Cycling Oz for mental health

By Tara Lal

My Activity Tracking

5,000
kms

My target 5000 kms

Sarah Davis and Tara Lal have joined forces to combine their shared passion for mental health and adventure by cycling unsupported across Australia from its most westerly point, Steep Point in Western Australia, to the most easterly point, Cape Byron in NSW some 5,000km later. For our international friends that’s the equivalent of cycling from England to America. Their mission is to encourage growth through struggles with mental health, by sharing the lessons they’ve learned over the years with their own challenges with mental health. Tara says, “The key to growth is struggle and learning how to struggle well. We hope we can encourage people following our journey to do the same.”

Tara’s Story

When my beloved brother Adam, died by suicide back in 1988, when I was 17, my life changed forever. There had been other events before that that had shaken the ground I walked on. My mother’s death by cancer when I was 13 and my father’s debilitating lifelong battle with mental illness but neither were as earth shatteringly traumatic as my brother’s death. Suicide and mental illness has impacted and altered every single day of my life since. This is what drives the passion for my work, my book, my research and now my motivation for this ride where I will not only be raising money for lifeline but raising awareness for suicide pre and postvention in our communities across Australia. 

Every call to lifeline costs $39. That $39 has the potential to save so much more than one life. My own story speaks to the ripple effect of suicide over 30 years, and how it affected every aspect of my life. I am not alone. For every person that dies by suicide 135 people are impacted, with at least 10 of those, suffering long term psychological and emotional distress,  increased risk of suicide, difficulty forming healthy relationships and social isolation. The ripple effect stretches far beyond immediate family, affecting friends, colleagues and first responders.

So, from me to you, a heartfelt thank you for your donation and support - you are literally a lifesaver in so many ways.

Tara x

Thank you to my Sponsors

$2.5k

Dudley

Good luck looks brutal it was easier on tarmac !! Very impressive

$1.02k

Rob And Kerry Miller

Hi Tara, Congratulations once again on your epic journey across Australia and incredible effort for an incredible cause

$615

Men's Health

$515

Kate Vernon

Excited for you as you near the end of your epic journey! So proud and inspired by you both and the incredible work you are doing to raise awareness and funds for mental health. Sending you lots of love from afar. xx

$515

Chris Mcleod

Get after it Tara. Kudos, we couldn’t have gotten around Oz without you. It’s your turn

$515

Mindarma Team

You are as always a wonderful inspiration to us all. We're so proud of you!!

$515

Grant Wilkinson

Love you T! ❤️

$515

Vicky Arlidge

You are always an inspiration to me Laldy. I’m having so much fun following your adventure... from the comfort of my sofa. 😉 Keep pedalling!! If anyone can do it, you can! ❤️🚲

$515

Dr Penny ...

Tara & Sarah - Inspirational! Both the cause and the ride. Great to meet you 'on the road' after reading of your journey and cause in the Broken Hill Barrier Truth Saturday newspaper. Having worked in rural and remote Oz for the past 20 years, I too, am familiar with the toll mental health dysfunction places of individuals, families and communities. Front line workers such as the Fireys do a great job - look forward to following your journey; safe travels. 'GP Penny'

$415

Raelene Smith

What you have done is simply phenomenal. Congratulations to both you and Sarah

$313.20

Janet Perfrement

Well done!

$261

Peter Sweeny

Love your work, stay safe.

$261

Craig Bennett

Good luck Tara I’ll be following the whole journey

$261

John Mcgarvey

So proud of you TJ

$261

Scott Milson

Go Tara & Sarah. Great adventure and such a worthy cause.

$261

Hatzi

Awesome effort guys. Congrats

$261

Daryn Hyde

Amazing effort! Thank you for all you do!

$261

Dee De Bruyn

You are an inspiration- have fun on this beautiful adventure! See you on the other side, no doubt with a few stories to tell.

$261

Myf & Kevin

You’re an inspiration for a terrific cause! Ride on x

$261

Samantha Heron

Tara It is incredible to witness you tackle this latest challenge (that most of us mere mortals would never dream of) with your usual grace, grit & grin. The importance of why you are riding cannot be underestimated and the world is lucky to have people like you and Sarah with both the conviction and compassion necessary to shine a light on the importance of mental health & wellbeing. Though you are facing incredible challenges you may never have imagined, the universe has you there for a reason. I'm so glad you have found a kindred spirit in Sarah to share the highs and lows of this journey with. Be safe my dear friend. You are cherished and missed.

