Black Dog Motorbike Ride 2015

Black Dog Motorbike Ride 2015

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Posted 2015-03-12 by Sandyfollow

Sun 22 Mar 2015

2015 is the seventh year of the unique Annual Black Dog Motorbike Ride (Raising Awareness of Depression and Suicide Prevention), and registrations for the 1-Dayer rides are now open. Organisers are urging anyone with a motorcycle to participate in this wonderful event in their local area. Last year, there were 7,000 1-Dayers, and it is hoped that this year will be even bigger and better.



Black Dog Ride began with one man on one motorcycle, with a mascot and a vision of raising awareness of depression and suicide prevention. It has now developed into a national suicide prevention charity, involving thousands of motorcycle riders all around Australia. Over the years, riders in various Black Dog Rides have raised over $1,700,000 for mental health services, and have fostered awareness of mental health issues of all kinds. The One Dayer events themselves have raised $430,000.

That sole rider was Steve Andrews, the Founder and Managing Director of Black Dog Ride. Although Steve himself does not suffer with depression, it is easy to see the inspiration behind this national charity. Steve's mother took her own life just a few weeks after the birth of his fourth child, and he still lives with the regret that he was unaware that she was a victim of the silent killer of depression. He feels that, if he and his family had known more about the illness, he would have been able to give his mother the support she needed. It is Steve's mission, and that of his team, to raise awareness in the community, to make sure people know in time to help their loved ones.



The Mascot Steve carried with him on that first ride in 2009 was a black dog called Winston, named after Winston Churchill, who famously diarised about the "black dog of depression" that he suffered from. Steve has taken Winston on every ride since then, as well as to all the Shows, forums, and public speaking engagements; and Winstons of all types will be riding on the bikes of all Black Dog Riders across the country. You can purchase your mascot through the Black Dog Ride website .


The Black Dog Ride 1-Dayer events in Western Australia will take place on March 22nd. Early registrations will go into a draw to win a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted 9 carat gold signet ring, designed by Black Dog Rider and Jeweller Clayton Gordon. Registering early helps with catering, safety, and mechandising, so riders are urged to register before midnight Western Standard Time, Sunday 15 March.

There are four WA legs of the Black Dog ride, including the Avon Valley, Bridgetown, Geraldton, and Kalgoorlie-Esperance.

The Avon Valley leg will start at 8.00am, with a Check-in and Breakfast at the Northam Sound Shell, Bernard Park. The ride will commence at 9.45, with refreshments and refuelling at Beverly Town Hall. The Ride will finish with lunch at Stirling Park, Toodyay.

Contact Graeme Raine on 0427 876 383, or at [email protected]. Register here .

Fundraising will support the suicide prevention programs of Lifeline WA. To start your fundraising, and find lots of tips to be a successful fundraiser, visit the website here .

Visit the Black Dog website for details of the 1 Dayers at Bridgetown, Geraldton, and Kalgoorlie-Esperance.

Steve Andrews reminds us that depression is an illness, not a weakness, and effective treatments are available. It is important to seek help early and, with the right treatment, most people recover. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be suffering from depression, talk to a doctor or another health care professional today. If we work together and talk about depression, we can make a difference.

If you would like to talk to someone contact:

  • Lifeline WA 13 11 14 (24/7).
  • Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 (24/7)

  • #avon_valley
    #charity
    #free
    #fundraisers
    #march
    !date 22/03/2015 -- 22/03/2015
    %wnperth
    114669 - 2023-06-12 17:51:59

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