Steve Warren has pedalled the distance to raise funds for mental health.
Steve lost his son Mark to suicide just two years ago and decided to host a charity ride in his honour.
Accompanied by family, friends and community members, Steve embarked on a 24km-plus push from Gunnedah to Curlewis late last month.
“It was the best thing I’ve ever done,” the 72-year-old said.
The cycling event – titled Miles for Mark – also helped to raise money for ‘batyr’ – an organisation which aims to start conversations around mental health.
At last count, Steve’s ride had raised $1230 for the charity.
Steve started in Gunnedah, riding via Wandobah Road and eventually on to Curlewis.
When the riding group arrived in Curlewis, the local public school rallied in big support for the charity ride.
“As soon as I got around the corner, you should have heard all the kids cheering,” Steve recalled.
“[The children] were all shouting ‘miles for Mark, miles for Mark’.
“The kids swarmed me like bees.
“I rode around the school where they were lined up and gave them high-fives.
“It was really good.”
Steve said the ride took a toll on his body but it could have been worse if not for the electric-powered bike he had on loan.
“My legs were sore and I was tired but I would’ve been more tired without the electric bike,” he said.
The travelling contingent stopped for about 4-5 short breaks during the journey. They were also assisted by a downhill stretch for the last 5km or so.
Sam Trembath from Turner Cycles and Outdoors, Gunnedah, helped coordinate the event.
The business also assisted in the transportation of bikes for school children taking part.
She said the team at Turner Cycles and Outdoors was “so happy for Steve” and all he achieved through the ride.
Owen Mullins, who is a life-long mate of Steve, said it was no surprise to see the accoldates for his good mate.
“He’s a real family man … goes out of his way to help others,” Owen said.
Owen lives in Sydney but said he and Steve have been “best mates” since young.
Steve’s sister Sue Sanders, who lives in Cowra, praised her brother’s cycling expedition for charity.
“I think it is a great thing what he has done,” Sue said.
“Especially at his age (72), I think it’s fantastic.”
Sue said her brother has experienced his fair share of life challenges over the years, so it’s great to see him experience success with the charity ride.
Such was his resolve to carry on, Steve battled illness in the weeks preceding his charity but was determined to press on.
“I said I would be doing it even if I had only one leg,” Steve said.
Steve said he could not have completed the ride without his loyal band of supporters.
“I want to thank everyone for what they did,” he said.
Steve said Mark’s brother Shannon, who also took part in the charity ride, summarised it best when he highlighted the difficult circumstances many suffering mental health issues face, when he said: “We’re doing it hard but not as hard as others out there.”
Steve has already started fielding enquiries about follow up charity events. He hoped more rides could be staged in the future to promote good mental health in the Gunnedah district.
