RIDE GUIDE
HELP RAISE $3.8 MILLION
FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH MS.
SUNDAY 2 NOV 2014
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:
TESTED BY PEOPLE LIKE YOU
msgongride.org.au
CEO MESSAGE
WELCOME
ITS GONG TIME!
Thanks for entering the 33rd annual MS Sydney
to the Gong Bike Ride, the most rewarding
bike ride in Australia. You have committed to
a challenging ride whether it’s the 58km or
90km distance and to fundraising for people
with multiple sclerosis (MS) and we’re here to
support you along the way.
We’re proud to deliver the best organised ride
of its kind in Australia and also proud of the
tremendous support of the cycling community
to our cause over the years. You really are
making a difference to the lives of thousands
of people with MS.
The ride is the largest fundraising activity for
MS Australia and this year, with your help,
we aim to raise $3.8 million to enable us to
continue to provide vital services and support
to people with MS while we continue the
search for a cure.
With the help of our easy-to-use online
fundraising system and some pre-event
practice rides, you’ll be joining 10,000 riders
crossing the finish line with a huge sense of
achievement.
The MS Sydney to the
Gong Bike Ride is special.
Each year a community of
10,000 riders from across
NSW and Australia come
together to share the
challenge and experience
of riding to Wollongong to support our cause.
Thank you to all those who have fundraised
thousands of dollars for the 23,000
Australians affected by multiple sclerosis,
their families and carers. Together we hope
to reach our $3.8 million fundraising target.
MS also thanks all those who contribute
to the success of the day: our volunteers,
stakeholders, sponsors and organisations
that support the ride.
Please take the time to read this guide. It
contains all of the important information that
will make your day both safer and enjoyable.
Remember that on this ride you are
representing bike riders to your fellow
citizens; so please ride safely and follow the
road rules, being courteous to all of the other
road users.
Congratulations on your efforts and enjoy the
33rd annual MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride.
Robyn Hunter
Chief Executive Officer
Multiple Sclerosis Limited
NSW POLICE FORCE
“On behalf of the NSW Police Force,
welcome to the 2014 MS Sydney to the
Gong Bike Ride. In conjunction with MS
and the Roads and Maritime Services,
police have plans in place to ensure the
safety of all participants and the non-event
community. While we endeavour to ensure
your safety, all plans are based on the premise that you
as a participant will abide by all Road Rules and follow the
directions of the Course Marshals, RMS Staff and Police.
“The course is 90km long and covers various road conditions
and terrain. To travel the course safely, please consider your
level of fitness, ensure your bicycle is in good mechanical
condition, and that you wear clothing that will be highly
visible to other riders and motorists. It is a condition of entry
in this event that you wear a properly fitted cycling helmet.
In choosing your equipment and clothing you should also
consider that you may encounter varying weather conditions
throughout the event.
SPONSORS
Event Sponsors
Scody
Specialized
Event Partners
Bicycle NSW
NSW Institute of Sport
QBE
Transport for NSW
Media Partners
SBS
Executive Channel
oOh!
Media I
“Ultimately we ask that you DO NOT treat this ride as a race.
The nature of the event attracts riders of all ages and abilities
and participants should modify their riding behaviour to take
this into account.
“I wish you all the best in completing this enjoyable event and
look forward to your assistance in ensuring that it is conducted
in a safe manner.”
Superintendent Darren Bennett
Event Commander
NSW Police Force
See you on the road!
MS Events Team
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3
MS AMBASSADOR
At 12 years of age Stephen
Papadopoulos sat in a
classroom listening to a
presentation about the MS
Readathon™, not knowing
that just a few years later, at
16, his first MS symptoms
would appear.
It started with blurry eyes in Year 11, which
lasted six weeks, and then in Year 12 Stephen
had the sensation of pins and needles over
his entire body. With his symptoms baffling
doctors, Stephen began to question his own
sanity, with more years of invisible symptoms
coming and going Stephen was finally relieved
to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in
2001 at the age of 22.