$261

Nev Clark

Great to meet you two amazing people at Streaky Bay SA. Best wishes from Annie and I for your adventurous fundraising.

$250

Jan Blades

great work girls jan and keith blades

$234.90

Sarah Davis

Finally transferring the cash donations!

$208.80

Louise Taylor Walls

What an amazing adventure T. Best of luck to you both!

$208.80

Kirsten Mccaffery

This is from Kirsten and Laura. Well done T so amazing xxx

$208.80

Anonymous

$208.80

Maureen Kiely

$200

Lisa Champion

You go girl! So impressed with what you are doing. Call me if you need any counselling along the way!!! :) Sending lots of love!!!

$180

Doron Milner

Well done legend. You guys are so great.

$172

Ringo

So proud to call you a mate T. Awesome effort for a great cause. Love ya.

$156.60

Lyndall & Chris Flemming

So happy to throw our support behind you and these wonderful causes. Your dedication to the improvement of mental health services is inspirational. Go girls!! Sending love, Lyndall and Chris xx

$156.60

Margaret Casement

Wishing you every bit of good luck ,Tara, on your amazing adventure. You are incredible. Love Margaret

$156.60

Abigail & Angus Hatherley/hughson

Pressed the wrong button - wasn’t wearing glasses!

$128.41

Kind People

Cash donations from lovely people on the road!

$122.15

Sarah & Jesse

You are a truely special human T, and it looks like you’ve found an equally special human in Sarah to go on this adventure with you! Thank you for raising this awareness, and being an inspiration to so many, including me. Jesse & I are so proud of you!!

$104.40

Sue

Hi Tara Ride well, I'll be thinking of you all the way. Your story is heartbreaking but way too familiar. No one should ever feel so alone that they believe the only way is to leave this world. In 2015 my school leaver son went camping with friends instead of doing the crazy leavers thing. They spent a few hours at a remote beach. He became curious about a car parked nearby, and the young man sitting in car. He went over for chat, and to check that he was OK. The young man was writing, my young son asked 'Are you Ok'. They talked about the region, how much they both loved the place, where my son was camping. He told the man the camp site was quiet, and encouraged him to come along, join the group. The man said 'maybe'. The next morning a ranger came by with a woman, looking for her brother. My son directed them to the site, recounted his conversation. You will know the outcome. My 17 -old boy carries the pain of believing that he could have done more, that he should have had greater insight into the intent of someone, alone, sitting in his car, writing, in a place that few people visit.

$104.40

Anne Yates

Go for it! May the wind be behind you.

$104.40

Troy Stockwell

Wishing you tailwinds for the entire journey.

$104.40

Zena

Good luck to you both!! What a wonderful venture! With you the whole way ... albeit from my lounge! xxx

$104.40

Jo Lal - The Little Big Sister

Ahh Big Little Sister, fine work, the hammies will need some TLC. Very proud

$104.40

Cassandra Mcdonald

Congratulations you made it, I’m so proud of you both. I’m sure you have changed many lives along the way.

$104.40

Danni And Ciska Cormican

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 We both had tears watching you guys today.. well done mate xx

$104.40

Michael Ward

So impressed with your efforts. We have loved following your journey and think you have really marked your 50th year with an amazing memory. Congratulations to you and Sarah

$104.40

Youngy.

Inspirational. Take care.

$104.40

Brad Mcwilliams

Congratulations on completing this large journey. Something to be very proud of

$104.40

Milton

You truly are an inspiration Tara!

$104.40

Jessica Hepburn

Sending you on your way with all my love xxx

$104.40

Marty Arango

Awesome effort! Good on you, Tara.

$104.40

Dr Jana Siswadi

Go Tara, you can do this !

$104.40

Phil Salter

Sarah, you continue to be an inspiration for myself & countless others! Best of luck for you & Tara with this incredible challenge.

$104.40

Frances Stewart

Great expedition! Congratulations and much love. Frances

$104.40

Christine Siegert

Well done Tara and Sarah. Bud and Banjo with you all the way.

$104.40

Anonymous

Always inspirational!

$104.40

Jeanette Lambert

You are amazing!

$104.40

Alice Bruggen

Good luck Tara and Sarah on your amazing adventure. What a challenge and good causes. Xxc

$104.40

Jules

Awesome effort and cause Tara and Sarah.

