Black Dog Ride draws in 145 bikes for ‘beautiful day of riding’

Attendees first rode across the region, which just two months ago was hit by devastating bushfires, followed by an afternoon of music, mateship and great food at the Royal Hotel.

Ride co-ordinator Kylie Comte said the influx of repeat riders, a number of whom came from areas outside the region, was a testament both to the seamless organisation of the volunteer crew and to the ride itself.

“We had a lot of people travel to it,” she said.

“There were quite a lot of repeat riders — a few people travelled from Melbourne and elsewhere regionally, even from the other side of the NSW border.

“They love the cause. The Black Dog Ride is a big cause for a lot of people, but they come to Seymour every year because they love our roads and our beautiful landscape.”

New faces also made an appearance on the day, with Ms Comte saying they were drawn to Seymour because they had “heard it was a good ride”.

When the bikes were parked at the Royal for the afternoon, riders enjoyed listening to guest speaker Donna Zander, a mental health specialist from Melbourne, who was approached by a member of the audience because of how candidly she spoke about the black dog.

Ms Comte said she was touched to know that a connection like this was formed on the day.

“To hear that happen on the day, that somebody felt confident and was willing enough to reach out for some help and assistance – that’s what the day’s about,” she said.

“At the end of the day, we’re there to try to help as many as we can, but to have it confirmed for one person makes it extra special.”

Riders enjoyed a pub meal and music from Catch 23 well into the afternoon, which was all about “conversation and connection”.