After a year of dealing with his MS,
medications and depression, Stephen decided
it was time to get positive. He commenced
working full-time and kick-started his social
life again. Stephen likes to keep fit and active
when he has the energy and is feeling well,
when he’s not feeling so great, movies and
television shows help the time pass.
“I’ve been living with pain for the past 10
years which consists of sharp stabbing pains
throughout my body, “pins and needles” in my
hands and feet, a burning sensation over the
right side of my body, and pain down my legs,
at the back of my neck and in the base of my
spine,” says Stephen. “Touching or hugging
someone, holding a phone, opening a door,
or doing most things other people take for
granted causes me pain. I’m lucky if I get two
hours sleep a night.”
Despite the pain, and the ongoing
appointments with doctors and specialists,
Stephen just gets on with life. “My family
and friends often forget I’m in pain because
I’m always smiling. I focus on living life, and
being a regular young person. It’s my natural
inclination to be positive, and it really helps.”
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Stephen became an MS Ambassador
in 2005 and enjoys talking about and
raising awareness of MS. Many people are
unaware that the average age of diagnosis
is 30. “It’s not an old person’s condition”,
he says. Stephen regularly talks to a wide
variety of groups who are appreciative of
the opportunity to meet a young person with
multiple sclerosis.
Stephen is proud to be the ongoing
ambassador for the MS Gong Ride and would
be more than happy to be involved in all of
your personal and corporate fundraising.
He is a fabulous motivational speaker and
one of our most ambitious and successful
ambassadors.
Stephen takes each day as it comes, always
with a smile on his face, making the best out
of every situation that gets thrown at him.
Stephen says, “It’s not the hand you get,
it’s how you play it.”
Stephen Papadopoulos
Event MS Ambassador
ON THE DAY
OFFICIAL START TIMES
Your official start time is printed on the back
of your bib.
along the course, riders will be released in
15 minute intervals.
YOUR START TIME IS 8:00 AM.
Please be sure to arrive at the start site
approximately 15 – 30 minutes prior to your
allocated start time.
Ensure your bib number is pinned to your front
and not to your bike. Safety pins are available
from both start sites.
REMEMBER – the MS Gong Ride is not a race
so please be patient at the start.
Sydney Park, St Peters 90km:
The 90KM ride starts from 6.00am with
last rider leaving at 8.00am. Start times will
be allocated in 15 minute blocks to reduce
congestion and spread riders evenly along
the course.
BIBS & WRISTBANDS
We have introduced a colour coded bib system
to match your start time. The bib colours and
start times are detailed below:
COLOUR & TIME
6:00am
6:15am
6:30am
6:45am
7:00am
7:15am
7:30am
8:00am
Please be sure to arrive at the start site
approximately 15 – 30 minutes prior to your
allocated start time and follow the directions
to your start group.
As each start group has been carefully
allocated based on a number of factors
(group size, rider experience and safety
requirements) we are unable to move your
start time.
Cooper Street Reserve, Engadine 58km:
The 58KM ride starts at 8.00AM with last
rider leaving at 9.00AM. In an attempt to
reduce congestion and spread riders evenly
Please take direction from event staff and
marshals to ensure a smooth start to the event.
You must bring your Ride Bib and any lunch/
transport wristbands (where applicable) with
you on the day. These serve as your proof of
entry and tickets to collect your lunch pack
and/or gain access to trains to/from the event.
If you have lost your rider bib, please visit the
Bib Collection tent to be re-issued a bib.
BRING THE ESSENTIALS
•Helmet and comfortable riding clothes inc.
wet weather gear
•Rider Bib and any wristbands (lunch/ train)
•Rider ID card – filled out
•Tool kit, including: spare tube, pump,
puncture repair kit & tyre levers
•Water bottles and snacks
LUGGAGE SERVICE $5 (CASH ONLY)
We can take your small backpack/clothing
from the Start to the Finish Site at Thomas
Dalton Park ready for collection from 11.30am.
•Plastic bags are available at the Luggage
Tent for weather protection.
•A luggage wrist band will be attached to your
bag and your rider bib is required to collect
your bag at the Finish.
•Please allow time to drop your luggage to
ensure you don’t miss your start time.