$104.40

Anne Yates

We meant to donate £100 sterling so here's the difference (nearly). Sorry for the confusion. Love Anne & John

$104.40

Beth Beamer

Teej, I am so proud. You have inspired me to get into that Arena and I love you so much and am so grateful. So blessed to have you in my life. Sweaty xxx

$104.40

Jane Ross

Fantastic effort. My late much loved stepson also Adam (he died in a hang gliding accident) was a fiery in nsw and often talked about what he had seen. I heard/saw you at rotary conference in Wangaratta

$104.40

Chantal Guziak

Never a doubt that bud would get you all the way. Well done xx

$104.40

Kylie Le Febvre

So amazing Tara and Sarah- inspirational!

$104.40

Rob Sams

What a terrific adventure you are on in support of a terrific cause. Thanks for all that you are both doing to raise awareness of services in our community. Wishing all both all the best! 🎉👏🚴‍♀️

$104.40

Kate O’brien

Congratulations on all your work so far. You guys are doing amazing work for so many. My thoughts are with Leif and all his family and friends. 💔

$104.40

Tarls And Andy

Thank you for making that phone call, you have touched our hearts. Safe travels and stay in touch x

$104.40

Scotty Donaldson

Great work Tara ! Amazing trip and a great cause. Anything to help and raise awareness of mental illness is extremely important and timely. Well done! I would have loved to have joined you both.

$104.40

Isabella Wakes-miller

You are an incredible woman Tara - your Mum and Adam would both be blown away with pride to see what you have achieved in your life so far. All our love and luck for your epic adventure!!!!! Bels, Dunc, Arthur, Tenzin and Iona 💜💜

$104.40

Philippa

How amazing and inspirational you both are. Good luck! Love from me and Emma.

$104.40

Claire Reading

You are amazing.

$104.40

Michelle Fretten

You two ladies are an inspiration to many and most definitely changing lives whilst continuing along on your journey.

$104.40

238 Station Broken Hill

From the social fund of 238 Fire station Broken Hill

$104.40

Juliette Slater

I am in total awe of the journey that you and Sarah have undertaken to complete. Your blogs are amazing and inspirational. Keep it up girls -we're all cheering you on from afar! x

$104.40

David Teagle

Awesome effort Tara, and very inspirational.

$104.40

Cullo

AWESOME

$100

Marc Van Heemst

You’re nearly there ladies and it seems like such a long time ago I offered very little help on the sand track out of Steep Point to fix your flat tyre. Congratulations on a monumental achievement. Well done!

$100

Sue Kelly

Congratulations on completing your epic journey .. absolutely incredible!

$100

Brock Johnson

$100

Sonya Griffin

Hi Tara, I've enjoyed watching your progress. It's an amazing thing you and Sarah have done. It probably doesn't seem like it to you but the time seemed to go very quickly from my end. Well done, you are amazing. I look forward to seeing what's next for you. All the best, Sonya

$100

Elizabeth Roydhouse

$100

Navjot Bhullar

Great work, Tara.

$93.96

Kelly Stewart

I still can't believe you are cycling across Australia! I think you are brilliant and awesome. Shaking the ground gently ;) Much love xxx

$88.74

Holly Stanton

Go Sarah & Tara! You’re hugely inspirational and I’m super excited to be following you on this crazy adventure!

$62.64

John Davy

Nice time of year for a ride. Well done

$52.20

Samantha Hewitt

The end is so close. So proud of you T. You inspire me more then you will ever know.

$52.20

Ben Celermajer

Good luck Tara and Sarah!! I'm sure it will be such an incredible adventure!

$52.20

Donna White

Dear Tara , Wishing you and Sarah all the very best on your journey for Mental health across Australia . A great initiative . From a fellow physio

$52.20

Anonymous

Amazing efforts Tara!

$52.20

Sam Monaghan

What an incredible undertaking! You live life to the fullest - much of it for others - which is inspirational

$52.20

Steve Williams

Very proud of the Big Little Sister In-Law! XX Well Done Aunty Tara. We knew you could do it. Love you, Marli & Asa. XX

$52.20

Karen Sheppard

Amazing challenge, good lunch Sarah and Tara!

$52.20

Anonymous

Go Ta! Wishing you a safe, joyous and adventure-filled trip. You're an inspiration to many and your work is so valuable- keep it up :)

$52.20

Chuck Imber

From an old school friend of Adam who misses him everyday - good luck on your adventure Tara - stay safe x

$52.20

Brooke Dent

Congratulations. Absolutely amazing. Just incredible people.

$52.20

Nicole Davis

Well done mate!!

$52.20

Lisa Mackay

You are such an amazing women, so inspiring, driven and beautiful inside and out. Love you loads T. Lis xox

$52.20

Gerrad Brady

Well done you legend!

