Ride To Raise Supporting Mental Health Out West

Around thirty-eight riders set out on the epic RideWest biannual 1311km charity bike ride from Brisbane to Longreach in the month of April, which was designed to raise crucial funds for mental health support programs, in particular focus to rural Queenslanders and their mental wellbeing in the bush.

Successfully, this year’s event raised more than their target of $600,000.

Mental health services for the Royal Flying Doctor Service are extremely vital out west in 2024 and the $2 million that RideWest riders have raised over the past 13 years has been an enormous boost for the Wellbeing Out West program. This event was made possible with over a dozen support staff such as paramedics and police escorts on board to ensure a smooth trip for everyone involved.

Les and Shelley Hancock founded the RideWest organisation in 2010 after recognising the lack of resources and support for those out west who were struggling with their mental health. John and Petrea Sloman have also been instrumental in organising the event since 2016.

Participants ranging from 19 to 73-year-olds demonstrate that all ages are welcome, so long as you have the mental and physical fortitude to tackle the rewarding challenge.

We spoke with Mackay local, Bernie Bell, who participated in his first ever RideWest event earlier this year on the 19th of April, spanning eight days of cycling which he says was not only a physical test, but most importantly a mental one.

After conquering mountains in Nepal and pushing himself to his cycling limits, Bernie recalls a pivotal moment in 2014 that ignited his interest in riding. Initially drawn to the RideWest event for the physical endeavour, he soon discovered the profound camaraderie that arose from riding alongside individuals who shared the similar passion of combatting mental health.

“This is the first ride I’ve been on and it was just really fulfilling, the people were fantastic and it was just brilliant.”

Bernie said that it was quite an insightful trip, where riders shared their personal journeys and connected with each other after a shared meal on some nights, underlining that it wasn’t just an athletic challenge, but rather an experience where people of all walks of life could come together and acknowledge the very real effects of mental health.

“There’s a lot of mental health struggles out in the bush and there’s no facilities out west to cover it,” he said.

“You know on the coast, we’re pretty lucky, we can see a therapist or talk to somebody all the time, but out there, they don’t even have regular doctors, so it’s very difficult.”

With an eager mindset to enter into the next ride in 2026, Bernie is hoping to raise funds for the next RideWest event. Money raised will go directly to the RFDS and to those battling their mental health alone in rural areas.

If you would like to contribute to Bernie’s mission, you can donate at:
https://ridewest-2024.raisely.com/bernie-bell

Caption: Thirty-eight riders peddled from Brisbane to Longreach over a period of eight days to raise funds in light of mental health support in rural areas. Local participant, Bernie Bell says it was a “challenging, but rewarding” experience.

Caption: Bernie Bell embared on his first ever RideWest challenge this year, but loved every minute of it and is eager to enter again in 2026. Images supplied

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