•No personal items of value should be left.
•MS take all care but accept no responsibility
for lost or damaged property.
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5
PHOTOGRAPHY
Our Official Photographer is Supersport
Images. Your entry fee includes a free
electronic colour image that can be
downloaded in high resolution after the event
from www.supersportimages.com.au
Supersport Images photographers will be
located along the course including Seacliff
Bridge, Sandon Point and the Finish Line.
Look for the signs reminding you to smile and
prepare for your photo! Say Cheese!
Images will be identified by bib number. Please
ensure your bib number is clearly visible on
your chest. You will be sent an email after the
ride so you can log onto Supersport Images
website to access your photos.
Team Photos
If you’re part of a team, arrive early at your
start site and have a souvenir photo taken at
the Teams Area.
Team photos start from 5:30am at the 90km
start site and 7am at the 58km start site. Your
Team Captain will be emailed and sent one
photo post-event.
TOILETS
Toilets are available at the start/finish sites
and at the official Rest Areas. Accessible
toilets are available at both start sites, the
Lunch Stop in the Royal National Park and at
the Finish Site at Thomas Dalton Park.
LUNCHES & FOOD OPTIONS
Complimentary tea/coffee and muffins are
available at Loftus Oval for 90km riders and
complimentary muffins at the Royal National
Park lunch stop for 58km riders
•Lunch vouchers are only valid for the site
you nominated when registering.
•Silver band = Royal National Park or Yellow
band = Finish Site at Thomas Dalton Park.
 A sausage sizzle and coffee van will be at the
Royal National Park lunch stop – cash only.
 Complimentary fruit (oranges/bananas) is
available at the Scarborough Rest Stop.
 Hot and cold food is available from stalls at
the Finish Site at Thomas Dalton Park.
TEAMS CHALLENGE
LOFTUS OVAL – 60kms
Morning Tea
A special welcome to all teams this year.
Challenge yourselves to win one of the
following Team Challenges;
•Highest Fundraising team
•Highest Average Fundraising team
(10 team member minimum)
•Highest Average Fundraising team
(between 2 and 9 team members)
•Biggest team
•Best dressed team (most creative & fun)
•Best uniformed team.
CANCELLATION OF EVENT
In the unlikely event that the ride is cancelled
while in progress, Waterfall, Otford and if
necessary, Scarborough train stations will
be used to evacuate and transport riders on
special trains out of the Royal National Park
area. Event staff and authorities will make
official announcements if the situation arises.
OTFORD LOOKOUT – 34kms
SCARBOROUGH
FRUIT STOP – 25kms
THOMAS DALTON PARK,
Fairy Meadow
•Pre-ordered lunch packs can be collected
from the Royal National Park lunch stop or
the Finish Site at Thomas Dalton Park.
•You must wear your lunch ticket wrist band
as proof of purchase to collect your lunch
from the Lunch Tent.
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7
ST PETERS
TRAIN STATION
DROP OFF ZONE
90KM
START
SITE
CAR PARK
DROP OFF ZONE
ALEXANDRIA
SYDNEY PARK
58KM
START
SITE
COOPER STREET RESERVE
ENGADINE
ST PETERS
ON STREET PARKING
ON STREET PARKING
90KM START SITE
58KM START SITE
SYDNEY PARK, ST PETERS – DROP OFF ZONE
COOPER STREET RESERVE, COOPER
STREET, ENGADINE – DROP OFF ZONE
Sydney Park is located between Sydney Park
Road and the Princes Highway at St Peters. St
Peters Station is across the road and Central
Station is a short 3km away. Limited all day
parking is available at Sydney Park. On-street
parking is also available on Euston Road and
Huntley Street. Where possible please arrange
to be dropped off at Sydney Park Road.
8
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Engadine train station is only a short ride
away. There is limited street parking around
the reserve.
