Banish the Black Dog Charity Bike Ride

Banish the Black Dog Charity Bike Ride is a relaxed 2 day ride to the historic gold mining town of Ravenswood

Banish the Black Dog Charity Bike Ride is relaxed 2 day ride from Townsville in far north Queensland to the old gold mining town of Ravenswood. This ride helps to raise the awareness of mental health issues in the community, with the majority of funds going to Australian Rotary Health, the largest non-government mental health research funding organisation in Australia. Funds will also go towards supporting local initiatives in the treatment and support of those suffering mental illnesses.

This ride starts in Townsville before heading inland to Charters Towers. You’ll then turn south at Mingela towards Ravenswood, which is where you will spend the night before the return loop back. A compulsory briefing is held for riders on the Friday night before the ride. 

The total distance is 260 km over the two days, and there will be some reasonable climbs along the way with a few undulations. The ride will have approximately 1000 m of elevation gain. Basically, it is an easy ride apart from the little lumpy bits!

Accommodation at Ravenswood is limited so camping and swags are required. If you want a real bed, you will need to book early as the town is small, which means rooms are limited in number.

Ravenswood is an old mining town and it is like stepping back in time with the beautifully restored hotels and public buildings. You’ll get a glimpse of what ‘time’s gone past’ must have been. 

Banish the Black Dog Charity Bike Ride is a ride that is definitely off the beaten track, but well worth the effort.

You’ll find other great cycling events, like Banish the Black Dog Charity Bike Ride, in our online Cycling Event Calendar.

Enjoy!