Riding for Awareness : MENTELL

Some rides are about the destination. Some are about the roads. Some are about the bikes.

Today’s ride was about people.

More specifically, it was about raising awareness for MENTELL, a charity that supports men facing mental health challenges, including those experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings.

Peaks and Dales bikers organised this ride for awareness raising and it was a privilege to be a Marshall on it. Mick Handley liaised and organised all aspects with MENTELL and meticulously (as always) planned the route.

MENTELL is there to support. Their work is built around a simple but powerful idea. Men are often far less likely to reach out for help, talk about what is troubling them, or share their struggles with family and friends. The statistics sadly back that up.

MENTELL exists to change that.

They provide safe spaces where men can meet, either online or in person, to talk openly and honestly about whatever is going on in their lives. They offer support, guidance and access to trained counsellors, all free of charge. Many of the people involved with MENTELL have experienced difficult times themselves and understand just how important it is to know that you are not alone.

Today’s event was not a fundraising ride (although many personal donations were made). It was an awareness ride. A chance to get the message out there and hopefully encourage conversations that might otherwise never happen.

We gathered at Swains this morning

and, judging by the number of bikes arriving, fitting everyone into the car park was going to be our first challenge of the day. A few cones were relocated and, with a bit of teamwork and motorcycle parking creativity, everyone found a space.

The weather looked less than promising. Grey clouds hung overhead, the roads were damp and there was the occasional threat of a shower. Nobody seemed too concerned. Riders were arriving with a purpose.

From Swains we headed into Buxton and gathered outside the Grapevine Wellbeing offices next to Sainsbury’s on Market Square, where MENTELL operates locally. Everyone now were wearing oversized blue MENTELL T-shirts over their normal riding gear. They may not have been the most aerodynamic pieces of motorcycle equipment ever created, but they certainly made us stand out. From there the ride set off across Derbyshire, carrying the message wherever we went.

We visited Carsington Water, passed through Matlock Bath where plenty of bikers were out enjoying the day, and continued on to the Peak Shopping Village at Darley Dale for a well earned coffee and comfort break.

The route then took us through the stunning Chatsworth estate before heading across towards Chunal on the Hayfield to Glossop road.

By now the weather had completely changed its mind. The roads were dry, the sun was making regular appearances; temperatures were up and spirits were high. There is something uplifting about riding with a group of people who all believe in the same cause.

Our final destination was Joan’s Burger Van, where the MENTELL team had put together a fantastic finish to the day. There was a large marquee, homemade cakes, live music and plenty of opportunity to chat with riders and supporters alike.

It would have been easy to measure the success of the day by the number of bikes that took part, the miles covered or the places visited.

But that would miss the point.

The real success of the day was getting people talking. Raising awareness. Reminding men that support is available. Encouraging friends and family to look out for those around them. Sometimes the strongest thing a person can do is ask for help, and sometimes the most important thing someone else can do is notice when help might be needed.

As the bikes dispersed and riders headed home, there was a real sense that we had been part of something worthwhile.

The roads were good, the company was excellent and the weather played its part to make it a great day.

Most importantly, awareness had been raised.

And if today’s ride helps just one person realise they are not facing their struggles alone, then every mile ridden was worth it.

See below. Enjoy the flow. Why not join the Peaks and Dales Bikers. Go over to FaceBook and follow the link. CLICK. HERE. FOR. FACEBOOK

Just a few from the day. Join us next time. We are already planning the next.