Revving up for a cause: Black Dog Ride returns this March
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Content warning: depression and suicide.
There’s something profound that motorcyclists feel when riding down an open road: mindfulness.
It helps them escape the urban hustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the natural environment. As temperatures shift and scents carry on the wind, they feel every bump and curve of the road. It’s a flow state, and for many, it’s pure freedom.
It’s no wonder that some of the most powerful conversations about depression and suicide prevention happen on the side of the road.
And while motorcyclists aren’t always associated with conversations about mental health, one national suicide prevention charity is changing the narrative – one ride at a time.
With three million Australians living with depression and anxiety and over 3,000 lives lost to suicide each year – many in rural and regional communities – the Black Dog Ride Canberra Coordinator and founder of Riders Lane, Sonia van den Berg, says it’s about much more than raising money.
“Riders are actually really good at looking out for each other,” explains Sonia.
“When you’ve spent hours on a bike together, you talk. Properly talk. There’s something about being out on the road that strips away the walls people put up.”
First roaring into action in 2009, the annual One Dayer has spent more than a decade raising vital funds for mental health initiatives in regional communities.
Raising more than $8 million for mental health services, the Black Dog Ride began when Western Australian Steve Andrews loaded a toy black dog – a nod to Winston Churchill’s famous description of depression – onto his bike and set off on a solo 26-day ride around Australia.
Steve’s motivation was deeply personal.
His mother had died by suicide when he was young, his brother had battled depression for most of his life, and not long before the ride, he received a call that shook him to his core – his best friend’s wife, Anna, had also taken her own life.
He couldn’t shake the question of why Anna hadn’t asked for help.
Unable to come to terms with how she suffered in silence, the question drove him 14,500 kilometres around the country, stopping in towns big and small, talking to anyone who would listen.
From farmers to schoolkids, roadworkers, and politicians, he would talk about depression, about asking for help, and about the t life-saving power of a conversation.
For Sonia, her involvement in the Black Dog Ride is also personal.
“It’s a passion for me. I suffered from depression for most of my life, and I’ve had quite a few friends die by suicide,” she explains.
“Having the support of a mental health team to keep me on track, and returning to riding ten years ago, has given me a sense of purpose, the tools needed to keep the Black Dog caged, and a community to be part of.”
This year, the Canberra ride will be taking place on Sunday 15 March.
Bringing riders together from across the ACT and the surrounding region for a day of riding, community, and connection, this year’s ride takes on a special poignancy: the riders will also be commemorating the life of a well-regarded founding member of the former Canberra Road Racing Club.
It’s a powerful reminder of why these conversations matter, and why they can’t wait
“You don’t have to have experienced depression yourself to care about this,” says Sonia.
“You just have to know someone who has. And honestly, we all do.”
Riders of all experience levels and any make or model of bike are welcome to attend on the day. To register or donate, visit 123tix.com.au
If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Black Dog Ride One Dayer
When: Sunday 15 March, 7 am – 12 pm
Where: 5 Narupai Street, Narrabundah
Web: 123tix.com.au
