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 cycling challenge which runs across October to raise vital funds for kids with childhood brain conditions and the challenges faced by their families. In 2026 Brainwave is celebrating 30 years of funding for essential therapy, life-saving equipment, and moments of joy for the more than 1,900 children and their families supported by Brainwave.
Every kilometre ridden and dollar raised will support the ever-increasing number of families approaching Brainwave Australia for support. The importance of Ride for the Kids as a means to support these families can’t be overstated.
This October everyone can ride on the road, at the gym, on an indoor trainer, around their neighbourhood, with their workplace, family, school, cycling group or as part of a team.
No one needs to be an elite cyclist, you just need a bike and a goal. 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.
Thirty years ago, Josephine Nicholls AM faced every parent’s greatest fear. Her young son was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and life changed overnight. The uncertainty, the exhaustion, and the long hospital days became part of her world. But from that experience came something extraordinary.
Thirty years later, Josephine’s son, Nic Cox, is now an adult and a father and the Patron of Brainwave, the not for profit Josephine started.
Josephine decided that no family should ever have to face the same challenges she did on their own. Out of that decision, Brainwave Australia was born. What began as a small network of parents supporting one another has grown into a national organisation that continues to change lives.
Brainwave was the first organisation of its kind in Australia, and thirty years later it remains unique. It is still the only charity that supports children with brain conditions and their families right across the country.
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.
- Rewards – Get appreciated for your fundraising efforts with custom gear from cult cycling brand, Pedla, including a Ride for the Kids Water Bottle 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.
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.’
Matt Keenan, known as ‘The Voice of Cycling’ for his work on SBS, 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.’
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 on us for support, and we hope you will all ride with us for the kids with brain injury.’
Find out more at https://brainwave.org.au/
