Any fundraising materials you request such as MS flyers, posters and banners
• Receipt books and donation boxes for use at events
• MS Gong Ride logos and MS logos for use in promotional materials
• An MS Ambassador to speak about multiple sclerosis and how it affects their lives
• Ongoing support, advice and practical assistance

Whether it is a BBQ or a sit down dinner, we are here to help every step of the way.

A Facebook Fundraiser is a NEW fundraising feature available through your MS Gong Ride Dashboard.

It will link a Facebook Fundraiser to your MS Gong Ride Fundraising Page, allowing friends, family and colleagues to donate towards your MS Gong Ride fundraising, directly from your Facebook Page.

All donations received via your Facebook Fundraiser will appear on your MS Gong Ride Fundraising Page and add to your overall fundraising.

To set up your Facebook Fundraiser:

1. Login to your MS Gong Ride Fundraiser Dashboard
    
2. Click on the Create A Facebook Fundraiser button
    
    
    
3. Follow the prompts, and a Facebook Fundraiser will be set up for you and shared on your Facebook Page.

As soon as your Facebook Fundraiser is created, Facebook shares it with your Facebook friends.

At the top of your Facebook Fundraiser Page (in Facebook) you will find an Invite button, which you can use to directly invite your friends to support you.

When you create your Facebook Fundraiser, a Facebook Fundraising Page will be created for you using information you have already included in your MS Gong Ride Fundraising Page (on this site).

By editing the Facebook Fundraiser post, you will be able to update features like your fundraising goal and cover photo.

It can sometimes take a couple of hours for donation received through your Facebook Fundraiser to show up on your MS Gong Ride Fundraising Page.

Check back a little later, and your donation should be there.

Your fundraising goal may not sync to your Facebook Fundraising, but it is really easy to update by editing your Facebook Fundraiser.

Facebook does not share any personal details with our site, so your Facebook Fundraising donations will appear as Facebook Donation on your Fundraising Page.

You will only be able to see your Facebook Fundraiser donor's names in Facebook itself.

Unfortunately, a Facebook Fundraiser can only be created your individual MS Gong Ride Fundraising Page.

If you set up a Facebook Fundraiser directly through Facebook it will not be linked to your MS Gong Ride Fundraising Page.

If you have already set one up, we recommend you delete it and create a Facebook Fundraising through your Fundraiser Dashboard.

If you have selected MS Plus as your charity, we’ll receive the funds. However, there will be a slight delay and those donations will not appear on your Fundraising Page.

If you would like to receive donations via Facebook, we recommend creating a Facebook Fundraiser through your MS Gong Ride Fundraiser Dashboard.

When sharing a post on Facebook, you may be prompted to add a Donate button to your post. We recommend you do not select this option, as these donations will not appear on your Fundraising Page.

It is best to either create a Facebook Fundraiser through your Fundraiser Dashboard, or share a link to your MS Gong Ride Fundraising Page on Facebook.

If you have accidentally deleted the Facebook Fundraiser you created through your Fundraiser Dashboard, you will unfortunately not be able to create a new one.

You can continue fundraising on Facebook, by sharing a link to your Fundraising Page so friends, family and colleagues can support your Ride to Fight MS.

To remove a Facebook Fundraiser from you Facebook page, you first need to delete the fundraiser itself, before you will be able to delete the post associated with it.

PLEASE NOTE: If you delete your Facebook Fundraiser, you will not be able to create a new one. 

While the biggest reward for fundraising is knowing that you are making a difference to the lives of thousands of people living with multiple sclerosis, we would like to celebrate your amazing efforts and say thank you by giving you a little something extra!

By making a personal donation or raising funds online, you will be showing your dedication and commitment toward fighting MS and your fundraising efforts will earn you some exclusive MS Hero rewards!

Fundraising closes on Sunday 26 November 2023. To be eligible for a fundraising reward, your fundraising must be received and appear on your online fundraising page by this date.

All rewards will be sent via post. It will not be possible to collect your rewards at the event.

If you do not wish to receive any fundraising rewards, please complete the Rewards Opt-Out Form

Raise between $1,000 and $2,499.99 in the 2023 MS Gong Ride to earn a $1,000 Club T-Shirt.

Our $1,000 Club T-Shirts are made to order and will be produced after fundraising closes on Sunday 26 November 2023, and we confirm your size.

