WHAT began as one man’s battle with depression and anxiety has grown into a decade-long event helping hundreds of people find support.
As Blue Moto prepares to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its annual Ride Blue event, founder Steve Doherty said the organisation is about creating a community where people feel comfortable speaking up.
Mr Doherty said his own experiences with depression, anxiety and the challenges he faced growing up with dyslexia inspired him to create the support network he wished had existed when he was younger.
“I’ve suffered with depression my whole life,” he said.
“Mainly anxiety through being dyslexic. I left school and still couldn’t read and write. Back then you didn’t tell anyone.”
He remembers the anxiety surrounding everyday situations, from filling out paperwork to asking for help, and how it gradually led him to withdraw from others.
“You’d become a hermit virtually,” Mr Doherty said “You’d just stay at home.”
Like many men of his generation, Mr Doherty said reaching out for support was something he struggled with.
“You’re a man. You don’t reach out,” he said.
About a decade ago, he met another local man with a shared passion for motorcycles and a similar outlook on life.
Together they established the Orange Cafe Racers motorcycle club in 2015. From that group, Blue Moto was born.
While motorcycles remain part of the organisation’s identity, Mr Doherty said they are simply the vehicle used to bring people together.
“We’re focusing on mental health, not just motorcycles,” he said.
Since becoming an official not-for-profit organisation, Blue Moto has expanded from a men’s mental health initiative into a broader community group, hosting community walks, supporting cancer initiatives and providing scholarships to support Lifeline training.
The organisation also runs a free men’s support group, with money raised through Ride Blue helping cover operating costs before remaining funds are donated to Lifeline.
“We keep half to run our men’s group because it’s free,” Mr Doherty said.
“It goes towards supplying the morning tea, and the other half goes to Lifeline.”
This year’s Ride Blue will mark a decade of the event, with riders expected to travel from across the Central West to take part.
The ride will begin in Orange before travelling through Cargo, Canowindra, Cudal, Manildra and Garra on the way to Cumnock.
Participants will gather at the Cumnock Bowling Club for lunch, with trophies awarded for standout motorcycles.
Mr Doherty said the event had evolved through the years as organisers learned what encouraged people to engage with conversations around mental health.
Previous events featured information stalls from mental health organisations, but organisers found some participants were hesitant to approach formal services directly.
“The idea was for people to recognise organisations like Lifeline and LikeMind were there if they ever needed them,” he said.
This year, psychologists will be available for anyone wanting a conversation, while health professionals will also provide basic health checks including blood pressure and blood sugar testing.
Mr Doherty said he hopes that the conversations that begin over coffee, breakfast and a shared ride continue to encourage people to check in on each other and seek support when they need it.
“You don’t have to suffer in silence,” he said.
Ride Blue will be held in October, with registrations open for riders wanting to take part.