10th Annual MS Melbourne Cycle 2016

10th Annual MS Melbourne Cycle 2016

On Sunday 6 March 2016, Melbourne's roads will be ablaze with red as cyclists of all ages and fitness levels ride in the 10^th annual MS Melbourne Cycle to support people living with multiple sclerosis, the most common neurological disease in young adults.

For the first time since the event was launched in 2006, kids will have the chance to ride with mum and dad around Flemington Racecourse with the addition of 3km and 7km courses.

'The MS Melbourne Cycle has always been a family-friendly event," said Robyn Hunter, CEO of MS. 'This year, we wanted to strengthen that appeal by creating a ride that is so safe and easy that kids from toddlers to teens can enjoy a day out with their parents."

Whether you're riding a two-wheeler or a tricycle, an eBike or a handcycle, you can help expose this invisible disease by participating in the MS Melbourne Cycle.  

Participants can choose between a 3km, 7km, 30km or 50km MS Melbourne Cycle course with all routes starting and finishing at Flemington Racecourse.

'We are thrilled to host this fantastic community cycling event. Over the past 10 years the MS Melbourne Cycle has raised more than $4 million for people living with multiple sclerosis," Robyn said.

'The funds contribute to the ongoing provision of services, support, treatment and information to enable people living with multiple sclerosis to continue to live full and uncompromised lives."

The MS Melbourne Cycle is a family-friendly charity event where participants are encouraged to dress up in red clothing and enjoy a non-competitive ride through the streets of Melbourne and over the West Gate Bridge if they opt for the long route or around Flemington Racecourse if they choose the short course.

Following the bike ride, participants and their families can relax at the Event Village at Flemington Racecourse, where there will be food, drinks, face painting, music and prizes for Best Dressed Individual, Best Dressed Team and Best Uniformed Team.

Entry costs from $5 to - $40 for children and $20 to - $65 for adults, depending on course length. Entry fees cover the cost of the event, therefore, participants are encouraged to fundraise to support the charity. There is no entry fee for people living with multiple sclerosis. 

To register as an individual or a team visit www.msmelbourncycle.com.au.

About multiple sclerosis:

Multiple sclerosis is the most common neurological disease in young adults. It is a chronic and often debilitating disease which randomly attacks the central nervous system.

The symptoms can include extreme fatigue and chronic pain, vision, cognitive, continence and mobility issues, right through potentially to total and permanent disability.

Four people every working day are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis – that's an additional 1,000 people each year.

Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong disease for which there is no known cause or cure.

Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is typically between 20 and 40 years of age and three quarters of people living with multiple sclerosis are women.