FIVE years ago, Logan resident Suzanne Gamer struggled to ride her bike four metres without falling over.
This year, Ms Gamer will cycle 50km to Wynnum as part of a Brissie to the Bay charity fundraiser on June 16.
Ms Gamer, 52, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on February 2013.
Commonly known as the "invisible disease", MS causes the central nervous system to break down, affecting the brain, optic nerve and spinal cord.
It causes blurry vision, cognitive problems, fatigue, pain, numbness and other issues.
In the early stages of her diagnosis, Ms Gamer was unsteady on her feet and could not balance well enough to ride a bike.
With encouragement from husband Mark and two children Jake and Ben, Ms Gamer said she went through the challenging process of learning how to ride a bike again.
"Once my medication was sorted and my symptoms stablised, I started learning how to ride a bike again," she said.
"MS has not stopped me at all and I'm now riding distances of up to 80km per ride and am the fittest I've been in my life."
Mr Gamer said the family encouraged Suzanne to overcome her doubts after a few cycling attempts in the backyard.
"I suggested we go to Berrinba Wetlands and see if Suzanne could ride...she rode three kilometres but could not turn a corner," he said.
"Eventually, she got better and could ride 10km."
Ms Gamer teamed up with a family friend to help her complete a 10km Brisbane to the Bay charity ride in 2014.
In 2015, she challenged herself to ride 25km and raised over $2500 for MS Queensland.
Over the past five years the family has raised $60,000 for the organisation.
Ms Gamer said she wanted to inspire other people diagnosed with MS.
"...I ride for those who cannot," she said.
"The fear of falling is huge, but if you get past that and keep going the rewards are huge.
"Healthwise, exercise is the key. Unfortunately, a lot of people with MS can't exercise but if you can it is beneficial.
Ms Gamer will ride with her team 'Hurting Bad' comprised of 12 riders including extended family.
The Brissy to the Bay bike ride has been running for 29 years and will feature about 5,500 riders starting from Musgrave Park, South Brisbane.
Riders can participate in 10km, 25km, 50km and 100km events extending as far as Cleveland.
To sign up for the event visit www.BrissietotheBay.com.au
