Amy-Nicole Peters cycled into Eurobodalla today, just 300km to go of her transcontintental 6000km ride across Australia talking about mental health. So far her journey has included moments of epic wonder, harsh struggle and wonderful connection. She has ridden the Munda Biddi trail in Western Australia. She has crossed The Nullabor. She battled 45 degree heat with a headwind for days. She's even fought off that tiny voice telling her she’s crazy and should give up.
And what drives her on? Amy-Nicole is raising money for the charities Lifeline, Beyond Blue, Black Dog and Qlife. She says; “I want to show how much help and support is out there and give to those organisations that help so many people living with mental health issues. I have spoken to lots of people so far on my journey and all of them have personal connections to issues of mental health. Unfortunately, many of them have never heard of these fantastic organisations.“ Amy says, “The most preparation I did for this ride was riding 15km to work every day. To be honest nothing can prepare you for riding your bike for 12 hours a day into a head wind except riding your bike for 12 hours a day into a head wind. At the start and end of every day now I am so grateful for all of the people who have helped me out along the way. Even that slightly chilled 'been-in-a-car' water is heavenly." She says: “I started this ride to show that you don't have to be a superhero to take on challenges in life. Even endless and impossible challenges like riding a bike across Australia are achievable if you do it a little bit at a time. I have struggled with mental illness most of my life. I want others to know that even though it may be tough, there is help out there and you can get through it.” “I would say that the easy part is the bike riding. The challenging part is the elements. Extreme wind, rain, sun, cold and heat combines with the logistics of figuring out where to camp and what to eat. That's what takes it out of me.” “There was a feeling of the home stretch when I crossed the NSW boarder at the 6000k mark. “I have travelled so far and seen so much it is almost unreal. The contrast I have experienced between the Nullabor and the cities of Adelaide and Melbourne. Cars, trucks, trains, bright lights, noises and smells it’s a big change from the endless plains and quiet nights alone in the bush. I have also had the privilege to meet so many amazing folks along the way. From the people who stopped to offer me water, or hosted me the night in their homes and all the people who have shared their personal mental health stories with me. All have helped make this journey extra special. “In raising money for the charities Lifeline, Beyond Blue, Black Dog and Qlife I want to show how much help and support is out there and give to those organisations that help so many people living with mental health issues. “I have spoken to lots of people so far on my journey and all of them have personal connections to issues of mental health. Unfortunately, many of them have never heard of these fantastic organisations.“ “Australia and Australians needs to talk more about their issues.” “I will be ending this trip where my love of biking all began at Sydney's Centennial Park. I invite you to come and join me at the finish line for a few laps around the park and a picnic.
“Bring your bike, your friends, your kids, your pets, all your snacks and anything else you feel like.
“ Meeting at the Randwick gates of the park at 2pm. Hope to see you all there
“I will also be holding an event a week or so after I am back where by I will be drawing the raffle prizes for the Pushbiking for mental health fundraiser and having a Q&A. On the night I will also be shaving off all the hair on my head when we reach the $10,000 mark for the fundraiser which is currently over $9,000” That’s why I am partnering with some of Australia's leading mental health organisations - Beyondblue, Lifeline, Blackdog and the National LGBTI Health Alliance Qlife hotline.
How you can help?
You can donate to https://chuffed.org/project/pushbikingformentalhealth Your donations will helping to provide valuable mental health services. Follow Amy on Facebook
