The Black Dog Ride revs up its mental health mission in Canberra

Posted on 19 February, 2025

Ready to ride for a good cause? Well, rev those engines because the Black Dog Ride is again calling for local motorcycle enthusiasts to hit the road.

But this isn’t your average Sunday morning ride – roaring into action in 2009, the annual One Dayer is a powerful fundraiser for mental health initiatives in regional communities.

This year, the Canberra ride will be taking place Sunday 16 March – and with three million Australians living with depression and anxiety and over 3,000 lives lost to suicide each year, the Black Dog Ride Canberra Coordinator Sonia van den Berg says it’s an important way to spark conversations about mental health.

“It’s a passion for me. I suffered from depression for most of my life, and I’ve had quite a few friends commit suicide. It’s something that I’m emotionally involved in, as well as supporting the organisation and the good work that it does,” she explains.

“I’ve been able to reach a lot of people and bring them into the fold…help them with the rebuilding of their lives and continue to raise the awareness.”

Calling for locals to ride loud and proud to break the silence that still surrounds conversations about mental health, the short one-day ride will see thousands of motorcyclists ride together from the National Museum of Australia to Batemans Bay.

Stopping in rural areas along the way, Sonia says one of the most important parts of the Black Dog Ride is bringing people together to share their experiences and make meaningful connections – both for the riders and the communities they meet.

“It’s just about listening to people sharing experiences that may not necessarily be about depression. Some people just need people to talk to,” she explains.

“Everybody looks forward to the ride. They look forward to the camaraderie… in my experience, being part of a club is a way to create those meaningful connections. And if you don’t have family for whatever reason, your biking friends become your family.”

No bike? No worries! You can still be part of the action. Grab your friends and family and cheer on the amazing riders as they cruise the streets or get involved by donating money towards fundraising efforts.

“One unique aspect of Black Dog Ride is that the funds go back into the community,” says Sonia.

“It doesn’t go off to research. It doesn’t go off to outside of community-based organisations, which I think just wonderful…this is very proactive, grassroots kind of activities that genuinely support people individuals to make a difference,”

The impact of this community-driven initiative speaks for itself – Black Dog Ride has raised nearly $4 million across Australia since its inception.

And with registrations now open for the 2025 One Dayer, whether you’re a seasoned rider or just love the sound of engines roaring for a good cause, it’s your ticket to making a real impact in the community.

Get ready to rev those engines for a great cause because this is one ride you won’t want to miss!

For more information about joining the 2025 One Dayer or donating, visit blackdogride.org.au

Feature image supplied.