The 2016 RideWest bike ride from Brisbane to Longreach, which set off today (Friday) on its 1200km journey, will once again be raising money and awareness for mental health.
Proceeds from the rides, begun six years ago, are this year going to the Royal Flying Doctor Service for its mental health programs across Queensland.
Since it started in 2010, the biennial ride has raised in excess of $500,000 and organisers are hoping to add another $200,000 this year.
Coordinated by corporate organisations, it is highlighting the severity of drought in regional communities and the impact on families. Remote areas have a suicide rate three times higher than in major cities, and males are most at risk.
“What started as an idea six years ago is now embarking on its fourth Brisbane to Longreach ride,” said RideWest’s founding director, Les Hancock. “The money raised by RideWest has assisted RFDS in helping more than 120 patients in 2014-2015 alone.
“This is a legacy I hope will go from strength to strength”.
Riders are tested mentally, physically and emotionally over the seven days, experiencing a taste of the struggles rural communities face daily.
Many hours of training for months in advance prepare the riders for their biggest challenge.
Dave Neal from Longreach, and owner of the Longreach Motor Inn, is a RideWest participant and is completing his fourth ride.
“I’m riding again as I know the proceeds of the ride are used to assist people in remote and regional areas who have been impacted by the extreme weather conditions over the last 10 years” he said .
The initiative continues to grow through the commitment of project manager, accountancy firm Williams Hall Chadwick, and with the assistance of corporate support.
“We coordinate this event to show rural and remote communities that we care, we are here to support them. This is our way of giving back to the communities where we have many clients”, spokesman Brendan Vaughan said.
RideWest launched on Friday, April 8 at the Queensland Cricket Club, bringing together corporates, sponsors and RFDS with guest speaker Gary Cosier, former Australian test cricketer and founder of ‘Positive Imagery’.
Gary is a strong advocate for positive mental health through applying peak performance strategies and coaching in his clinic.
Corporate sponsors assist to provide funding towards the event and the proceeds go directly to the primary care role of the RFDS in delivering mental health services.
The 24 riders commit to raise $2500 each as the entry fee and a further $5000 in fundraising, although many of the riders who reside in Brisbane, Longreach and Melbourne are working hard to raise more.
The public can help each rider by backing their journey, keeping them motivated through donations at www.ridewest.com.au.
The monies raised go to the RideWest registered charity organisation who distribute the funding to RFDS.
RideWest 2016 is heading towards Oakey for its first night and will conclude on May 12 at 4.30 pm at the Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach.