Chay & Paris

Ride4Lives - Sydney to Byron Bay

Sydney to Byron Bay. 800km. Two wheels. One very important cause.

Chay's Why:

Mental health is something very close to my heart, and this challenge means a lot more to me than simply jumping on a bike and riding from Sydney to Byron Bay.

Back in 2019, Paris and I were living in New Zealand. It was an incredible chapter of our lives, but when COVID hit, things changed pretty quickly.

Like so many people, I found myself struggling but I didn't really understand what was happening to me.

I started experiencing chest pains, panic attacks and constant anxiety. There were multiple trips to A&E, X-rays, tests and plenty of worrying about what was wrong with me. I was living in what many would consider one of the most beautiful places in the world, yet mentally I was in a very dark place.

I'd always been the person who tried to bring positive energy, have a laugh and be the life and soul of the party. Admitting that I wasn't okay was incredibly difficult.

Eventually, after months of struggling and not really understanding why, I had to acknowledge that my mental health was in a seriously bad place. Depression and anxiety had taken over more of my life than I realised.

After moving to Australia, I finally found the courage to ask for help.

I was incredibly fortunate to meet a specialist who genuinely invested time in me, listening, understanding what I was going through and helping me put a plan in place. That was a real turning point for me and it's something I'll always be grateful for.

A few years on, I'm in a completely different place.

Exercise has played a huge part in that journey. Running, cycling and having something to work towards has given me an outlet, a sense of purpose and importantly, something to look forward to.

So when the opportunity came up to ride from Sydney to Byron Bay and raise money for the Black Dog Institute, it felt like the perfect challenge.

I'm much more comfortable running than cycling and the thought of 800+km and thousands of metres of climbing is starting to feel like a fairly ambitious decision but that's also what makes it exciting.

This isn't just about completing a bike ride. It's about raising awareness, starting conversations and supporting an organisation doing incredible work across mental health research, prevention and treatment.

I know from my own experience how difficult it can be to admit you're struggling and take that first step towards getting help.

If sharing my story encourages even one person to speak to someone, ask for help or check in on a mate, then putting it out there is absolutely worth it.

Paris' Why:

As a wife, daughter, sister and friend I have seen the different impacts mental health has had on the people I love most. Invisible to everyone, however sometimes so destructive it can tear a person apart and into someone you no longer recognise. 

For me, moving daily has been and always will be how I battle the demons in my head. Sometimes running, hiking, gym and sometimes having a boogie on the dancefloor. 

Our team is aiming to raise $70,000 for the Black Dog Institute, and I'd love your help getting us there.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference.

If you can't donate, sharing this page, sending it to a mate or simply following along with the challenge means just as much.

I'm genuinely proud to be taking part in this ride and supporting a cause that has such personal meaning to me.

Now it's time to get the legs ready for 800 off Km's, plenty of hills and a whole lot of Lycra.

Let's get to Byron❤️

Thank you for your support.