June Update

Welcome to this month's update. Since our last Newsletter we've completed the first ride for 2010 with the running of Black Dog Ride for Lamp and now we're working hard organising the national ride for September , BDR to the Red Centre. This is shaping up to be an awesome event. There's a lot more news and information in this bumper edition so grab a cuppa, relax and enjoy.

Regards.....Steve 

Ride for Lamp a great success

It was a sunny day in the South West as over 250 bikers joined WA Mental Health Minister Dr. Graham Jacobs and his wife Catherine, in the inaugural Black Dog Ride for Lamp, Sunday 18th April.

Though ex - moto racer Dr. Jacobs had not ridden a bike for over 30 years, he impressed all involved by not only riding a bike he had never ridden before, but also riding down for the event in the dark. The Minister’s new ride, a BMW Motorcycle, was loaned to him especially for the trip by the team at Auto Classic BMW.

In an address, the Minister commented on how much he and his wife Catherine had enjoyed being a part of the ride, and discussed measures that the Government is taking to tackle Mental Health issues in WA.

The ride started in Bridgetown with breakfast cooked by the Bridgetown Lions, then onto Nannup for morning tea provided by the Nannup Cricket Club. The ride concluded in Busselton with a sausage sizzle hosted by Busselton Lions, and a day of festivities at the Family Fun Day.

In total the ride raised around $10, 000 in aid of Lamp Inc. This small organisation in the South West of Western Australia helps people living in the community with severe and persistent Mental Health Disorders, their families, and carers.

The ride is to become an annual event, with next year’s Ride for Lamp scheduled for 17th April 2011. Steve’s dream is for the Ride for LAMP to become the biggest charity ride in country WA.
Check out some photos. 

Ride to the Red Centre - registrations open

We are excited to announce that registrations are now open for the Red Centre Ride and we invite riders from all over Australia to join us on the awesome ride. Whether you ride the first 50kms, join in for a day or two, or go the whole distance to the Red Centre, you will become a Black Dog Rider and help to draw attention to this debilitating illness which affects 1 in 5 Australians

Continue Red Centre Ride...     

What it's all about

At Black Dog Ride we are priviledged to receive many great emails from people all around the country. Some thank us for the work we do, some tell stories of personal battles with the black dog and others explain how their life has been affected by someone close to them who suffers from depression. We would like to share this one with you.

" Hey Steve

Just received my May edition of 'Riding On' and am so appreciative of your article. I've been a 'Junior' member of the Ulysses Club for about 2 year now (sad to say I've not been on a ride yet) but am crossing over to full membership this week as I reach the 50 year old mark.

Your article struck a chord with me at this time, as I have been 'challenged' with a number of issues relating to depression and the struggle to see past the here and now. I just wanted to say that I really appreciate the effort you have put into the ride to raise both money and awareness of this disorder. It is an insidious illness which can sneak up on the unsuspecting and cause unnecessary harm to both the inflicted and those around. Your article has prompted me to seek professional care and have reassured me that it's not an issue to take lightly nor feel ashamed of. I work in a 'white collar' environment and always tend to be guarded about how others see this debilitating illness and your efforts are a significant step towards unvailing the stigma that is associated with this illness.

Once again, thankyou and I hope that I might get the opportunity to get along to Glen Helen....

Regards
Gordon "

Why We Ride

Why we ride!

While it’s long been associated with freedom as well as rebellion, motorcycle riding is mainly about one thing: FUN. It’s great for getting that adrenalin rush, for enjoying the spirit of adventure on and off the beaten track, and it’s great for pursuing a little solitude. Somewhat paradoxically, riding a motorbike is also a great opportunity for bonding with mates. You may have to actually ride before you’ll understand exactly how this works.

So anyway, we’re having fun, riding motorbikes. But for many of our fellow riders, the word fun has left their vocabulary: these are the ones who are suffering from Depression.

As we ride, our aim is to raise awareness (and funds) for those crippled by depression. We also want to assist the people around them their friends, family, and colleagues who support them. Together, we can shine the light into the dark places, unleash the spirit of freedom, and bring some FUN back into their lives again.

Anon. 

Fundraising

For the Ride to the Red Centre we have formed a partnership with Everday Hero to assist our fundraising effort for the Black Dog Institute. You can help support our cause by making a donation. DONATE NOW .

With our Everyday Hero Network site you can set up your own Fundraising Page and become part of the Black Dog Ride team. SIGN UP NOW.

It's OK to reach out for help!

Whilst statistics on the subject seem to vary, it's well accepted that over 50% of people suffering from depression don't seek treatment. Black Dog Ride is determined  to help overcome this staggering statistic by raising more awareness about depression and helping to break down the stigma which still prevents sufferers from reaching out and asking for help.

Most Inspiring!

Last Saturday evening, my wife, daughter, best friend and I attended the Men in Black Ball at the Hyatt in Perth. It was a fantastic night with the theme of raising awareness of depression and fundraising for Lifeline WA. There were some engaging speakers, great entertainment, a very successful auction and lots of dancing. My congratulations go to Barbara McNaught and her Momentum Forum team for organising such a sensational event.

The night was made even more exciting for me when I was awarded the Most Inspiring Man of the Year for my work with Black Dog Ride. It was great to be acknowledged but it was even better to see so many people coming together for a cause which is so close to my heart.