Geelong, March 2021
Roger Foot and Greg Gleason were pleased to represent Psychs on Bikes at the Black Dog 1 Day Ride centred on Geelong on Sunday March 21st. A number of other Victorian PoB’s had hoped to attend but some were unable to register due to Covid restrictions on numbers permitted for the ride, and others forestalled by unforeseen circumstances.
The weather forecast was not promising with the expectation of rain developing across the state as an extension of the NSW deluge, but in the event we encountered a little rain on the way to the start point at Werribee, and some on the way home, but none and even some sunshine during the ride.
The event itself was a relatively low key affair with around 100 riders, but was well organised to enable a tight knit convoy to draw attention to the cause. Sadly Gary Stooke, the original coordinator of the Geelong ride, had been ill and unable to continue in his role, and had died the day before the ride. A tribute to his efforts in support of the Black Dog Ride over many years was presented at the start of the ride.
The purpose of the Black Dog Ride is to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention, and is therefore consistent with the goal of PoB’s. Although we did not have a formal presence at the Ride we wore our T shirts and spoke to others about the organisation and its aims.
The route followed the Princes Freeway from Werribee to Geelong then took scenic back roads which made for good riding through Barrabool and Moriac to morning tea at Anglesea. Thereafter the blight of traffic on the Surf Coast afflicted our ride through Torquay, Mt Duneed, Barwon Heads (and by way of some unscheduled gravel roads) to a well organised lunch at the St Leonards Hotel.
It was a tribute to the local organising committee that it was able to proceed with the Ride under adverse circumstances and is a worthwhile annual event for PoB’s to attend around Australia.
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