Young Journalist Award 2006 Junior Division Winner

Pedal for a purpose

Chloe Potvin, St Joseph's Catholic College, East Gosford, NSW.

Imagine the warm spring sunshine on your back and the refreshing ocean breeze on your face as you cycle through the Royal National Park.

Does this sound good to you? Well why not give it a try on the 5th of November and join 10,000 other cyclists as they pedal for a purpose in the 25th anniversary of the MS Sydney to the Gong bike ride.

Anyone can participate in the MS Sydney to the Gong ride and it is a terrific way to contribute to the community and raise money for the research of multiple sclerosis. You can help assist to raise the target amount of $200,000 by buying or selling raffle tickets, getting sponsors, making a donation and purchasing the limited edition 25th Sydney to the Gong t-shirt or jersey. Your registration fee also goes to the MS Society to help victims of multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system and progresses slowly, causing inflammation and disease. MS can cause a variety of symptoms including changes in sensations, visual problems, and muscle weakness, difficulties with coordination, slurred speech and depression. This is because MS targets the brain and spinal cord and so the brain isn’t able to control thought and perception of the body. The main thing you need to know is that there isn’t a cure available. Not yet anyway.

This is where the MS Sydney to the Gong bike ride comes in, because without the money raised through the ride the MS Society wouldn’t be able to afford to do the research needed to find cures and treatments for sufferers of the disease.

The best thing about the event, however, is that everyday cyclists and families get to enjoy a day out doing what they love best, meanwhile contributing to a wonderful cause.

Three-year participant, Lee, believes that ‘the purpose of the ride is different for everyone. However whether it’s a group, individual or personal challenge, it all comes down to helping those facing the challenge of multiple sclerosis.’

The ride follows an absolutely spectacular scenic course. Starting at St Peters the ride goes all the way to Wollongong, passing through the Royal National Park and over the magnificent Seacliff Bridge. If you are up for the challenge you can try to pedal the entire 90km course, or you will be able to start at Heathcote for the 56km option. Either way, everyone is still a winner.

As Claude Pepper once said, ‘Life is like riding a bicycle. You don’t fall off unless you plan to stop pedalling.’

This is your chance to make a difference. Why not embrace it and participate in the MS Sydney to the Gong ride this year. You will definitely spot me there, pedalling for a purpose.