'Are you mad?': Why we're riding 14,500km in 32 days

"Are you mad? 14,500km in 32 days?" 

I can't count how many times I've been asked that question since I signed on to join the Black Dog Ride Around Australia.

I guess the answer is - yes, you've got to be a little bit "mad" to embark on such a journey.

It all begins this Saturday. Riding north out of Bateau Bay. Thirty Two Days later we will wheel onto Bondi Beach and finish this epic adventure outside the Bondi Surf Club.

And, yes, it will be an adventure - but it will also be a chance to spread the word - the word about depression.

The BDRAA (Black Dog Ride Around Australia) is all about raising awareness of depression and suicide prevention - and raising funds for both Lifeline and Mental Health First Aid Australia.

It all began with one man's journey and one man's idea five years ago - Perth man, Steve Andrews.

There is a core group of sixty five of us who hope to complete the entire journey. Along the way we'll be joined by State riders for brief periods.

What makes this such a remarkable event are the characters that sign up.

Over the next month or so I'll be catching up with those characters, telling their stories, sharing their experiences. Ride along with me here on 9news.com.au.

Keep an eye on 9NEWS and the Today Show for updates and you'll also be able to catch my daily chats with Ben Fordham on Radio 2GB.