RAIN couldn’t keep the riders away – they knew the cause was too important.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Related
Last Sunday, March 19, 25 riders from Manning Valley Ulysses, Port Macquarie Ulysses, Port Macquarie Road Riders and the Southern Cross Cruisers travelled from Taree to Tuncurry and back to Harrington as part of the Black Dog Ride.
The Black Dog Ride raises awareness of depression and suicide prevention.
Taree Black Dog Ride co-ordinator Mike Hudson said he was impressed with the turnout and effort made by the riders, in spite of the weather. The original route from Taree to Bulahdelah had to be changed due to safety.
“People pushed through and came because they know suicide is such a massive issue,” Mike said.
The statistics on the Black Dog Ride website say nearly 3000 people are taking their own lives in Australia each year.
“Statistics of deaths of the roads are going down, but the suicide statistics aren’t. We need to talk about it and we need our government to pay attention.”
Mike said during the stop in Tuncurry riders shared their own thoughts on suicide and depression as well as personal stories.
“Many people have been through a lot,” Mike said.
At Harrington, Harrington Lions Club prepared lunch for the riders.
The money riders used to pay for the lunch will be donated back to the Black Dog Ride by the Lions Club.
Money is still being counted to determine how much was raised from the Manning-Great Lakes Black Dog Ride. Mike said next year he hopes rider numbers will double.