By Ashleigh Fielding | posted on February 14, 2020
MORE than 100 Great Southern motorbike riders will join upward of 6000 others across the country to raise awareness for depression and suicide prevention next month.
The Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer will take place on Sunday, March 15 and see Great Southerners depart from Denmark’s Koorabup Park and ride through Mt Barker, Porongurup, along the Kalgan River, through to Marine Drive at Middleton Beach, along York Street, Albany Highway and back out along Lower Denmark Road.
1 Dayers will take place across the country on the same day along various routes.
Denmark Coordinator Rob Woods said the Black Dog Ride brought many people together to reduce the stigma around mental health.
He said a second larger ride would see motorbike groups from across Australia ride together in August.
“We start in Busselton and ride to Hyden, Norseman, along the Nullarbor to Ceduna, we all meet in Port Augusta then ride together to Coober Pedy and then to Alice Springs,” Mr Woods said.
“It’s about starting conversations about depression and suicide prevention and getting people talking about it.”
Bev Seeney, who has had her own experiences with depression and suicide, has participated in the ride with husband Roger for the past eight years.
She said the Black Dog Ride often brought back the same people every year, creating a second family of support for her.
“I feel very supported by Roger and everyone,” Ms Seeney said.
“It’s a lot of fun, there’s plenty of camaraderie in the group and they really are like an extended family.”
“I’ve seen the knock-on effects of suicide and depression,” Mr Seeney added.
“This is a way of helping, getting people talk- ing, and reminding peo- ple that it is an illness – not a stigma.”
Those interested in participating in the Denmark Black Dog Ride can sign up at blackdogride.org.au
