FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

The MS Gong Ride is the annual signature fundraising event for MS Plus, where 7,000 passionate supporters ride from Sydney to Wollongong and raise funds to support Aussies living with multiple sclerosis.

The 2025 MS Gong Ride will take place on Sunday 2 November 2025.

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 80KM ride starting at Tempe Recreation Reserve in Tempe, and a 53KM 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 80KM distance starts at Tempe Recreation Reserve in Tempe.

The 53KM 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   ESSENTIAL 
• Sunscreen   ESSENTIAL 
• Mobile Phone   COMPULSORY 

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 agencies and emergency services 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. 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.

REGISTER NOW

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.

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:

The MS Gong Ride offers an epic ride from the stunning closed road course through the Royal National Park, to incredible ocean views from Stanwell Tops, and over the breathtaking Sea Cliff Bridge before crossing the finish line to receive your Finisher Medal in Wollongong.

Traffic management, rest sites, toilets, bike mechanics, volunteer support, food, refreshments 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.

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 30 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.

80KM Ride - 7:45AM (Tempe Recreation Reserve, Tempe)

53KM Ride - 8.00AM (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 30 minutes prior to your selected start time, to commence your ride on time.

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.

IKEA Tempe Car Park is the dedicated and only Drop Off Zone for 80km participants. Please note participants are not permitted to park here all day.

A Bag Drop (aka Cloak Room) service will be available at both start sites for $5 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.

You can 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@msplus.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 adhering 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 80KM 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 Waterfall Public School 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 one 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 contingency 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.

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.

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@msplus.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@msplus.org.au.

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@msplus.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.

Casual Apparel including T-Shirts and Hoodies is Manufacturer Direct and no stock is held by MS Plus. When you order a product from our casual apparel ranges, we order that product in the size selected, from the manufacturer.

Cycling Apparel is Made to Order and takes approximately six (6) weeks to deliver. Production takes approximately four (4) weeks and shipping 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. Orders received after Monday 15 September 2025 will be delivered after the event.

Manufacturer Direct apparel takes 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 four weeks out from the event day.

Cycling Apparel and Manufacturer Direct 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

A Special Event Train Ticket is an eTicket that will allow you to travel from Fairy Meadows 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 26 Special Event Train Services that will be running for the MS Gong Ride on Sunday 2 November 2025.

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 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 Fairy Meadows Train Station. 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 26 Special Event Train Services running (approximately) every 15-30 minutes from 9.30AM to 5.25PM.

We recommend arriving at Fairy Meadows Train Station and plan to arrive 5-10 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.

Of course. Please give our Supporter Engagement Team a call on 1300 733 690 or email events@msplus.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 gourmet baguette, piece of fruit and a mini sweet or pastry, from your preselected collection point - either Red Cedar Flats in the Royal National Park, or from the Finish Village at Thomas Dalton Park, 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.

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.

Of course. Please give our Supporter Engagement Team a call on 1300 733 690 or email events@msplus.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 Plus Connect and MS Nurse 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 Fundraiser 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.