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Mark Hinchliffe·
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··2 min read

Not too late to join Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer

Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer supporters volunteer Steve Derham and Senator Ricky Muir
Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer supporters volunteer Steve Derham and Senator Ricky Muir

More than 7000 riders in 34 locations around the country will tomorrow (March 20, 2016) take part in the annual Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer to raise awareness and funds for mental health issues.

And it’s not too late for you to take part. Although some online registrations have closed, you can still register on the day. Check out the location closest to you on their website.

Among those attending will be motorcyclist and Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party Senator for Victoria, Ricky Muir, who will participate in the ride that starts at the Clock Tower in Sale, Gippsland, at 10am.

In announcing his involvement, he was joined in Canberra this week by volunteer Steve Derham, coordinator of the Canberra ride.

“Four out of every five suicides are men,” the Senator points out.

“Regional and rural areas have higher rates of suicide than urban areas too, so this is an issue that has an even greater impact in places such as country Victoria, where I live.

“It’s terrible to think that eight Australians take their own lives every day. This is truly a national tragedy in such a wonderful country.”

Suomy helmets
Suomy helmets

Motorbike Writer supports the Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer and, thanks to Suomy Helmets Australia, donated a helmet to one lucky rider who registered online. The winner will be announced on Monday.

MBW will attend the Sunshine Coast ride mustering at Aussie World at 7.30am tomorrow.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE BLACK DOG RIDE

Depression and Suicide:

  • Suicide is the leading cause of death in Australians under the age of 45;
  • Eight Australians take their lives every single day;
  • It is estimated that there is a suicide attempt every 10 minutes in Australia;
  • 80% of all suicides in Australia are by men, but the number of women suiciding is climbing;
  • Men in regional locations experience much higher rates of suicide than the national average;
  • One in five Australians will experience mental illness every year;
  • Mental illness is the leading cause of disability in Australia;
  • Depressive disorders are the most common identifiable risk factor for suicide.
Black Dog Ride around Australia 2014 Steve Andrews
Black Dog Ride founder Steve Andrews

Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer 2016:

  • Black Dog Ride was established in 2009 by Busselton local Steve Andrews who rode his motorcycle solo around Australia in 26 days to raise awareness of depression;
  • In 2014 Black Dog Ride was incorporated as a national charity promoting awareness of depression and suicide prevention;
  • Since April 2010, Black Dog Ride has organised annual one day long motorcycle rides to bring awareness of depression and suicide prevention to local communities across Australia;
  • The 1 Dayer has also raised more than $530,000 for mental health services in five years;
  • Participants will carry the Black Dog Ride mascot ‘Winston’ on their bikes – a soft toy black dog named after Sir Winston Churchill, who famously diarised about the ‘black dog of depression’.
    Black Dog Ride
    Winston

Beneficiaries:

  • 1 Dayer registrations support Black Dog Ride’s suicide prevention programs nationwide;
  • Black Dog Ride gifts all 1 Dayer donations and fundraising to 29 local mental health organisations and projects across the nation.