Every day, 10 children in Australia are diagnosed with a neurological condition – that’s 3,000 families each year whose lives are changed forever.

Ride for the Kids is Australia’s leading virtual cycling challenge which runs across October to raise vital funds and awareness for Brainwave Australia and kids with childhood brain conditions and the challenges faced by their families.

Every kilometre and dollar raised will support the funding for essential therapy, life-saving equipment, and moments of joy for the more than 1,600 children and their families supported by Brainwave.

The number of families approaching Brainwave Australia for support has doubled over the last three years and the importance of Ride for the Kids as a means to support these families can’t be overstated.

All proceeds raised from Ride for the Kids will go directly to Brainwave Australia, the only national charity that supports kids and families impacted by childhood brain conditions.

Here’s How to Ride for the Kids in October:

· Register – All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate for free. Participants can sign up here at rideforthekids.org.au.

· Recruit – Ride on your own and get your friends, families or colleagues to sponsor you or make it a mission to have them join your team and ride together for this powerful cause.

· Ride – Get pedaling and raising money from riding a 10km spin around the neighbourhood or at the gym, taking on a challenging 298 km Paris—Roubaix, 1,200km across the Nullarbor or go even further and complete the 3,320km in the Tour de France route. Whichever distance you decide, every kilometer will go into raising necessary funds for the kids.

· Rewards – Get appreciated for your fundraising efforts with custom gear from cult cycling brand, Pedla, including a Kids WaterBottle when you raise $100, a high-performance Pedla Adventure Tee when you raise $250 and getting the official Pedla Ride for the Kids Cycling Jersey when you raise $500. Additionally, when you rally five people to join your team, each of them will score a Ride for the Kids cycling cap.

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Gracie Elvin, dual Olympian and cycling commentator, said: “As someone who’s gained so much from cycling, I’m passionate about using it to give back. Ride for the Kids is a chance to do something powerful, while also doing something you love.”

Gracie Elvin is not only a dual Olympian and cycling commentator, she also co-founded The Cyclists’ Alliance, the first-ever women’s cycling union. Despite retiring from pro cycling in 2020, she continues to serve asAthlete Liaison at AusCycling and advocates for rider wellbeing and meaningful athlete representation in governance.

Matt Keenan, known as “The Voice of Cycling”, said:“Every kilometre counts. I’m riding to help kids with brain disorders get the support they deserve – and I hope you’ll join us.”

Matthew (Matt) Keenan is one of the most recognised voices in international cycling. His passion is making cycling accessible and joyful for others, and his mission is to infect as many people as possible with the bike bug.

Paul Bird, Brainwave Australia CEO, said: “We are thrilled to be holding this event and hope to bring together every Australian for an important cause such as ours. Many families are counting onus for support, and we hope you will all ride with us for the kids with brain injury.”

Register for free at rideforthekids.org.au.