The Postie Bike Boys Delivering A Mental Health Mission

Two brothers riding postie bikes are halfway through their 10,000-kilometre round trip in the name of mental health awareness and charity.

Andrew and Michael Chapman arrived in Airlie Beach on Monday at the mid-point of their unassisted journey aboard a pair of Honda CT110 motorcycles.

Travelling from Melbourne to the tip of Cape York, the pair, who plan to drive the entire distance of mainland Australia, then back through central Australia, crossing the Simpson Desert before making their way back to Melbourne, are raising money for Black Dog Institute.

The brothers and Melbourne tradesmen decided on the “spur of the moment” to travel across the country in the name of something they were passionate about.

“It’s been amazing. The amount of people we’ve met, the support we’ve had, the generosity,” Andrew Chapman said.

“All of it has been an experience we’ll never forget – and we’re only halfway!”

Although they’ve never suffered with major mental health issues themselves, the pair have seen people close to them affected and knew their trip should have a mission: supporting Black Dog Institute.

The international charity organisation aims to create a world where mental health is treated with the same immediacy and seriousness as physical afflictions – a cause the boys are extremely proud to do their part for.

On their small motorcycles, which are slowly being phased out from use by Australia Post, having been in service from as early as the 1970s and with top speeds of 75 kilometres per hour, the brothers hug the shoulder of the road, stop by local pubs, camp under the stars, post updates on their social media, and meet people who are touched by their ‘Express Post’ mission.

“We’ve had people donate enormous funds, give us spare wheels, help us in any way they can, and we’ve heard their stories of struggling with mental health and how much our journey has even helped them,” Michael Chapman said.

“Seeing us ride up the road and how ridiculous we look has brightened up their day. Even today someone flagged us down having seen our signs. She thanked us, gave us cash, and was almost tearing up from how much a little thing like this meant to her.

“If we can do just one thing to save a life, it will all be worth it.”

Andrew and Michael have raised over $6,500 so far with a goal of $10,000.

You can donate and follow their journey at: https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/expresspost

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Michael and Andrew Chapman are travelling up the east coast to raise money for mental health