Le Tour South West to push off from Armadale this year

ARMADALE will be the launching point for a 750km bike ride aiming to raise $75,000 to help men overcoming addiction, depression and homelessness.

Le Tour South West will leave Armadale on Monday September 25, and return on Saturday September 30.

Up to 20 riders will cycle through rolling hills as they make their way via Waroona, Wellington Mills, Donnelly River, Logue Brook Dam and back.

The money raised will go to Pindari Restoration House, a not-for-profit charity committed to transforming men in need into confident, self-sufficient members of their family and society.

“They’ve just set themselves up and started taking people on board now. They’re a new organisation, and what they do for men that are struggling, it’s something pretty close to our hearts. We all struggle with different things,” rider Matthew Schoof said.

The residential program at Pindari is operated by Pindari Ministries, helping men get the structure and support required to break out of the cycles of addiction, poverty, mental illness and more.

Mr Schoof said the issue of mental health had come to the fore recently.

“I think in general, it’s more acceptable to talk about it, and more men are feeling free that they can talk about it,” rider Bert Veldman said.

“Cycling is something that brings people together; we cycle together as much as we can. And even in terms of a ride like this, there’s cyclists of different abilities, but you sort of pull together, you help each other, you egg each other on. Yeah, there’s going to be people who are sorer than others, but we’re all in the seat at the end of the day.”

Since its inception in 2013, Le Tour South West has raised more than $50,000 for charitable organisations in need of financial support or public awareness.

The group will be officially kicking off their fundraising campaign on Saturday May 13 at Pindari Restoration House.

To donate or find out more, visit mycause.com.au/events/2017pindariletoursouthwest.