We expect to have them delivered by late January 2024.

Raise $2,500 or more in the 2023 MS Gong Ride to earn a MS Hero Jersey.

Our Hero Jerseys are made to order and will be produced after fundraising closes on Sunday 26 November 2023, and we confirm your size.

We expect to have them delivered by late January 2024.

To volunteer at our events, you must complete a volunteer application through our website, including providing your contact details, emergency contact details and volunteer role preferences.

APPLY NOW

Helping such a worthy cause!

Our events are a lot of fun – meet new people, learn new skills and have a great day out with the MS Community. Our volunteers help ensure the success of our events to raise money and awareness of people living with MS. 

No experience is necessary however many volunteer roles are customer facing. If you are outgoing and passionate we would love to have you on our volunteer team!

Some roles may also require you to use an iPad or Point of Sale system.

There are a large number of volunteer roles to complete! All volunteers will be supporting our participants one way or another – from selling event merchandise, to directing along the course, filling up water cups or handing out medals.

Volunteer shift length varies depending on the role and location, however most shifts are between 4 – 8 hours long.  The event is on a Sunday, and shifts start in the morning! 

We recommend applying as soon as you can as we allocate volunteers on a first come first serve basis - our events are popular so sometimes we fill all shifts early! 

You should receive an automated email within a few hours confirming we have received your application. This will include a few things you can do before we allocate you to a shift. You will receive another email within a few weeks to confirm your allocated volunteer shift.

We hold an online briefing for volunteers two weeks before the event where you can learn more about the event and meet the volunteer managers.

We highly recommend volunteers attend the online briefing before the event – especially if it is your first time volunteering with us, however if you are unable to attend we also share the briefing slides with all volunteers.

We strive to contact all volunteers within a few weeks of applying. Please ensure you keep an eye on your emails (junk and other folders!) and we may also call you to discuss a volunteer role.

Yes – all volunteers will receive lunch during their shift. You can let us know any dietary requirements when you apply to volunteer. 

Unfortunately we are unable to cover costs of volunteer travel. We will provide all volunteers with details on how to reach their volunteer shift.

It is important that you are comfortable on your shift. Please ensure you wear comfortable enclosed shoes (such as runners, joggers) and comfortable clothing. Most of our volunteers will wear active wear (tights, shorts) on event day! 

All volunteers will receive a volunteer t-shirt at the start of their shift at their meeting location.

If you have volunteered with us before and still have your t-shirt please wear it again!

Please keep valuables to a minimum or leave them at home! We recommend bringing extra layers for the cold mornings and sunglasses and sunscreen for when the sun comes out! We will let provide you with weather updates to ensure you are prepared!

Our volunteers are critical to the successful running of our events. Some volunteer roles, especially Course Marshal positions along the course, are an important element of our traffic and risk management plans and cannot be vacant.

If you are unable to attend your volunteer shift on event day, please let us know as soon as possible. 

Download the Garmin,  Strava MapMyFitness or Fitbit app, and set up an account

Log in to your MS Gong Ride dashboard

From the Log Training page, select your chosen app

Follow the prompts to connect your account.

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You will be able to log your rides either automatically via a connect device/app, or manually on your MS Gong Ride dashboard.

LOG YOUR RIDES AUTOMATICALLY

1. Download the Strava, Fitbit or MapMyFitness app, and set up an account
2. Log in to your MS Gong Ride dashboard
3. From the My Fitness Activity page, select your chosen app
4. Follow the prompts to connect your account
5. Your Activity Tracking will update each day, with the previous day's distances

NB  Remember to start, stop and save your rides in the app, otherwise the distances will not be synced to your MS Gong Ride dashboard.

LOG YOUR RIDES MANUALLY

1. Log in to your MS Gong Ride dashboard
2. Select My Fitness Activity
3. Under Add Activity, enter the date and distance of your ride

The kilometres will now appear on your activity tracker.

Manually added activity can be edited or deleted, so if you have manually entered activity and it then syncs from your connected app, find the activity in your Manually Added Activity and delete the duplicate entry.

While exercise bikes usually provide an effective 'distance ridden' reading that can be entered in as a manual ride, many spin bikes produce no such measurement.

In these instances, as a guide, you can manually add the following distances to the My Fitness Activity page of your MS Gong Ride dashboard:

If you would like to use Strava to track your rides, you can connect it from the My Fitness Activity page on your MS Gong Ride dashboard. All rides after you have connected your Strava account will be synced and recorded, within 24 hours of them being saved, provided the ride is saved as public and your profiles master privacy setting isn't enabled.

