Black Dog Ride to the Red Centre 2015

15th - 22nd AUGUST 2015

Black Dog Riders in every state and territory depart in August to ride throughout regional Australia, raising awareness of depression and suicide prevention, culminating in a national meet up in the Red Centre of our vast country!

With reflective consideration on the previous Red Centre Rides to Alice Springs we have chosen Yulara and the nearby, Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park for the 2015 Black Dog Ride to the Red Centre.

The iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) hold a deep spiritual place for all Australians. Some of you just don't know that yet.

It also provides us with a setting to quiet the noise of our lives, to sit and reflect. Our emotional and physical being seems insignificant in the shadow of the Uluru (The Red Monolith).

Both Indigenous and non Indigenous people feel the presence of the spirit within and on the land. The red sand hills, spinifex, natural beauty and the harshness of the country, both challenge us and welcome us.

Yulara has a population of barely 1000 but attracts 100,000s of visitors annually from all over the globe. They marvel in the shadow of the imposing outcrop of Uluru that stands dominantly on the surrounding flat country.

The modest extra cost associated with this priceless trip will be forgotten through the experience of being there. There are no plans to repeat this Ride in the foreseeable future.

Please read the following information and browse the FAQs section if you have any questions about this iconic Ride.


The Ride

If you need a challenge and enjoy the adventure of the open road, then you'll love this unique Australian ride. Commencing on August 15th 2015, Black Dog Riders from all around Australia are heading to the Red Centre to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention.

On Friday 21st, the final leg of the journey will take us to the red heart of Australia, Uluru, where we will gather to celebrate the coming together of Black Dog Riders from all over the country. On Saturday evening we will enjoy a stunning grand finale amidst the magnificent Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (Olgas).

Enjoy the freedom of the open road, the unique camaraderie which bikers share and the feeling of being part of something which will make a difference. Group rides will be leaving from each State & N.T. Details of the group ride coordinators are listed below.


The Cause

It's an epidemic of modern times - depression. The statistics are staggering:

1 in 6 people will experience depression in their lifetime
Over 50% of them will not seek treatment
This year alone over 1.3 million people in Australia will experience a depressive illness
Depression is the third largest individual heath problem in Australia
In the work place depression accounts for six million working days lost each year

Remember though, depression is an illness not a weakness and effective treatments are available to help people manage and even overcome depression.

Hundreds of Black Dog Riders taking to the roads starts conversations and builds awareness everywhere. By getting the nation talking, we can normalise depression, encourage people to seek support and ultimately prevent suicide.


Fundraising

Since 2009, Black Dog Ride has raised over $1,700,00 for mental health charities Australia wide. Black Dog Ride fundraising has enabled Lifeline to double the hours of it's Online Crisis Support chat service, helping an additional 2,000 Australians in crisis each month! Black Dog Ride fundraising has also funded the training of Mental Health First Aid facilitators, and is funding the national roll out of the MHFA teen program to Australian high schools. Fundraising for the Black Dog Ride to the Red Centre will help continue to support these two grat mental health initiatives which are saving laves and encouraging help seeking behaviour. Every dollar raised makes a vital difference to the wellbeing of our communities.

The Black Dog Ride to the Red Centre Everyday Hero Fundraising Page is here: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ridetotheredcentre2015

To help you start up your fundraising, we've out together some ideas for you. Click on the links to download the PDFs:

Fundraising Tips #1 and Fundraising Tips #2

All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Please contact Black Dog Ride for more information.


Itineraries

Click on the Ride Locations below to find out more about registering for the ride starting in your region, ride coordinator contact details, and itineraries.

NSW | QLD | NT | WA | SA | VIC | TAS

**No further registrations are being taken**


Accommodation Options

IMPORTANT!

To ensure you get accommodation within your preferred budget at Voyages Ayers Rock please make your booking as soon as you've registered. We will be visiting the area in the peak tourist season and demand for all accommodation will be very high.

Black Dog Ride Coordinators are making arrangements for a variety of accommodation at all the other overnight stops. There are camping options at nearly all venues and cabins or motel rooms offered on a share basis. These will be listed on the state itinerary pages in due course. It is the responsibility of each participant to make their own bookings for accommodation (including camping). If you prefer hard accommodation it's advisable to book early. Some discounts apply so please mention Black Dog Ride.


Bike Shipping from Yulara (Uluru)

If time is short and you need to get back home straight after the Ride, BDR supporters Bikes Only are offering a fantastic deal to freight your bike from Yulara to anywhere in Australia. Contact Manelle on (07) 3219-7000 or manager@bikesonly.com.au for a quote or to make your booking. Check out these prices!

YULARA (ULURU) TO:

ADELAIDE $595
BRISBANE $895
CAIRNS $995
CANBERAA $795
DARWIN $895
MACKAY $935
MELBOURNE $695
NEWSCASTLE $815
PERTH $895
ROCKHAMPTON $915
SYDNEY $795
TOWNSVILLE $950

Prices are per bike and includes GST. Prices, which include transit insurance, and are to depots in each destination.

Pannies and top boxes are included, however do not overload your bike.

This service has limited capacity so book early if you want to "Ride and Fly". They only require payment 2 weeks prior to pick up so you can book now to secure the space.