With less than three weeks before they saddle up for a mammoth ride across the country, Let's Talk riders are finding a new energy thanks to a generous community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The lycra-clad cycling enthusiasts will ride from Perth to Warrnambool next month in a bid to break the stigma around mental health.
With preparations well under way, the group of ten riders and five support crew have been overwhelmed with support for their 3280 kilometre ride.
"The community has been fantastic," rider Mark Powell said.
"We've experienced such generosity and it has definitely spurred us on."
The group of riders, who will tackle up to 200 kilometres per day, have been in training for more than three months.
In this time they have benefited from community fundraisers, donations and offers of support.
Mark Powell, a mental health nurse with more then 30 years experience, said it was important not to lose sight of the purpose of the challenge.
"We've been supplied support vehicles, clothing, food, water and sponsorship," he said.
"That's been great. But what is most important is the message behind the ride.
"We want to see a change in attitudes and the way we talk about mental health.
“We want to break that stigma so it becomes a normal conversation like you’ve broken your leg, or you’ve got the flu or something.
“So many people don’t want to talk about it and they battle on in isolation and it increases their risk so our prime objective is to break the stigma and ultimately that will affect suicide rates.”
The group will depart Perth March 11 and return to Warrnambool March 24.
"We'd love to see as many people as possible attend the homecoming event on Warrnambool's Civic Green March 24 to celebrate with the riders."
Let’s Talk is an acronym that stands for: L = learn self-care, E = express your feelings,T = tell someone, S = someone loves you, T = talk, A = ask how you’re feeling, L = listen, K = keep talking.
It is a south-west based initiative launched in 2016.
Related: Ride on it's time to talk