G’day readers,

A number of reasons compelled me to sign up with R4Y.  Doing Outward Bounds after my undergrad in the late 90’s was an experience; over half the kids were sent there as reform (silly me, I paid to get frostbite!), and I think it was positive for most of them.  Then during my postgrad I helped out with Uni Camp For Kids, which showed me more of the underprivileged, rather than delinquent side of depression, as well as the big impact small mentoring efforts can make.  R4Y seemed like a logical opportunity to make a further, hopefully stronger impact.  I knew guys that had done it, I’d ridden with them and they all glowed with the sense of reward. 

But if this is a bio… I’m a plant molecular biologist at UWA, part funded by the state Ag department.  My field is viticulture and oenology, though I’m mainly a plant scientist (mostly leave the wine stuff to my old man).  I did my undergrad and PhD at UWA and a postdoc in Oxford before realising my Love (and the warm sunshine) was back in Perth.  Apart from the bike, I love craft brewing, and make a mean Czech Pilsner or Californian Steam lager.

I love the bike and have been told by every neurosurgeon or pain specialist in the land “whatever you’re doing, don’t stop”.  Until 2006 I did the half ironman; I've done 7 including all the different venues in WA and a torrential day in Wales. The funniest was Margaret River; seeing all the top guys flying up and down the run in devil's outfits and the like was priceless.  And Old Digger was there of course with the Christmas suit and bells.  But Wales was something else; 3C outside and 8C in the water.  Wetsuit compulsory?  Bl**dy dry suit compulsory!  When I got out of the swim my legs were cramped and T1 took nearly 8 minutes – I couldn't get the wetty off!  And driving rain on the bike was no fun when I'd only packed a gilet.  It was dry by the run but that was 10.5k up hill and 10.5k down; not too welcoming after what I’d already been through.  Understandably, I skipped the coke and fruit at the finish line and went straight for a few sausage rolls!

But shortly after the UK HIM, my back gave in.  And by 2006 I couldn't run and even swimming became painful – cycling fortunately seems to help my back (phew!).  I've had several minor operations and tried all medical aids but then in February this year I had two discs removed; one fusion and one artificial disc replacement.  It still hurts but I'm told my body's now conditioned to pain and the nerves will need time to realise there's no need to create pain anymore.  Well, I hope they get the message, and pretty soon!

After the op I was pretty keen to get on the bike but had to wait until July.  But that was two weeks before heading overseas for work.  So I took my bike and arranged a few days near Mont Ventoux to watch and ride the penultimate stage of Le Tour ’09.  Everything they say about the bald, windy mountain is true, and more.  But I did it and I'm back, and feel very privileged to be involved with Youth Focus, via the Ride For Youth.

I think most of us are touched by youth suicide, self harm or depression in some way.  I’ve been through my own troubled times and so have many of my friends.  It certainly enveloped my thinking and I know how powerful those emotions can be, to the point where they feel rational.  And sometimes, in order to go on with a healthy life, you need to consciously override the unhealthy thoughts.  But that sort of realisation and cognitive functioning doesn't come naturally; you need a network of counsellors, friends and family to get you to that point.  And that’s exactly what Youth Focus does.  I know how important such a network can be; I also have friends that have been “touched” by suicide, and without getting too close on a public forum I know in one case I happened to be in the right place at the right time.

Providing those counsellors and assisting that network is exactly what Youth Focus does – all the money you contribute goes towards funding counsellors and services for the young and vulnerable.  The riders pay for their gear, their accommodation, their bus, their food.  But we get the reward of seeing more of where the money goes and knowing that we’re involved with such an effective charity is gold.  The feedback you get from the general public is always remarkable.  At my first R4Y fundraiser I had two people whisper in my ear that they’d lost a loved one; one only a few months ago.  It stopped me for a second but that was also quite empowering.

Anyway, hope to see you out there.

Cheers, Mick