Business gears up for charity ride to Busselton

WA owned playground manufacturing company Van Ryt Industries is gearing up for its second annual charity bike ride to support mental health awareness in the trades industry.

The two-day event will commence on Thursday, September 19, 2024, with participants cycling 215 kilometres from the company’s O’Connor factory to Busselton.

The annual ride’s story stems from one of true mateship.

“A few years ago, one of our employees was going through some mental health challenges. I was trying to find a way to support him without it being too confronting,” founder and owner Ben Van Ryt said.

“We all enjoy riding, so I thought, ‘How about a bike ride where we can have the opportunity to chat and connect.”

This thoughtful idea to open up on the open road led to the creation of the ride for tradies’ mental health.

With its close-knit team of over 15 employees, the business embraced the concept wholeheartedly.

“We have some truly brilliant employees here at Van Ryt Industries,” Ben said.

“What better way to connect than to ride a bike to one of the most beautiful destinations in WA, have a casual chat, and raise money for a brilliant cause along the way?”

This year’s ride, aptly named ‘Break the Silence, Brake the Cycle’ aims to raise funds and awareness for TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter).

TIACS is a non-profit dedicated to providing free mental health support throughout Australia, promoting conversations within blue-collar communities by offering accessible phone and text counselling at no cost.

Last year’s inaugural ride was a great success, raising just under $20,000 with 194 donations.

This year, the team is pedalling even harder, aiming to make an even greater impact for this worthy cause.

“This ride is more than just a two-day event,” Ben said.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to authentically connect with friends and check in on how they are going.

“The ride challenges participants physically and creates an opportunity for genuine bonding.”

The cyclists will conclude their journey at the Fat Duck Bike Shop & Café in Busselton, where family, friends, and supporters will welcome them to celebrate.

As Ben Van Ryt and his team prepare to hit the road, they invite everyone to participate in this important conversation and support the worthy cause.

“With every turn of the pedal, we pedal away from the stigma surrounding mental health. Join us in this journey of compassion and awareness,” he said.

“As a community, we can work together and potentially save young lives.”

Community members can support the riders by donating at www.mycause.com.au/page/350139/break-the-silence-brake-the-cycle.

All contributions will directly support TIACS’s mission to provide vital mental health resources to those most in need.

To learn more about TIACS and their mission, visit www.tiacs.org