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9
To access the Sweep Bus notify a marshal at a
• Stop,
Cook
Sans
8:30am
Rest
or Park,
if you are
onSouci:
the road,
turn your
Loftusdown
Oval,
11:00am
bike• upside
in Loftus:
a prominent
and safe
position
and waitTrain
off the
road. Waterfall: 12:15pm
• Waterfall
Station,
Red Bus
Cedar
Flats,
National
The•Sweep
is not
yourRoyal
free ride
to the Park:
12:45pm
finish site and will make regular drop-offs at
train
the course
help you get
• stations
Otford along
Lookout,
Otford:to1:30pm
home
or
to
the
finish
site
in
Wollongong.
• Lawrence Hargrave Memorial Car Park,
Tops: 2:00pm
MobileStanwell
Bike Mechanics
Volunteer
mechanics Public
ride theSchool,
course providing
• Scarborough
Scarborough:
support
to less experienced riders and
2:45pm
basic
(e.g. puncture
• mechanical
Nicholson assistance
Park, Woonona
3:30pm
• Stuart Park, Nth Wollongong: 4:30pm
10
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finish site and at all rest stops and there are
mobile St John crews cycling the course. The
Ambulance Service of NSW willBOalso
located
DE AVbe
E
along the course.
AN
T
AV
E
In Case of Emergency, call 000.
D
CLIFF
R
PLEAS
ANT AV
E
BLACK
ET ST
ST
riders to support riders who have broken down
and/or are unable to continue riding. Please be
Official
Area
Closing
Times
aware
that youRest
may have
to wait
long periods
Rest
Stops
will
close
at
the
following
times:
of time for the Sweep Bus to reach you.
G
EO
Limited street parking is also available around
Route Marshals
R
G the event area based on a first come first
Route marshals are located throughout the
E
H
AN
served
basis.BIKE
These LIFT
streets include George
course, identified by their red MS Volunteer
LE
BUSTOP
Y
t-shirt, red hat and high-visibility vest. Please
Hanley
Drive,
Blacket
Street, Pleasant Avenue,
D
R
IV
Bode Avenue
and Virginia Street. People are
wave and thank them as you pass as they are
E
EXIT TO
also advised to obey all instructions
the event heroes, helping you have a safe and
TRAINS from
enjoyable day.
event staff, authorities and to follow all street
parking signage.
CAR
PL
Medical
EA
PARK
S
St John NSW will be located at the start sites/
BOURK
E ST
Finish Site Location
Stuart Park, George Hanley Drive, North
Wollongong
What’s Happening at the finish site?
Stuart Park will be buzzing with live music,
sponsor stalls and a variety of food and drink
on offer.
KEMBLA
see Lunches & Food Options section of
booklet for locations
RIDE
• SUPPORT
Food to purchase – see Lunches & Food
SweepOptions
Bus
section of booklet for locations
Our Sweep Bus and trailer follows the last
• Entertainment (Loftus Oval & Bald Hill)
Participants are encouraged
to LIFT
take
BIKE
advantage of the SpecialDROP
Event Trains
OFF however
FINISH
if they need parking it is limited and on a first
SITE
come first served basis in Stuart Park. This
is also the advertised pick-up location for
participants. As the park remains open to the
general public they are advised that these
STUART
PARK
spaces will be have
to be shared.
E
•Cook
Park, Sans
Souci untilat9:00am
Facilities
available
all rest stops:
•Loftus
Oval, Loftus until 11am
• Toilets
•Waterfall Train Station, Waterfall until
• Water
12:15pm
• First
•Red
CedarAid
Flats, Royal National Park until
• Sunscreen (although we suggest you bring
12:45pm
your
own) Otford until 1:30pm
•Otford
Lookout,
•Lawrence
Hargreave Memorial Car Park,
• Bike Mechanics
Stanwell Tops until 2pm
•Scarborough Public School, Scarborough
Facilities available at some rest stops:
until 2:45pm
• LunchPark,
– forWoonona
pre-purchased
tickets only –
•Nicholson
until 3:15pm
wIThIN STuART PARK
Mechanical Support
Mechanics are available to provide support
at start/finish sites and rest stops. Please
don’t expect mechanics to fix your bike at the
start instead of having it serviced beforehand.
Spare tubes, chain links and other supplies
can be purchased from mechanics at rest
stops. Labour is free of charge.
