FAQ's

FAQ's

Q. WHAT IS THE BANISH THE BLACK DOG RIDE?

A. The Banish the Black Dog Ride is to raise funds for Mental Health Research – specifically through Australian Rotary Health Fund and, this year to local mental health initiatives. It also aims to raise awareness of mental health issues in our community and we have fun doing it! In 2010 we raised more than $44 000, and over $40,000 in 2011. This year’s ride will be the fourth and it’s growing very nicely as word gets out. Last year we had 115 registered to ride.

Q. HOW FAR IS THE RIDE AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

A.  The ride is about 130 klm both way. It’s a gentle, relaxed two-day ride from Townsville to the magnificent Burdekin and back, through cane-fields and crops on back roads where possible. It is held on a weekend in May each year.

Q. WHERE DO YOU STAY?

A.  We camp overnight at the Shalon Christian College Campus at Clare. All meals are catered and fruit, snacks and drinks are provided throughout the two days.You will not be hungry.

Q. WHAT DOES THE REGISTRATON FEE INCLUDE?

A. The registration fee covers all expenses, including meals, drinks, jersey, camping fees and all necessary permits. We have a truck to transport camping gear or swags and we welcome family members to join us to camp overnight. Obviously there is a fee to cover their meals and expenses. (We will contact you after registrations close to get details of extra campers.)

Q. HOW IS THE RIDE CONDUCTED?

A.  Cyclists are arranged into speed groups of about 25 riders, according to their preference. Each group has support vehicles front and back and is led by an experienced rider, all of whom are in radio contact throughout the ride. Each day we ride about 120km (fast groups may ride a little longer route) broken into stages of about 25km with regular rest stops. If a cyclist is not comfortable at the speed they’ve nominated, they may change to a more suitable speed group at a convenient location. This decision will be at both leaders’ discretion.

Departure times are staggered so that all cyclists meet for lunch on Saturday and have an opportunity to meet one another over lunch. It has become a tradition to have a ‘team photo’ taken at this time. On Sunday we arrange to meet at the Picnic Bay Life Saving Club for a drink and get-together after the end of the ride.

Q.  IS THERE A BRIEFING BEFORE WE GO?

A.  There is a compulsory rider briefing on 18th May at Pimlico State High School’s Performing Arts Centre. At this briefing, rider safety  will be discussed and important information will be shared, funds raised will be collected and receipted and the rider bags will be distributed. Luggage trucks will be loaded with riders’ camping gear.

Q.  WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET A FLAT TYRE OR MY BIKE BREAKS?

A.  If you are unlucky enough to get a puncture, you and your bike will be loaded into the rear car and taken to the next rest stop where the tyre can be repaired. This is done to avoid having cyclists standing about on the road edge in danger. You are advised to carry at least two spare tubes, a pump or C02 cylinders and a tyre with you. A limited supply of spares will be available.

There will also be a bike mechanic travelling with the group, who will be able to attend to breakdowns

Q.  I HAVEN'T RIDDEN IN A GROUP BEFORE, HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A RIDE LIKE THIS?

A.  We have many people who join us and are in this situation. We conduct regular training rides on weekends, which will give you adequate preparation. We also recommend that you visit the How to Train page for an idea of a training program. We will post the details of training rides in coming weeks.

If this does not answer your questions about the ride then please contact us by email, or phone