‘Ride and Shine’ for a good cause

Getting up early during the week is difficult at the best of times, but getting up early on the weekend is near impossible. Many thoughts ran through my head this morning when my alarm sounded at 5.30am, but “I need more sleep” was the predominant one. Bleary eyed, we managed to leave the house at 6.30am to head north from Southbank to Princes Park, Carlton North for the 7.15am start of the Melbourne Summer Cycle for MS Australia.

Above: Cyclists preparing for the 40km ride ahead

A staggered start meant that between 7-8.15am different groups of cyclists (differentiated by the colour of their event number bib) started at different times, so congestion (and aggression) at the start was kept to a minimum. Despite the staggered starting times, it was still a slow journey through the city due to the amount of traffic light stops. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the patience of all cyclists, even the elite who I knew would be itching to get up to speed. Everyone was extremely courteous and in good spirits, perhaps due to also those exercise-induced happy endorphins!

Above: Waiting patiently for the race to start

One of the highlights (or challenges) of the event was the long climb over the West Gate Bridge. A lane was reserved for cyclists with ample room for overtaking (for those fortunate enough to have enough energy to do so!). We were strictly advised that there was to be no stopping on the bridge, which was disappointing as there were many great photo opportunities. After all, how often are you able to cycle over this landmark bridge with hundreds of other crazy cyclists?

I have participated in several MS Fun Runs, always finding their events extremely well organised. Today’s cycle event was no exception. There was no shortage of friendly, encouraging marshals as well as clear signs and directions. To the frustration of many motorists, lanes on numerous roads throughout the course were closed exclusively for the event.

Participants included spandex-clad seasoned cyclists, well-intentioned cuddlies who had been advised that cycling puts less pressure on the joints, enthusiastic Mums and Dads with little ones and competitive corporate crowds. But no matter how diverse the group, everyone appeared to enjoy the challenge of the event. Make sure you add the MS Melbourne Summer Cycle to your calendar next year and ‘ride and shine’ for this great event.

Above: Chilling out at the finish


Above: MS Melbourne Summer Cycle 2010 route map

Some facts about Multiple Sclerosis:
• 18,000 people in Australia are currently living with MS
• There is no know cause or cure
• The average age of diagnosis is 30.
• The youngest person in Australia to be diagnosed with the disease is 6 years old.
• MS affects three times as many women as men.

For more information on MS visit: www.mssociety.org.au