Black Dog Ride to the Red Centre

5th - 11th September 2010

The Ride

Last year Steve Andrews rode solo around Australia to raise awareness of depression. This year he's riding to the Red Centre and invites riders from all around the country to join him on this awesome adventure. Whether you ride the first 50kms, for a day or two, or go the whole distance to the Red Centre, you will become a Black Dog Rider and help to draw attention to this debilitating illness which affects 1 in 5 Australians.

You are welcome to ride on your own, with some mates or join one of the group rides leaving from your state. More details on the group rides will be posted here soon.

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.

Departure dates will vary depending on the distance to be covered but if you are going to the Red Centre you should time your ride so you are in Alice Springs on Saturday morning September 11 ^th for the mass ride to Glen Helen Resort where there will be an outback style celebration of the ride. The number of riders to the Red Centre is limited so please register early to avoid disappointment.

The Cause

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

• 1 in 5 people will experience depression in their lifetime. Over 50% of them will not seek treatment.
• This year alone 1,000,000 people in Australia will experience a depressive illness.
• Depression is the third largest individual heath problem in Australia after heart disease and stroke.
• In the work place depression accounts for six million working days lost each year.
• There are still high levels of stigma associated with depression.

Remember, depression is an illness, not a weakness and effective treatments are available. It's important to seek help early and with the right treatment most people recover. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be suffering from depression talk to a doctor or another health professional today. If we talk about depression and work together we can make a difference.

The Black Dog Institute

Black Dog Ride to the Red Centre was the first event registered for Exercise Your Mood week, an exciting new national initiative by the Black Dog Institute .

All funds raised from the ride will go to the Institute whose mission is to advance the understanding, diagnosis and management of the mood disorders by continuously raising clinical, research, education and training standards. In so doing, the Institute aims to improve the lives of those affected - and in turn - the lives of their families and friends.

Please consider conducting your own fundraising and awareness raising activities in your community. You can fundraise using your own Everyday Hero fundraising page which is set up when you Register. To assist you raising awareness please contact the Black Dog Institute for pamphlets or brochures about depression.

Joining the Ride - Registration

If you would like to join Steve at the Red Centre or participate on any section of this awesome ride you can register online now. Please complete all 3 steps of the registration process.

Step 1: Fill out the Registration Details Form

Step 2: Registration Payment http://www.everydayhero.com.au/steve__andrews $50.00 per bike which is a tax deductible donation to the Black Dog Institute.

Step 3: This link will help you to set up your own fundraising page. http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/blackdogride2010

All registered riders receive

• a BDR Red Centre 2010 cloth badge
• a BDR sticker
• entry into a raffle to be drawn at Glen Helen Resort on Saturday Sept 11th. The winners will be notified.

In addition, riders who go all the way to the Red Centre receive a unique BDR laser cut metal key tag.

If you have any questions please contact Steve steve@blackdogride.com.au or a group ride organiser in your State (coming soon).

Accommodation - The Red Centre

We have booked the stunningly remote Glen Helen Resort exclusively for Black Dog Ride on Saturday September 11th but there is a limit to the number of riders who can be accommodated. Accommodation available includes Motel, Bunkhouse, Permanent Tent and Camping .To avoid disappointment we suggest you Register for the Ride and book your accommodation, including campsites, as soon as possible.

Booking SummaryStep1: Call Glen Helen Resort (08) 8956-7489 to check accommodation availability. Step 2: Register for the Ride. Step 3: Call Glen Helen again to confirm your booking.

If you would like to extend your stay in this amazing location we recommend you book as soon as possible because September is close to the peak tourist season in the Red Centre.

• As an early bird bonus Glen Helen are offering a 10% discount on Motel Room bookings made before 30th June 2010.
• Unless you are fortunate enough to get in early and book accommodation for all of your overnight stops on the ride, it is highly recommended you bring a swag or small tent as there is a strong likelihood some places will be fully booked except for camping areas.

Rider Disclaimer

Riders must agree and understand and they the rider/ and the passenger are aware that there are dangers and risks involved in riding a motorcycle, and in riding a motorcycle in a group such as Black Dog Ride 2010. These dangers and risks include damage, injury, serious injury and/or death. Knowing and appreciating fully these dangers and risks, the rider/and or passenger hereby waive, release and forever discharge The Black Dog Ride 2010, the proceed recipient, Black Dog Institute, members of the organizing committee, sponsors, supporters, volunteers and all other associates with the event, of and from all manner of actions, causes of action, suits, debts, claims and demands whatsoever arising from or in connection with Black Dog Ride 2010 and associated events. The rider and or passenger assume full responsibility for injury or damage arising as a result of the participation association with Black Dog Ride 2010 event and their (the riders) passenger/s. All riders must hold current motorcycle riders licence of a State or Territory of Australia and or a recognised current International rider's licence lawfully recognised in Australia. All motorcycles, and trailers if applicable, must have a current registration in a State or Territory of Australia.