The Black Dog Institute. The locals were vocal in participating and some points really drove home. The highlights:
- country community counts alot in the care for schoolchildren I.e teachers have a vested interest in making sure the kids in their community are looked after
- there is a real lack if funding for support, particularly for mens, and especially indiginous mens mental health
- mental illness is not contagious! You are not going to catch it by helping or asking someone if they are OK.
Anyway the ride is off to a great start and it was amazing to have my wife, son and dad wave me off in Sydney. The cruise in convoy up the pacific highway over the Blue Mountains was awesome if cold. I was warmed to the soul when I saw my mum, sister and aunty waving and cheering from the pedestrian bridge over the highway in Blaxland. Awesomeness.
Someone even put a sign on a bridge we passed under saying " Good luck boys on the black dog ride".
People have been friendly and the other riders are all on their own missions and journey for many different reasons. In all a great mob. Fun to ride with, with many different bikes.
The scenery over the mountains and in particular between Bathurst and Cowra was beautiful. Fields of yellow flowers (canola?) and even a couple of rainbows made for some pleasant viewing even though it was raining and quite cold. The recent rains meant everything was very green and rivers and creeks full. Nice to be in the country.
Finally the people of Grenfell were very hospitable at both the motel and the pub with the Lions Club.
Very tired and a little achy from the ride. Time to sleep, another big day tomorrow.
nice rainbow!
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