Break the cycle is a campaign created by Wellways to promote positive health and reduce the rate of suicide. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44 years of age and has a devastating impact on families, friends and communities.
Break the Cycle 2023
Staff from Wellways are gearing up for another inspiring ride around regional NSW, raising awareness of mental health, getting help and suicide prevention for these communities.
They've been hard in training, prepared now for an 890km ride!
The journey
The 2023 journey will follow this challenging route:
Image: The 890km ride
Friday 24th March - Lake Cargelligo
Saturday 25th March - Lake Cargelligo to Goolgowi
Sunday 26th March - Goolgowi to Hay
Monday 27th March - Hay to Balranald via Maude
Tuesday 28th March - Balranald to Moulamein
Wednesday 29th March - Moulamein to Deniliquin
Thursday 30th March - Deniliquin to Mulwala
Friday 31st March - Mulwala to Albury
Good luck and safe riding to all those participating!
Day one
Lake Cargelligo to Goolgowi
Excited for the days ahead we were off early from Lake Cargelligo and on the road to Goolgowi.
After a strong day's ride and meeting some of the Goolgowi community we had a comfortable night at the Goolgowi Motor Inn.
Day two
Goolgowi to Hay
Started the morning with a breakfast at Goolgowi general store Donna’s diner.
It was a special morning with the Hale family, before getting back on the bikes on the way to Hay.
Day three
Hay to Balranald via Maude
Another big day on some very long and straight roads, but we certainly enjoyed each others company!
Day four
Balranald to Moulamein
The rider's were all feeling it after yesterday's 167km effort, but backing it up to get from Balranald to Moulamein.
Day five
Moulamein to Deniliquin
A lot of long stretches with some really challenging head winds…it seemed like around every corner the wind got stronger! 110 kilometres later though and we made it to the Deniliquin Wellways office where we were greeted by the Wellways' team, Mayor Peta Betts and District Community MHDA Manager Alison Thorne.
The Moulamein community were wonderful and welcoming- with special thanks to the Tatts Hotel and Moulamein Caravan Park for their kind donation.
Day six
Deniliquin to Mulwala
With more strong head winds, roadworks and even a scrub fire to contend with it was a tough ride from Deni to Mulwala! A super effort from all the riders to complete another 132km today.
Day seven
Mulwala to Albury
The final leg of the journey was from Mulwala and it was with a great sense of accomplishment that the team arrived in Albury on Friday evening.
An incredible effort from all involved, riding an epic 890km to Break the Cycle on suicide and raise awareness on mental health.
Break the Cycle 2021
Over 5 days we cycled over 550 kilometres through regional NSW, to support local communities who have been impacted by COVID-19, bushfires and ongoing drought. We promoted connection and supports available, encouraging communities to start the conversations and know where to go for support when needed.
Starting in Wagga Wagga, then cycling to Gundagai, Tumbarumba, Gerogery, Urana and finishing back in Wagga Wagga, we held workshops to get the community involved in suicide prevention and promoting positive mental health.
Image: Our 550kms journey
Day one
Wagga to Gundagai
Today was a day of ups and downs (both metaphorically and literally), but it's been a great success so far. We even made it on to the local news. Each one of the riders has pushed through the first day and the weather has just held out for us! The start of the journey to break the cycle has such beautiful scenes.
Day two
Gundagai to Tumbarumba
Video: A quick message from the team
Gundagai to Tumbarumba was tough. 98km, 1650 metre climb. Hills hills hills - came close to breaking us but we pulled together as a team and pushed through. 9.5 hours riding was the absolute reinsurance test!
Day three
Tumbarumba to Gerogery
Video: A message from our wonderful support team
Image: It's the cliiiiiiimb - Miley Cyrus
Video: A quick break in Holbrook
Day three started with the beautiful sun beaming down on us and the countryside feeling fresh after some stormy weather the night before. Spirits were high after having broken the back of day two. The ride today has been full of ups and downs, we enjoyed a steep decline into the valley before another 900m climb! After a quick rest in Holbrook, we had a "cruisy" 30km to our bed for the night at Culcairn.
Day four
Gerogery to Urana
Image: Everyone ready to take on day four!
Gallery: Our amazing hosts at Culcairn Motor Inn and a quick nap
110km down today! Was nice flat road with "only" a climb of 180 metres. It's been nice reprieve from previous three days. Scenery changed from rolling hills to farmland, very little traffic. Spirits were really high today after the challenge of massive climbs, I think the sense of being one day closer to home really helped. One more day to go!
Day five
Urana to Wagga Wagga
The last leg home! After four long days we were ready for the home stretch, Urana to Wagga. Spirits were high as we set off on a beautiful autumn day. The ride was pretty flat, and other than a few road trains, clear of traffic. About 38 kms from Wagga at The Rock we were cheered on by some amazing seniors from an aged care facility at The Rock - what a welcomed site they were! As it would play out, 4km from the finish and as we were gathering momentum riding through Wagga, Jacob chain came off along with his back wheel...disaster! If not for our trusty bike mechanic Rob, who for the third time saved the day, we fear Jacob would have been walking across the finish line.
Image: Our wonderful aged care supporters!
Gallery: A beautiful final day
After five long days, it was amazing to be met by our families, friends and colleagues as we rounded the bend onto Faye Avenue. The highs and lows, metaphorically and literally had all been worth it.
Break the Cycle 2021 was done and dusted.
Acknowledgments and sponsors
Gatekeeper training is jointly funded by the Australian Government and NSW Government.
Break the Cycle has been proudly sponsored by StandBy | Support after suicide and AKW Chartered Accountants.