$52.20

Duncan Macaulay

$52.20

Kaela

Do 26 proud

$52.20

Bowden Family

Safe cycling on this epic journey of giving!

$52.20

Suz

You've got this girls - woohoo! We will be supporting you all the way.

$52.20

Laura Armistead

So inspirational, you have got this! Love you T!

$52.20

Kirsty Blackstock

Amazing feat - loved your updates.bit hard to join you from Scotland but will be with you in spirit on 30th!

$52.20

Patrick Casement

Tara. You are a legend. Much love, Patrick.

$52.20

Benny Ziekenheiner

Such an inspiration ladies ❤️🙏🏻

$52.20

James Spackman

$52.20

Robin Weckert

Bloody amazing!

$52.20

The Thompsons

Lots of love from Amy, Jim, Maya and Ella x

$52.20

Neil Duncan

$52.20

Justine Rangi

Thank you for being the incredible person you are Tara and for sharing your story - as well as this incredible achievement

$52.20

Matt Murphy

I’m a firie and doing a similar ride (Perth to Melb) raising money and awareness for aboriginal and migrant literacy. I leave Perth 19/4. If you don’t get a move on, I’ll catch up to you! I’m following your blog too! Hope to get some tips! Stay safe out there!

$52.20

David Jones

$52.20

Anonymous

2kms less

$52.20

Kurt And Katrina Ingle

Great work so far. Keep it up Tara

$52.20

Abigail & Angus Hatherley/hughson

Tara, you awesome person. We are so proud of you. Keep peddling!! See you on the East side xxx

$52.20

Anthea

For Leif, xxx

$52.20

Sare

ALMOST THERE T!! Amazing work x

$52.20

Peter Yates

"Enjoy that sun on your face and the simple things". Loving the journey. Amazing !!

$52.20

Dominic Burke

Amazing Tara, both effort and cause

$52.20

Mark Anderson

Great Cassie well done

$52.20

Melissa Spurr

Inspirational watching you girls travel our country side for an amazing cause

$52.20

Rita Murer

Thank you for what you are doing

$52.20

Anonymous

$52.20

Camilla Bruggen

Well done Tara. I'm so impressed by you. xx

$52.20

Rochelle Nolan

You’re absolutely incredible, Tara. We’re so grateful for all you do, and I know Adam would be so proud of you. x

$52.20

Jason Kaul

You are a champion!!!

$52.20

Anonymous

$52.20

Letizia

Sarah and you are such inspiring women! Thank you for all you do to raise awareness of Lifeline and its services! I hope this donation helps you reach your target.

$50

Marie Short

I’m watching with baited breath from Scotland! So proud of you. X

$50

Marty

From Marty who stopped on the highway.

$50

Deborah Gorman

$40.72

Dan Manning

Go Tara & Sarah!

$40

Terry Buckley

Brilliant. Well done

$37.58

Rozanne Green

Good luck Tara and Sarah, stay safe. In memory of cousins husband Mike. ❤️

$37.58

Ethel Davis

Good luck Tara and Sarah, my daughter told me of the good cause you are cycling for. In memory of cousins husband Mike. ❤️

$30

Wendy Anne Arrowsmith

Thank you, from a retired MH nurse.

$26.10

Emma

Good luck! What an accomplishment :)

$26.10

Lee Fretten

$26.10

Georgia Leach

Congratulations on this amazing achievement to promote mental health.

$26.10

Adam Barlow

$26.10

Steve Dwyer

From a ukulele friend of Vicky's, born and brought up in Oz, congratulations!

$26.10

Rob Mason

You are amazing, Tara. Thank you for doing this incredibly important work.

$26.10

Mandy A Survivor

Brilliant; Peace for All Light & Love 🌝☀️💜💟 👣💕

$26.10

Nicole Henness

Thanks for raising awareness and your amazing ride to raise funds.

$26.10

Anonymous

Met you in Perenjori tonight and have read your story...what incredibly strong and passionate women you are...good luck on your cycling journey x

$26.10

Laura Siddall

You and Sarah rock!! Amazing work, and thank you for doing what you do!!

$26.10

Jorge Kitazuru

$26.10

Richard

From Richard who stopped outside Madura

$25

Jillian Mckee

Good luck for the rest of the ride ladies!

$25

Anonymous

$25

Carole Kenney

Good luck, both! Hope you don't get too tyred! (Had to be said!) xx

$25

Anonymous

$20.88

Fishermen Who Stopped To Help!

From all the fishermen that stopped to help!

$10.44

Anonymous

$5.22

Anonymous