Pedal into History Along Grand Pacific Drive

A long awaited return to Lawrence Hargrave Drive and a spectacular sprint over the new Sea Cliff Bridge will mark the 25^th anniversary of the MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride. 

To be held on Sunday November 5, NSW’s most scenic 90km, one-day bike ride returns to the coast-hugging Lawrence Hargrave Drive for the first time since 2002, when the road was closed due to rockfalls. 

Tourism Wollongong General Manager Greg Binskin said he was thrilled to welcome Sydney to the Gong riders back to the original course, now being marketed by Tourism Wollongong as Grand Pacific Drive. 

From its start point at St Peters in Sydney’s south-east, the annual MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride winds through Brighton Le Sands before plunging into the stark beauty of the Royal National Park and hitting the coast at Bald Hill for the final run across the stunning Sea Cliff Bridge into the heart of Wollongong via quaint coastal villages. 

“The best part about this event is that you don’t have to be a super athlete to take part and cycle one of the most scenic coastal roads in Australia,” Mr Binskin said. 

“Those with a bit less pedal-power can opt for the shorter 56 kilometre course starting at Heathcote and still get to experience the best part of the route through Royal National Park and down Lawrence Hargrave Drive.” 

Mr Binskin said the ride was also an enjoyable event for friends and families of the riders, with the finish at Flagstaff Point taking on a gala atmosphere with live music, stalls, food, drinks and an official presentation ceremony. 

“The Sydney to the Gong ride is a fantastic chance for the city of Wollongong to showcase our region and formerly kick off what is shaping up to be an absolutely wonderful summer season now that we have our new bridge and stunning tourist route – Grand Pacific Drive.” 

MS Society spokesperson Corrina Frankham said this year’s ride had already attracted more than 1500 entries and she was expecting 10,000 cyclists to take part. 

“There is such a buzz because it’s a stunning route and everyone is talking about riding across Sea Cliff Bridge for the first time – it’s a huge drawcard,” Ms Frankham said.

She said the aim of the event was to raise $500,000 to provide treatment programs, specialist services and professional advice for Australians living with multiple sclerosis, while also ensuring the search for a cure for this debilitating disease continues.

For more details about the MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride, visit the website at www.gongride.org.au or call (02) 9413 4166. 

Additional information about Wollongong is available at www.tourismwollongong.com and www.grandpacificdrive.com.au.