L AV
the day.
Pick Up and Parking
Participant parking is not available at Thomas
Dalton Park.
SEL
• Red Cedar Flats, Royal National Park
REST
AREAS
• Otford Lookout, Otford
All Rest
Areas include
Toilets, Water,
FirstCar
Aid, Park,
• Lawrence
Hargreave
Memorial
Sunscreen (although we suggest you bring
Stanwell Tops
your own) and Bike Mechanics.
• Scarborough Public School, Scarborough
Note
Rest Stops
progressively
• that
Nicholson
Park,
Woononaclose on
repairs). They can be identified by their red
ON STREET PARKING
‘Bike Mechanic’ jerseys and MS logos on their
handlebars.
LImITEd PARKING
BES
• Cook Park,THE
Sans Souci
ABOUT
• Loftus Oval, Loftus
COURSE
• Waterfall Train Station, Waterfall
ST
Official Rest Areas
VIRGIN
IA
UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
FINISH VILLAGE
About the courSe
Information & Sales Booths
If you have any questions, wish to buy some
merchandise or are not sure where to find
something, please visit our Information tent
found at both start sites and the finish site. O
Volunteer staff will be happy to help point yo
in the right direction and answer your querie
Official Event Presentation
This will take place at 1.00pm when the
winners of the Rider Sportswear Teams
Challenge will be announced.
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11
EVENT TRANSPORT
FAIRY
MEADOW
TRAIN
STATION
TRAINS
FINISH
SITE
THOMAS DALTON PARK
FAIRY MEADOW
Pre-purchased train tickets for the Special
Event trains were available when you
entered. These tickets are also valid for
your return journey.
For timetable information visit
www.sydneytrains.info/timetables/#landingPoint
Call 1300 733 690 if you have entered and
now need to book a ticket. Tickets $7.
Limited parking is available at both start
sites and at Fairy Meadow. Please obey
instructions from event staff and follow
all signs.
A BLUE wrist band will be sent to you in
your entry kit. Remember to bring your
pre-purchased ticket with you.
Tickets can still be purchased on the day
for $4 or $8 (depending on your destination
station) from the Merchandise tent at the
Finish Site.
EVENT ROUTE
ROUTE TO TRAIN STATION
LIMITED STREET PARKING
FINISH SITE
The Finish Site is at Thomas Dalton Park, Lot
2 Elliotts Road, Fairy Meadow.
What’s happening at the finish site?
Thomas Dalton Park will be buzzing with live
music, sponsor stalls, massage tent, beer
tent and food stalls.
Official Event Presentation will take place
at 1pm when the winners of the Teams
Challenge will be announced.
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Information & Sales Booths
For information, merchandise purchases or
other enquiries visit the Information Tent
at start sites and the Finish Site where our
Volunteers will be happy to point you in the
right direction and answer your queries.
For public transport service information and to
plan your trip visit www.sydneytrains.info and
click on Plan Your Trip or call the Transport
Infoline on 131 500.
Normal Sydney Trains services only carry a
small number of bikes, so please use special
event trains where possible. Make alternative
arrangements in areas affected by trackwork
as bikes are not allowed on replacement bus
services. For further information visit:
www.sydneytrains.info
Pre-event train from Fairy Meadow to
St Peters/Engadine
Special services to the 90km or 58km start
sites operate from Fairy Meadow stopping
at all stations to Austinmer, Stanwell
Park, Helensburgh, Engadine, Sutherland,
Hurstville, Sydenham, St Peters and Central.
DROP OFF, PICK UP AND PARKING
Supporters dropping off riders at St Peters
should do so in the designated “Drop Off”
areas on Sydney Park Road and Euston Road.
Please note that Sydney Buses do not allow
bicycles to be transported on buses.
PRIVATE SUPPORT VEHICLES
Please assist us by keeping private support
vehicles off the route and meet your family
and friends at the finish site by driving an
alternative route.
This reduces congestion, increases safety
and ensures the ride runs smoothly.
