TWO Border motorcyclists are set to ride to the Red Centre in the name of suicide awareness and depression.
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Albury psychologist Richard Brown and Wangaratta council infrastructure worker Jim Redmond will take on the epic Black Dog Ride from August 15.
Both have been affected by suicide and wanted to take on the challenge which sees motorcyclists leave from capital cities across Australia and converge on Uluru six days later.
"I'm involved in the suicide prevention network in Albury-Wodonga and suicide prevention and mental health are big interests of mine," Dr Brown said.
"I've been personally touched by suicide and depression among friends and I've got a real passion and interest in helping out with that."
Mr Redmond has organised local Black Dog Rides in Wangaratta over the past two years which have attracted more than 300 riders and raised thousands of dollars for the city's Lifeline service.
"It's a way to help out," Mr Redmond said.
"I'm keen to do the fundraising and ongoing support and it's something I can do that has a genuine effect, especially when the funds go locally."
Mr Redmond said there were two main reasons for participating in such rides – one was the motivation that came from personal experience with suicide and the second was the enjoyment of taking a motorbike out for a ride with others.
He has recently bought a Triumph Tiger, which he has been setting up for the 2000-plus kilometre ride.
Dr Brown purchased a 1000cc Suzuki roadbike three months ago for what will be his longest ride.
"I came across the ride two years ago and I hadn't ridden a motorbike for a long, long time and I thought I've got to go on that,” Dr Brown said.
He will fit GoPro cameras to his helmet and bike.
"It's mainly about raising awareness, but you can raise money as well and at the moment I've raised about $1000," Dr Brown said.
More information about the ride and a message from founder Steve Andrews can be found at www.blackdogride.com.au.
