COVER STORY
The understanding that for one life to change , another must stand up and be the voice . I ’ ve never had a more fulfilling 48 hours .
So how do you get 28 people , most who have never met , to help one another ? You create safe places , where judgement is replaced entirely by trust and support . Riders looked for signs and symptoms of struggle in their compatriots . They ask if they are ok , if they need food or water . And then they ask again , and again . But what was incredible , was that riders ( myself included ) were ASKING for help . They identified weaknesses at certain times , and they felt they could be open and honest in the group , in the safe spaces that we , as a team , had created . And now you see how this was never about a bike ride , it ’ s a metaphor for life .
When you show honestly , vulnerability , when you take the mask off and show how you really feel , not how you THINK you should feel , you attract support . You attract genuine care . It ’ s these ideas that help push the Puka Up message forward . That no matter if you ’ re male , female , old or young , your ability to put your hand up and ask for help and / or be there to support others by creating a conversation can save a life .
You don ’ t have to ride a bike to understand this . You can apply this to any sport , any activity , any day , anywhere . Just have the conversation . Ask “ Are you ok ?” and if you don ’ t believe their answer , ask again .
AFL CFO Travis Auld climbing Macquarie Pass on Day 2
" I cannot stress this enough . One conversation can change a life . Let ’ s all set the example and ensure the stigma stops with me ."
Sport 3 Tours was proud to provide the support for the 2018 ride . We believe in the message and feel honoured to be part of the team . Together we must change people ’ s attitude toward mental health particularly amongst men . Thank you to all the riders and support staff for creating this amazing experience .
Visit www . pukaup . com for more details and join us in 2019 .
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