For our Safe Supporters brochure visit
www.msgongride.org.au/assets/documents/
Safe_Supporters_Brochure_g14.pdf
Post-Event train from Fairy Meadow
to St Peters/Engadine and beyond
Special event train services will depart
from Fairy Meadow Station between approx
9:30am – 5:30pm for riders travelling back
to Sydney. Marshalling arrangements will be
in place prior to entry on to the platforms at
Fairy Meadow Station so please follow signs
and instructions of Sydney Trains staff.
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13
RULES AND SAFETY
Your behaviour on the course has a major
impact on the success and safety of the ride.
For the safety of other cyclists, volunteers,
local residents and the general community,
all participants must abide by the road rules
and obey police directions at all times.
RIDE WITHIN THE LAW
The following road rules apply to the MS Gong
Ride in particular. Police will be on the road
and will fine those who:
MAJOR DESCENTS
 Waterfall where the course enters the
Royal National Park
 Lawrence Hargrave Dr from Bald Hill to
Stanwell Park
•Do not overtake the motorcycles under
any circumstance.
•Stay on the left-hand side of the road at
all times.
•Cycle in a steady line and do not make
sharp deviations in direction.
•Cycle at a safe and steady speed.
•Be prepared for sudden changes in
road conditions.
FLUIDS
Official Rest Areas
•Have your bike serviced before the ride –
ensure your brakes are in working order and
both tyres are pumped up well.
•Adjust your bike to fit you properly to prevent
aching backs or knees
•Check your tyres and brakes before starting.
•Learn how to do basic repairs, especially
punctures – this will save you time off the
bike on the event and in the future.
•Drink plenty of fluids before, during and
after the ride.
•Go on training rides in the weeks leading
up to the event to increase fitness levels
and stamina. For more training tips and
nutritional advice, please visit our website.
•Keep an eye on the weather forecast prior to
the event so you dress appropriately.
•Practice basic bike handling skills such as
gear changing, drinking fluids while riding,
braking, cornering, descending, riding in
traffic and riding in groups.
•Remember the road rules and have a
great day.
• Cook Park, Sans Souci
• Loftus Oval, Loftus
• Waterfall Train Station, Waterfall
• Red Cedar Flats, Royal National Park
• Otford Lookout, Otford
• Lawrence Hargreave Memorial Car Park,
Stanwell Tops
• Scarborough Public School, Scarborough
• Nicholson Park, Woonona
Facilities available at all rest stops:
• Toilets
• Water
• First Aid
• Sunscreen (although we suggest you bring
your own)
• Bike Mechanics
Facilities available at some rest stops:
There are two major descents which have
special procedures in place for safety and
traffic management. Riders are held at the top
of the descent and escorted in groups by NSW
Police and/or MS Motorcycle Marshals.
• Lunch – for pre-purchased tickets only –
see Lunches & Food Options section of
booklet for locations
• Food to purchase – see Lunches & Food
Options section of booklet for locations
• Entertainment (Loftus Oval & Bald Hill)
Finish
Stuart
Wollon
What
Stuart
sponso
on offe
Offici
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This w
winner
Challe
14
Official Rest Area Closing Times
NSW police will be actively targeting cyclists
who run red lights.
Rest Stops will close at the following times:
• Cook Park, Sans Souci: 8:30am
• Loftus Oval, Loftus: 11:00am
• Waterfall Train Station, Waterfall: 12:15pm
• Red Cedar Flats, Royal National Park:
12:45pm
• Otford Lookout, Otford: 1:30pm
• Lawrence Hargrave Memorial Car Park,
Stanwell Tops: 2:00pm
• Scarborough Public School, Scarborough:
2:45pm
• Nicholson Park, Woonona 3:30pm
• Stuart Park, Nth Wollongong: 4:30pm
•Are not wearing a helmet
•Disobey traffic lights at intersections and do
not stop at pedestrian crossings
•Fail to keep to the left of the carriageway
•Ride more than two abreast
•Ride dangerously or negligently
•Obey the road rules including all traffic
signals and signage.
•Always ride on the left-hand side of the road.
•Listen to and obey directions of NSW Police
and course marshals/volunteers.
