Robert Sheridan lands in Geraldton during his cycle around Australia, fundraising for Black Dog Institute

A cyclist riding around Australia to raise funds for mental health has made his way to the Mid West, marking halfway through his journey while pausing to catch up with an old student. NSW man Robert Sheridan is riding 11,000km in about six months, raising money for the Black Dog Institute. The 68-year-old began his cycling journey in Townsville in early April and arrived in WA seven weeks later. Mr Sheridan said it took him about two weeks to ride from Broome to Geraldton after he left on May 30. “When I got to Geraldton, after riding 2000km in two weeks, I was pretty exhausted,” he said. “It was really hot when we started, crossing the Gibb River with 500km of dirt was really, really tough, but we saw some beautiful sights.” Mr Sheridan bumped into Gabbie Lynch, a youth counsellor at headspace, who was taught by Mr Sheridan nine years ago. “Gabbie organised physio and a doctor’s appointment. I was really cared for and felt the love of Geraldton, it was really wonderful,” Mr Sheridan said. On Wednesday, he arrived in Cervantes after a 150km ride from Dongara and said he expected to be in Perth on Friday, before making his way to Adelaide. Mr Sheridan is aiming to raise $100,000 for the Black Dog Institute, but said discussions about mental health along the way and the physical goal of making it back to NSW was also an important part of the journey. “I think I’m very fortunate to be able to be fit enough to do this. I’ve had my own issues with mental health, I’ve had to deal with a lot of things, and exercise and friends is what has pulled me through,” he said. “I encourage people to get out and do do this sort of stuff. Exercise is an important part of our mental stability so I really encourage people to do it.” To contribute to the fundraiser, or read more about Mr Sheridan’s story, visit teamblackdog.org.au