Registrations open for Ride to the Red Centre

Hi Rosemary

We are pleased to announce that registrations are now open for the 2011 Black Dog Ride to the Red Centre which commences on August 21. This year's Ride promises to be bigger and better than last year's inaugural Ride to the Red Centre with group rides leaving from Darwin, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, all heading for Glen Helen Resort, right in the heart of the Red Centre. More details of the Ride and an online registration facility can be found on the website.

This Ride is limited to 250 bikes going all the way to Glen Helen Resort  but we encourage riders around Australia to support the cause by  joining  the launch events in their State Capital or at any point along the routes. Basic itineraries are available on the website and more detailed itineraries will be posted in the coming week..  

This Ride will book out fast so get in early for the ride of your life!

Partners/Sponsors required

"Money makes the world go 'round". It's a fact of life that to achieve the level of awareness raising and fundraising which Black Dog Ride reaches it takes a fair amount of support. During this year's Ride, in conjunction with the Black Dog Institute  and Lions Clubs of Australia , we will be making Community Presentations at nearly 20 Urban and Rural centres across the country as well as spreading our message of depression awareness at dozens of other communities along the way.

We need your support to assist us in this vital work. Please contact Steve steve@blackdogride.com.au  to discuss how you can help make a difference to those suffering from this debilitating illness which will affect you or someone close to you in your lifetime.

Ride for Lamp

The 2011 Ride for Lamp took place on Sunday April 17, again leaving from the Blues Capital of WA, Bridgetown, and travelling some great riding roads to Busselton where there was a fantastic Community Carnival and celebration of mental health. Over 400 supporters on motorbikes braved some early showers and enjoyed a hearty Lions' cooked breakfast before heading south to Manjimup and then on to Nannup for the welcoming Yahava Koffee stop. The showers had then cleared and the riders appreciated a more spirited ride on the Brockman Hwy before travelling under Police escort down the magnificent Sues Rd to Busselton to join the festivities. The introduction of push bikes to the event was a great success with over 150 riders turning out on an uncharacteristicly miserable Busselton morning. The overall feeling of the day was one of great camaraderie and strong support for Lamp and the great work they do in "Turning the light on in people's lives".  

So far, over $8,000 has been raised from this year's Ride and with more to come in it has made a significant contribution to Lamp's new Youth Programs. 

"The bastard's still in the neighbourhood"

"G’day Steve,

Just wanted to say thanks for all your [and teams] efforts on the weekend. Great organisation, marshalling was good, these events can end up as chaos on wheels but yours was on schedule and had an obvious focus. I really hope it worked for you and inspires you to do it bigger and better [god knows how but you are obviously blessed with a creative imagination] next year.

I’m 59, had the black dog following me for a few years thru. my mid 50’s. I think I’ve given him the slip. I have a saying ‘’the bastards not following me anymore, but he’s still in the neighbourhood’’.

I did initially think that most riders were there on the weekend just for the ride. But seeing all the riders drift toward the stage when the speeches began at Busselton made me realise that the day meant a lot lot more to a lot of people. What you are doing is amazing, you really do give people strength. Depression can be so bloody lonely.

I am certain you will, but please pass on my warmest regards to your team.

Thank you all again, Peter"

Thank you Peter for your support and your honesty. Receiving this sort of feedback gives me a boost when I'm flagging under the administrative load of organising Black Dog Rides and it spurs me on to continue my mission.

Like to Donate?

If you'd like to support Black Dog Ride in our fundraising for the Black Dog Institute and help them facilitate the nationalisation of their Community Education Programs please make a donation here. Donate. Thank you.

Cheers....Steve