Frequently Asked Questions

The Big Spin is a 12-hour team-based spin bike challenge to support sick kids and their families who rely on Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney.

You can register as a team or take on the challenge solo. On event day, you and your teammates will take turns riding a spin bike across a 12-hour period. Or if you're up for the challenge, you're welcome to ride the full 12 hours yourself!

Once you sign up, you’ll get access to a personal fundraising page where you can share your challenge, raise vital funds, and track your progress.

Every dollar raised helps keep families together during the toughest times.

There’s no minimum fitness level required, just the determination to make a difference. If you plan on riding for a long period, we strongly advise spending some time training on a spin bike in the lead up to the challenge day. 

The Big Spin will run from 8am - 8pm on the 5th of September 2025. 

The Big Spin begins at 8am and will run for 12 hours, finishing at 8pm.

The Big Spin is a physical event and will be held in a purpose-built marquee on Bennelong Lawn, Sydney. Bennelong Lawn is easily accessible from the Opera House.

You can sign up through The Big Spin website. Simply click here to get started. You’ll then be given two options:

• Create a Team – Select this if you’re starting a team and plan to invite friends, family, or colleagues to ride with you. You’ll be able to invite them during registration or anytime afterward.
  
  Please note, if you're planning on doing the challenge solo, you will still need to create a team for yourself but can just skip the 'invite' step during the registration process.

• Join a Team – Choose this if you’ve been invited to join an existing team. Please note that you can’t join a random team; you’ll need to have received an invite.
  
  

Yes, as long as you've been invited by the team organiser. During registration, choose Join a Team and enter the details provided in your invitation.

You must be invited to join a team. Teams are often made up of friends, family, or colleagues.

If you don't have a team to join, you are welcome to join the Ronald McDonald House GWS Team - we'd love to have you!

Yes! You can sign up as a Solo Spinner and take on the full 12-hour challenge by yourself. It's a huge effort, but an incredible way to make a difference.

You will need to Create a Team for yourself and can just skip the section where you invite teammates.

12 hours is a long time however, so you'll be encouraged on the day to take regular breaks. We'll be there to support you and ensure you take on the challenge safely. 

Yes, there is a team entry fee. This fee covers your bike for the day, event setup, and access to all event-day amenities. It’s a single fee per team, not per person, so you can have as many teammates as you like.

The full fee is $50 per team, however there will be discount entry available during specific time periods. 

There’s no strict team size limit, but we recommend 2 to 8 people for a smooth rotation across the 12 hours. You’re welcome to include more teammates to share the load even further, or split into multiple teams across different bikes.

If you’re planning to bring a larger group, get in touch with us, we’d love to help tailor the experience to suit your team.

No. Only one person rides at a time per team. You can set your own schedule and take turns throughout the day however it suits your group.

Yes! Teams are expected to swap riders throughout the event. How often you switch is completely up to you.

We ask that each team aims to keep their bike going for 12 hours, but individual riders do not need to stay the entire time. You can rotate in shifts as needed.

That’s okay! The rest of the team can adjust the riding schedule. You can also invite someone new to join if needed.

Please note that to be able to take part, all participants must have signed up through the website. We can't accept any riders who haven't completed their registration. 

We are happy to try to accommodate any bike requests. Please reach out to The Big Spin Team and we'll see how we can help.

We are happy to try to accommodate any bike requests. Please reach out to The Big Spin Team and we'll see how we can help.

Yes, there is a minimum fundraising amount of $480 per individual participant.

As this is a fundraising event with a limited number of spin bikes available, we encourage participants to raise as much as they can to support sick kids and their families going through the toughest time of their lives. 

All rewards and badges will be based on the individual fundraising amounts on personal fundraising pages. Team fundraising amounts will not be applicable for personal rewards.

Once you register, you’ll be created your own fundraising page to share with friends, family, and colleagues.

You can share this page far and wide! Use email, social media, and good old-fashioned word-of-mouth to ask for support. Check out our top tips on some great ways to get started.

We are here to help, so feel free to reach out with any questions. We'll also be in touch with friendly advice and support to help you maximise your impact for sick kids. 

All funds raised support Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney, helping families stay together while their child receives hospital treatment far from home.

You can learn more about the impact you're making here. 

Yes, all donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible in Australia. All your generous donors will automatically receive a tax receipt to the email they provided.

Absolutely! We encourage you to share your page far and wide. The more people who see it, the more support you can raise.

We've created some handy resources for you to use across your socials, so don't forget to check them out here.

Remember to tag #thebigspin and tag @rmhcgws in your posts so we can see your amazing work!

We’ve got some amazing rewards to keep you motivated as you fundraise:

• First Donation – Score a Big Spin head sweatband to kick things off.

• Raise $160 – Earn a Big Spin t-shirt to wear with pride.
  
  
• Raise $480 – Go in the draw to win 2 x Adult BridgeClimb Summit or Summit Insider Day Experience from BridgeClimb Sydney, valued RRP $750. 

• Raise $800 – Receive a Big Spin exercise towel for your workouts.

• Raise $1,600 – Unlock the exclusive Big Spin hoodie and VIP perks, including massages on the day, VIP lounge access, a behind-the-scenes tour of Ronald McDonald House, and more surprises.

Plus, there’ll be extra prizes and giveaways on the day for challenge winners and top performers.

Keep spinning, keep fundraising, and unlock as many rewards as you can!

• The exclusive Big Spin hoodie
• A behind-the-scenes tour of Ronald McDonald House in Westmead
• Access to the VIP lounge on event day, which includes a chill out area, massages and more

All spin bikes will be provided at the event, so you won’t need to bring your own. But here are a few things we recommend packing for a smooth and comfortable ride:

• Comfortable activewear and closed-toe shoes. The bikes are equipped with flat pedals and toe straps.

• A towel - raise $800 and receive one on the day! You’ll be working up a sweat

• A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated

• Snacks or energy bars to keep your energy up

• Sunscreen and a hat - especially if you’re spending time outside the marquee

• A phone or camera to capture the fun and fundraising moments

• Team spirit - dress up, bring props, or coordinate outfits to stand out!

You’re also welcome to bring supporters to cheer you on. We’ll have music, food, and a great atmosphere to keep the energy high all day long.

All teams will have access to a Lifespan Premium Smart spin bike on the day.

The bikes are equipped with flat pedals and toe straps. This design allows for various shoe types, including regular trainers, running shoes, and even cycling or spin shoes.

While cleats won't clip in, you can still comfortably secure your shoes into the pedal cage.

The bikes are equipped with flat pedals and toe straps. This design allows for various shoe types, including regular trainers, running shoes, and even cycling or spin shoes.

While cleats won't clip in, you can still comfortably secure your shoes into the pedal cage.

• Spin Bike Instructors keeping everyone motivated
• Musical acts and a DJ to soundtrack your day and keep the vibes high
• Delicious food trucks to keep you fuelled and spinning
• Messages from the House to remind us all what we are fundraising for
• Many more surprises! 

There will be a range of facilities on site to ensure your comfort throughout the event, including portable toilets.

The event area will also be covered with a marquee to provide shelter and shade.

A variety of food trucks will be available throughout the day, with food and drink available to purchase. 

While the event is held outdoors, the entire area will be covered with a marquee. This ensures that all activities can proceed uninterrupted regardless of weather conditions.

No need to worry - rain won’t stop us! The event space will be fully covered with a marquee, so all activities will go ahead as planned, rain or shine.

Yes! A range of food and drink options will be available for purchase on site.

Yes! You’re very welcome to bring supporters to cheer you on. We will have food, music and a great atmosphere, by the harbour for all to enjoy.