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2009 MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride

Recently I was lucky enough to be in Sydney for work so made sure I caught up with a few friends who were ready to start the 2009 MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride. The morning was cool, perfect for riding the 90k’s.

My friends and I set off with the intention of staying together, but I couldn’t resist and once a big peleton came past I jumped on the back – we flew out of Sydney, in fact I almost ended up off course, as I realised at the last minute it was a training run – heading the wrong way – quickly back on course.

After an uneventful few k’s we hit the royal national park, and I was stopped by some vollies who had blocked the road. In the distance I saw a bunch of riders heading off and so I asked why we were being stopped. Then I saw the motorbikes, and the vollie told me they motorbikes were to pace us down slowly as it was a big decent! Lucky for me I was at the head of the bunch, of probably 500 riders.

In a few minutes they withdrew the barriers and I pulled out after the Dernies!! What a way to go through the national park, with closed roads I hammered down drafting behind the bikes as another two riders and I the escort left the field behind.

It was not like coming down Mount Hotham but none the less after what seemed like a few seconds we came to the tail of the leading bunch and my escort waved me on, from then on it was a few more small climbs on open roads, finishing on a bike path, with great scenery and a carnival atmosphere at the end ( although I am not a big fan of police bands!)

So far I have fundraised $1495.00 in support of people living with MS and in total so far the event has raised more than $2.7 million, thanks to the amazing generosity of others in supporting such a worthwhile cause. Together we have helped make a difference to the lives of many people living with MS.

Check out the website for more info at: http://register.gongride.org.au/?Benedict

I must say the event was really well run, and safe and not as hilly as I thought – I can recommend it as a great personal challenge – If I made it, you probably can too! Add it to the list of rides you want to complete – it’s not Alpe D’huez but it a challenge none the less.

Oh and if you do – look out for the guy with massive dreadlocks, riding a dragster complete with sissy bar and ape hangers, or the dude on the massive uni – personally, I prefer my road bike!

Cheers, Benedict

This entry was posted by B. Hughes on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 1:18 am and is filed under Reports, Social.