Why Join Early?
Early riders will receive:
An invitation to sign up 48 hours before the ride opens to the public
Fundraising tips to help you get started
Reward and partner updates before public launch
A digital Early Rider badge to share with your network
Our 2025 Impact
Individuals, families, workplace teams and cycling clubs logged their kilometres on roads, paths and even trainers at home!
"Brainwave does more than facilitate social connections; this organisation helps families build a village on a very lonely journey. We are forever grateful for the love and support we have received - we certainly would not be the same without your help!"
- Gaëlle, Brainwave Mum
How It Works
1
Register for free
Sign up in minutes. Choose to ride solo or as part of a team.
2
Choose your challenge
Pick a distance goal that works for you. You might ride 10km, take on a cycling classic, set a family goal or create your own challenge.
3
Ride your way
Pedal anywhere, anytime throughout October. On the road, at the gym, around the block - it all counts.
4
Raise funds
You’ll receive your own personal fundraising page to share with friends, family, colleagues and your wider network
5
Earn rewards
Reach fundraising milestones and unlock exclusive Ride for the Kids merchandise from our partners.
Rewards and Rider Perks
When you ride and fundraise, you can unlock exclusive Ride for the Kids rewards from our generous partners.
Reward tiers for 2026 will be announced soon, but early riders will be the first to hear about:
- Ride for the Kids merchandise
- Partner offers
- Fundraising milestone rewards
- Team incentives
- Digital badges
- Special launch-week surprises
The more you raise, the more support you help make possible for Brainwave families.
Where Your Fundraising Goes
Funds raised through Ride for the Kids help Brainwave provide practical, whole-family support to children with brain injuries, illnesses and neurological conditions.
Your fundraising helps make this support possible, including:
Therapy and equipment funding.
Hospital support and Bear Essentials packs
Emergency accommodation and practical help
Family days, camps and connection programs
Parent groups and sibling support
Info and guidance for families from diagnosis onwards
Be Part of the 2026 Ride
Registrations are opening soon.
Join the early rider list today, and be the first to know when Ride for the Kids 2026 goes live.
You’ll receive early access, rider updates and first look at rewards before the public launch.
Full event details, distance challenges and reward tiers will be announced soon. Drop your details on this form and we will keep you in the loop.
FAQs & Support
Need a hand? You’re not alone. Browse our most frequently asked questions below or click View All to see our full set of FAQs, or get in touch with our team for extra support.
Do I have to pay to participate?
Nope - it’s completely free to take part in Ride for the Kids. There's no registration fee, and every dollar you raise goes directly to support over 1,800 Brainwave families across Australia.
Can I log indoor cycling or gym rides?
Absolutely. Whether you’re riding outdoors, at the gym, or on a stationary bike at home, you can log those kilometres. When using a stationary bike you’ll need to log your kilometres manually, which is easy. Simply log into your Fundraising Page and add the kilometres you’ve ridden manually. We only record full kilometres, so feel free to round your riding kilometres to the nearest kilometre when entering.
When does the challenge start and end?
Ride for the Kids runs from 1–31 October 2026. You can start collecting donations as soon as you register and starting logging kilometres ridden from 1st October 2026. Your first fundraising milestones can even be reached before the ride starts, so you many even be wearing all the exclusive gear and ready to roll from 1st October! Any kilometres logged prior to 1st October will be deleted at midnight on 30th September, to ensure we all start at 0km on October 1st.
Where does the money go?
Funds raised through Ride for the Kids go directly to Brainwave Australia, the only national charity supporting children with brain illnesses and injuries, and their families.
Brainwave relies on donations to provide its vital support, which includes tailored information and advice, peer connection, therapy and equipment funding, and family-focused activities.
Your ride helps fund critical therapy and equipment needed for a child to be discharged from hospital and continue treatment at home. It also supports in-hospital care and activities that connect parents and siblings for long-term support.
Today, Brainwave supports over 1,800 families nationwide. With more families approaching Brainwave Australia each week and registrations doubling over the last three years, your support is vital so they can continue enabling children with brain disorders, and their families, to live their best lives.
Contact Support : events@brainwave.org.au
