That might seem obvious to most Sydney-siders. After all, it’s officially the Sydney to the Gong MS Bike Ride, and the MS Society has always been the main name attached to the ride. Some people forget or don’t appear to notice, however.
There was a letter to the SMH, this morning, that pissed me off a bit. Some guy from Beecroft complained that – all of a sudden, this year – the entry fee has increased and entrants must pledge to try and raise $250 for charity. For a start, that all happened last year as well, so obviously he hasn’t entered for a couple of years. Secondly, no-one can be forced to raise money, but any community-minded person might actually want to try and raise some. The letter writer states that this is a great community event (it is) but doesn’t want to be a real member of that community, by the look of it.
I wrote a letter back to the Herald, pointing this out, and stating that he was quite welcome to get on his bike and ride to Wollongong any time he liked, if being part of a charity ride was not his thing. If he wants to take advantage of the facilities the MS Society is paying for (police escorts and other safety measures, as well as food and water stops), he needs to pay his money, accept the event’s terms and conditions and shut up.
2006 & 2007 was the Portfolio Partners Sydney to Gong Ride.
In 2006, the ride guide states that 30% of riders fundraise.
In 2010, the online entry stated that one must fundraise a minimum of $250 to enter future rides.
I’ve been doing the Gong Ride a tad longer than you I suspect.
Maybe the MS Society’s presence wasn’t always reflected in the name but I’ve got jerseys dating back to 2002 with the MS logo on them, and I’ve been fund-raising for them as far back as that – you can search through this blog to see a record going back to 2005, FWIW. If you’re focusing on a swinging dick competition, I’m opting out and you can stand there with your pants down by yourself 🙂
My brother joined me last year and didn’t raise the pledged amount, but he was allowed to ride this year so I don’t think that they’re keeping people out for that reason.
As I said above, if you don’t want to ride for charity, don’t join a charity event – and that ‘s what it is. Just get on your bike and ride to Wollongong and don’t whinge to me about being treated unfairly.