FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

Following the COVID-related postponement in 2021, our logistics team worked tirelessly to adapt our plans so the 40th MS Gong Ride could proceed as planned on May 1, 2022.

Unfortunately, rainfall in NSW caused significant damage to key sections of the MS Gong Ride route, and after consultation with all key stakeholders, it was clear the MS Gong Ride couldn't take place safely and to our expected standards.

The 40th MS Gong Ride was again postponed to Sunday 6 November 2022.

We thank you for continuing to stand with us - and those who depend on MS Plus’ vital services - through thick and thin, pandemic, heavy rain, or sunshine.

Unless you advised us otherwise, your entry is secured in the 40th MS Gong Ride on Sunday 6 November 2022.

You can even use the same Event Bib (if you have already received it)!

Any Special Event Train Tickets and Prepaid Lunch Packs will also be valid. Don't worry, we'll resend you the eTickets in October to save you from searching through your emails.

Unless you advised us otherwise, your entry is secured in the 40th MS Gong Ride on Sunday 6 November 2022.

You can even use the same Event Bib (if you have already received it)!

Any Special Event Train Tickets and Prepaid Lunch Packs will also be valid. Don't worry, we'll resend you the eTickets in October to save you from searching through your emails.

All fundraising from 2021, and the postponed 1 May 2022 ride, will carry across to the 40th MS Gong Ride on Sunday 6 November 2022.

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.

Any Special Event Train Tickets purchased for the (postponed) Sunday 7 November 2021 or Sunday 1 May 2022 events will be valid for the 40th MS Gong Ride on Sunday 6 November 2022.

Don't worry, we'll resend you the eTickets in October to save you from searching through your emails.

Any Prepaid Lunch Packs purchased for the (postponed) Sunday 7 November 2021 or Sunday 1 May 2022 events will be valid for the 40th MS Gong Ride on Sunday 6 November 2022.

Don't worry, we'll resend you the eTickets in October to save you from searching through your emails.

The Finish Village for the 40th MS Gong Ride on Sunday 6 November 2022 will be at Stuart Park in North Wollongong

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 40th MS Gong Ride Classic will take place on Sunday 6 November 2022.

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.

Due to the change of Finish Village to Stuart Park in North Wollongong, there has been a slight change to the ride distances. There will now be an 81KM 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.

To request a change to your Start Wave, please contact our Supporter Engagement Team on 1300 733 690 or at 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.

The 81KM 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)   ESSENTIAL 
• 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 40th MS Gong Ride Classic.

The MS Gong Ride Classic 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 40th 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.

CURRENT ENTRY PRICES

Registrations for the 40th MS Gong Ride on Sunday 6 November 2022 are now open.

We have a limited number of places left for Australia's most epic cycling event from Sydney to Wollongong. Sign up now to avoid missing out.

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.

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.

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.

Your Entry Kit (aka Welcome Pack) will contain your official (numbered) Event Bib, an Event Guide, a 6 Week Training Program, 3 x Cable Ties to attach your Event Bib to your bike, and some inserts from our Event Partners.

Your Event Bib will serve as your proof of entry and allow us to identify you in case of an emergency. It must be attached to your bike at all times while participating in the event. Instructions on securing the bib to your bike can be found on the reverse of your event bib.

Entry Kit ( aka Welcome Pack ) mailout will resume in July / August 2022.

If you have already received an Entry Kit for the 7 November 2021 or 1 May 2022 (postponed) events, you can use the same Event Bib for the 40th MS Gong Ride on Sunday 6 November 2022.

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.

Joining an earlier start wave will not be permitted.

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 40th 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.

There will be a dedicated drop off zone, with more information available closer to event day.

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

Attached 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, and waiting for you, at the Finish Village Bag Drop Marquee.

We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to your assigned start wave and visiting the Entry Kit 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.

Take as many breaks as you need to safely complete the ride. For safety purposes, we recommend only stopping at our designated rest sites.

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 79KM distance in under 3 hours, whilst casual and social riders may take over 4 hours.

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

A selection of food and beverage vendors will be available at the Finish Village in Wollongong.

A Lunch Pack, containing a sandwich, piece of fruit, juice popper and snack, can also be prepurchased ( during registration or from shop.ms.org.au/gong ) for collection from either Red Cedar Flats in the Royal National Park, or the Finish Village in Wollongong.

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

Reward your team with an exclusive place to meet after the ride   Organise a Team Marquee at the MS Gong Ride Finish Village for your team to come together and celebrate an epic ride.