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Unfortunately, there are now limitations with the fitness app Strava.

The fitness app, Strava, will only allow 1,000 activities to be synced to any website each day. Our wonderful MS Gong Ride community regularly exceeds this daily limit.

If your activity has not appeared on your MS Gong Ride Dashboard within 48 hours, we recommend adding the activity manually using Add Activity on the My Fitness Activity section of your MS Gong Ride Dashboard

Some other reasons your activities may not be syncing are:

1. Only rides completed after connecting your Strava account to your MS Gong Ride dashboard can be synced. If you completed and saved your ride prior to connecting your Strava account to your MS Gong Ride dashboard, these rides will not appear.
2. If the ride is saved as "private" or you have enabled "Enhanced Privacy" master settings on your Strava account, the MS Gong Ride platform will be unable to sync your rides. Please note that changing your privacy settings will not sync past rides.

To disconnect your Strava account from your MS Gong Ride dashboard, you can do so from the My Fitness Activity page on your dashboard. Once your Strava account is disconnected, no future rides will be synced.

If you would like to use MapMyFitness to track your rides, you can connect it from the My Fitness Activity page on your MS Gong Ride dashboard. All rides after you have connected your MapMyFitness account will be synced and recorded, within 24 hours of them being saved, provided the ride is saved as public.

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MapMyFitness is the umbrella under which Under Armour has united the group of apps it purchased, which include MapMyRide, MapMyWalk, MapMyRun etc.

Your login credentials for any of these apps will allow you to connect through the MapMyFitness, despite the mis-match in branding. So you can connect your existing MapMyRun/Walk/Ride etc. account using the MapMyFitness option on the MS Gong Ride dashboard.

If your ride doesn't appear on your MS Gong Ride dashboard within 24 hours of saving it to MapMyFitness, one of the following may be the cause:

1. Only rides completed after connecting your MapMyFitness account to your MS Gong Ride dashboard can be synced. If you completed and saved your ride prior to connecting your MapMyFitness account to your MS Gong Ride dashboard, these rides will not appear.
2. If the ride is saved as "private", the MS Gong Ride platform will be unable to sync your rides. Please note that changing your privacy settings will not sync past rides.

To disconnect your MapMyFitness account from your MS Gong Ride dashboard, you can do so from the My Fitness Activity page on your dashboard. Once your MapMyFitness account is disconnected, no future rides will be synced.

If you would like to use Fitbit to track your rides, you can connect it from the My Fitness Activity page on your MS Gong Ride dashboard. All rides after you have connected your Fitbit account will be synced and recorded, within 24 hours of them being saved, provided you have started and ended the activity on Fitbit.

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When connecting your Fitbit account throught your My Fitness Activity page on your MS Gong Ride Dashboard, the website will request access to data from your Fitbit account. From the options presented, only Profile and Activities and Exercise are required for the sync to function. 

When using Fitbit, you must ‘start’ and 'end' an activity and save it, for the data to sync. If you are having issues, try syncing through BOTH your Fitbit and the Fitbit app on your device.

To disconnect your Fitbit account, you can do so from the My Fitness Activity page on your MS Gong Ride Dashboard. Once your Fitbit account is disconnected, no future rides will be synced.

Zwift currently has a closed API, which means that it can only sync with major platforms like Strava. MS Gong Ride cannot currently connect directly to Zwift.

Any rides completed on Zwift however can absolutely count towards your MS Gong Ride Virtual Challenge. You can add them to your activity tracking manually.

At present, MS Gong Ride only has an automated connection with Fitbit and MapMyFitness. However, that doesn't mean you can't use other apps, i.e. Strava, Runtastic, Garmin Connect, Google Fit, etc, to participate in the MS Gong Ride Virtual Challenge.

If you would prefer to keep using the same app you use currently to log your rides, simply record the distance manually on the My Fitness Activity page of your MS Gong Ride dashboard.

Live streaming provides the ability for fundraisers to embed video players on their fundraising pages and then stream live video direct to it from other services such as their smart phone, their computer, gaming platforms like PS4, etc

These video streams can be viewed directly on their fundraising pages by friends and family members, allowing for direct interaction between the fundraiser and visitors.