If you’re not riding in Geelong tomorrow (Women’s Rides for International Women’s Day) you might consider riding MS Melbourne Cycle.  Based on Bicycle Victoria’s Great Melbourne Bike Rides run in the 1990s by Bicycle Victoria (now the Bicycle Network) participants have the opportunity to ride 50, 30, 7 or 10 kilometres, starting at Flemington Race Course at 7am.  The two longer routes ride over West Gate Bridge, which is usually closed to bikes.  Registration from 6am, Flemington Race Course.

Today The Bicycle Show interviewed Carol Cooke, Olympic Gold Medal Winner in the T2 (tricycle) class at the Paralympics who has MS.  Carol is probably in the pool now – the phone interview took place at the Fitzroy Pool where Carol was participating in the 24 Hour Swim for MS.  Since she organised the first 24hour Mega Swim in 2001 the event has raised millions of dollars to support MS sufferers in their daily lives.  Carol was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1998.  At that time she was already an elite athlete.

Carol Cooke on her trike.

Even if you don’t wish to ride to raise funds for MS you can still donate to the cause at either http://www.msmelbournecycle.org.au/ or http://www.msmegaswim.org.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.home