Thousands of families, corporate teams and even a man in a tutu descended on South Bank on Sunday 27 June for the annual Enerflex MS Brissie to the Bay charity bike ride.

Cyclists of all ages and backgrounds, and more than a few colourful characters, rode one of three distances – the 10km, 25km or 50km routes – to support Queenslanders living with multiple sclerosis.

Now in its 19th year and the biggest events of its kind, the ride is the flagship fundraising event for MS Australia – QLD and raises money to fund vital support services and research projects.

“With more than 4000 riders registered to take part, this was by far out biggest year yet,” event organiser Julia Faul said.  “The money is still being counted, but we are confident of reaching our fundraising goal of $300,000.”

Jessie Priest, a 28-year-old sales executive from Greenslopes, formed the Hot Pants team with a group of friends and rode the 50km route today.

“It was so much fun getting friends together to do something active and worthwhile,” Ms Priest said.  “There were 13 of us and we raised more than $2200, which we’re pretty happy with.”

Despite the name, she said the team decided against wearing actual hot pants because of chilly weather this morning.  However plenty of other participants took the opportunity to dress up in costume, including a gentleman who wore a tutu and the circus-inspired team of riders.

We’re thrilled with the overwhelming success of the ride and wish to thank everyone who did their part to help Queenslanders living with multiple sclerosis.