Ride to Adelaide for future Mental Health Inititives At Maida Vale Primary School
$1,455 raised
TARGET $2,500
Please support this cause
$
AUD
About
Traveling alone in isolated places on a bike with lots of bags and gadgets always makes for a great conversation starter:
“Where are you heading?” “Where have you come from?” “What do you eat?” “Where do you sleep?”
After that, Nearly 100% of the time the next question is:
“Why?”
My stock standard answer is that I struggle with my mental health and riding my bike makes me feel better. For most people that’s enough of a response and they carry on with their day.
Sometimes people want to know more... They want to know about strategies I use that they could implement themselves or help guide a loved one. Despite always having the feeling of vulnerability I always answer honestly and openly.
I’m not a trained health professional. I’m just a guy who’s been through his fair share and wants to help people any way I can.
In 2017 I spent 3 months in Perth Clinic getting urgent care for a major health crisis. Since then I have endeavored to continue using the skills I’ve learned to live a balanced and wholehearted life.
The game changer for me has come in learning the principle of Wise Mind in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) uses the concept of a reasonable, emotional, and wise mind to describe a person's thoughts and behaviors. The reasonable mind is driven by logic, the emotional mind is driven by feelings, and wise mind is a middle-ground between the two.
Operating within this framework initially helped save my life. Two years down the track it now helps shape my behavior towards a meaningful future.
DBT skills aren’t just for people who are unwell. These skills can be learned by anyone and could easily be tailored for the workplace and education circles.
In 2018 I embarked on 3 ultra distance bike rides within WA that covered 4838km. As a result of many generous sponsors I was able to raise $2279.33 for Beyond Blue.
This year I’m only tackling one ride but it’s a big one. I’ve challenged myself to ride unsupported from Perth to Adelaide.
The planning and preparation for this trip has been going on for months but now it’s time. On Wednesday (14/8/19) I rolled out of town with the hope that I can make it across the Nullarbor.
Everything has to go right for me to succeed in reaching my destination. If I don’t make it I’ll know that I gave it a good crack!
This year I’ve decided to fundraise for my girl’s school Maida Vale Primary. I’m keen to help fund mental heath/wellbeing initiatives the school undertakes in the future.
Any donation, big or small will be very much appreciated.
Incredible stuff mate. You smashed it! It was such a pleasure to meet you, don't stop riding.