A Team Retreat is a great place to kick back, relax, enjoy some food and a drink, whilst networking with other key corporates and avid cyclists.

BOOK A MARQUEE

We have done everything possible to make the course safe, and complete traffic management and risk management plans are in place.

First aid personnel will be available at the start/finish village and along the course. If you require medical support, call the first aid number on the reverse of your Event Bib, or 000 if it is an emergency.

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.

Sydney Trains have scheduled (up to) 26 Special Event Train Services to get participants home from the 40th MS Gong Ride.

You will need a Special Event Train Ticket, which can be purchased during registration or from shop.ms.org.au/gong. Opal cards are not accepted on Special Event Train Services.

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

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 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 40th MS Gong Ride on Sunday 6 November 2022, your artwork must be approved, paid in full and in production by Thursday 22 September 2022.

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 North 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 40th MS Gong Ride on Sunday 6 November 2022.

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 Fairy Meadow, Thirroul, Stanwell Park, Otford, Waterfall, Engadine, Sutherland, Hurstville, Tempe and Central.

All Special Event Train Tickets purchased since May 2021, unless refunded, are still valid for use at the 40th MS Gong Ride Classic on Sunday 6 November 2022.

All Special Event Train Tickets will be resent, via email, in October 2022.

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 schedule up to 26 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. 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. 

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 pack 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.

All Prepaid Lunch pack Tickets will be resent, via email, in October 2022.

All Prepaid Lunch Packs purchased since May 20221, unless refunded, are still valid for use at the 40th MS Gong Ride Classic on Sunday 6 November 2022.

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

This year your Prepaid Lunch Pack ticket will be a eTicket delivered to the email address provided when placing your order. Our Volunteer Lunch Assistants will need to scan this eTicket before you will receive your lunch pack. Please have your eTicket open on your mobile device as you approach the station, 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 you 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.

Facebook is a great place to encourage your friends, family and colleagues to support you! Always share your MS Gong Ride Fundraising page to Facebook as opposed to setting up a Facebook fundraiser. This way you can be sure that all your funds raised will be shown on your MS Gong Ride Fundraising page.

Furthermore, we recommend you do not use the Facebook Donate button, as we cannot link any of the funds received through a Facebook fundraiser to your MS Gong Ride Fundraising page.

MS Plus, ABN 66 004 942 287

Yes, if you have selected MS Plus as your charity of choice, we’ll receive the funds. However, please note there will be a slight delay. Also, your donors will receive a receipt a from PayPal Giving Fund, not MS Plus.

Facebook donations are managed by a third party (PayPal Giving Fund), so we cannot sync these donations with your MS Gong Ride fundraising page.

Therefore, the best way to receive donations from your friends, colleagues and family is by sharing your fundraising page to Facebook, as opposed to using the Facebook Donate button.

If you have selected the incorrect MS organisation on Facebook, please contact us and have the following information ready: your full name, amount and the fundraising closure date. Contact us 1300 733 690 or email events@ms.org.au.

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 a minimum of $100, you will be showing your dedication and commitment toward fighting MS and your fundraising efforts will earn you some exclusive 40th MS Gong Ride rewards!

Asides from the $1,000 Club T-Shirt and MS Hero Jerseys, fundraising rewards are cumulative so if you raise $500 you will receive the Drawstring Bag ( $100 Reward ), Valve Caps ( $250 Reward ) AND the Cycling Cap ( $500 Reward )!

Make a personal donation to your page and also receive a 40th MS Gong Ride Buff.

Raise $1,000 or more and ( in addition to the $100, $250 and $500 rewards ) also receive either a $1,000 Club T-Shirt OR an MS Hero Jersey, depending on your overall fundraising.

Fundraising closes on Sunday 27 November 2022. To be eligible for a fundraising reward, your fundraising must be received and appear on your online fundraising page by this date.

Fundraising Rewards are sent monthly to fundraisers who have made a personal donation AND reached $500 in fundraising during the previous month.

All other rewards, including $1,000 Club T-Shirts and MS Hero Jerseys will be sent post event.

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 40th 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 27 November 2022, and we confirm your size.

We expect to have them delivered by late January 2023.

Raise $2,500 or more in the 40th 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 27 November 2022, and we confirm your size.

We expect to have them delivered by late January 2023.

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 Strava, MapMyFitness or Fitbit app, and set up an account

Log in to your MS Gong Ride dashboard

From the My Fitness Activity 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.