•Use hand signals if turning left or right, or
stopping.
•Only overtake to the right of another rider
and call out ‘passing’ when doing so.
•Always look behind before pulling out to
overtake another rider.
•Only ride side-by-side and no more than two
abreast.
•It is your responsibility to follow the signposted route.
•Bikes must be mechanically sound with
both front and rear brakes in working order.
•Give way to pedestrians at crossings and
when turning at intersections.
•Wear bright clothing to increase your
visibility to other road users.
•Do not ride in the gutter as there may be
unsafe grates.
•Always wear your helmet correctly fitted
when cycling.
•The MS Gong Ride is not a race. It is a
recreational bike riding event.
You and your bike will need to be in top
shape if you’re going to last the distance.
Make sure you:
About the courSe
The MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride is held
on public roads that may have high traffic
demands or present difficult conditions such
as steep descents. It is important that you
exercise extreme caution at all times and ride
in a protective manner, constantly scanning
the environment to be aware of what is
happening around you.
PREPARE YOURSELF- AND YOUR BIKE
Please read and follow these instructions to
ensure a safe and enjoyable day for all.
Any amount of dehydration can affect
performance – there is a progressive
deterioration as hydration levels fall, which
may be hard to notice at first. Being organised
is essential. Take a water bottle to remind
you to drink, drink regularly and don’t wait till
you’re thirsty as by then it’s too late.
INSURANCE
It’s important that anytime you ride you are
covered with insurance to protect you and
others. We recommend that riders take out
membership affiliated with Bicycle NSW. Visit
their web page www.bicyclensw.org.au for
more information and for a fantastic 15%
discount and enter coupon code MSGONG14.
www.msgongride.org.au
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The waiver that you have signed as a condition
of entry does not cover participants for
collisions caused by yourself or another rider. If
you require an ambulance, please note that this
is not covered under membership insurance
and you will be charged for the transportation.
VOLUNTEERS
We could not stage the ride without the help
of a dedicated team of 400 volunteers. Our
heroes! Volunteers are unpaid not because
they are worthless but because they are
priceless. Every year we are overwhelmed with
the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm
of our volunteers. So when you pass a Vollie
during your ride be sure to give them a wave
and thank them for helping to make this such
a safe and successful event.
If you know someone who would like to
volunteer please contact Angela Bekesi on
02 8299 0130 or
[email protected]
WHAT ARE TYPICAL SYMPTOMS OF
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?
WHAT IS MS?
MS stands for Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic
and often debilitating disease which attacks
the central nervous system (the brain, spinal
cord and optic nerves). It is the most common
neurological condition affecting young
adults. It‘s a disease in which your immune
system attacks and damages the protective
sheath that covers your nerves, disrupting
communication between your brain and the
rest of your body.
WHO GETS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?
In Australia, four people every working day
are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis which
equates to an additional 1,000 people
every year. The average age of diagnosis is
30, although symptoms may begin much
earlier. Children as young as four have been
diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Interestingly
three times more women are affected by
multiple sclerosis than men and it strikes at
a time in their lives when they’re planning
families and building careers.
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No two cases of multiple sclerosis are identical
and the severity and progression of the
condition cannot be predicted. The visible and
hidden symptoms vary from person to person
and from time to time in the same person,
but may include tiredness, blurry vision, loss
of balance and muscle coordination, slurred
speech, difficulty walking, short-term memory
loss, tingling and numbness or in severe cases
tremors and paralysis.
CAN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS BE CURED?
Multiple Sclerosis is a lifelong disease for which
a cure is yet to be found. However, doctors and
scientists are constantly making discoveries
about the treatment and management of
multiple sclerosis. While the search for a cure
continues, treatments can help speed recovery
from attacks, modify and delay the course of
the disease and manage symptoms.
WHAT ELSE DOES MS DO?
MS provides programs and choices to people
with multiple sclerosis including a range of
residential facilities, social support programs,
accommodation support services, attendant
care in private homes, involvement with
regional centres and country link programs.
These services are vital to maintain the
independence and dignity of people with MS.