IN 2009, Steve Andrews took to the road on his motorbike in the first Black Dog ride to raise awareness about depression and suicide prevention.
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Now he is riding around the country once again with 30 friends in tow on the 10th anniversary ride - and it stopped in Bathurst recently, roughly one third of the way through the extraordinary trek.
The riders set off from Busselton, Western Australia on July 26 and will return to Busselton on August 29.
The riders are meeting up with individual state ride groups as they move through the country.
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Among them are the seven Bathurst Black Dog riders who joined the crew in Trunkey Creek.
The Black Dog Ride was incorporated as a full-time charity in 2014 and has become one of the nation's most respected mental health awareness organisations.
"After talking to many of the riders, one standout comment was that actually being on the ride was creating bonds and starting conversations among the participants - this being an important step in mental health awareness," Bathurst Black Dog ride co-ordinator Rosemary Hancock said.
She said some of the "hiccups" on the ride so far had included bike breakdowns and run-ins with kangaroos, but the riders have taken the challenges in their stride.
To donate to the charity, visit giveeasy.org/charity/appeal/black-dog-ride/default?.
The Annual Bathurst Black Dog Ride One Dayer will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2020.