The Riders
7 Legends. 1000kms
5 Pub feeds.
Their motivations for riding may be different, their love of doing good, having fun, parmas and positive conversations around mental health and suicide prevention is the same.
Get around the TourDeParma team, follow them on the socials, send them donuts, give 'em a high five at the All Nations on the 6th of Movember. Or even better, slide a cheeky pineapple towards their Movember fundraising efforts.
Gav @duffmeistro
Back for his second Tour de Parma, Irish representative Gav enjoys getting around mates that go the extra mile for what they are passionate about.
Gav himself enjoys pastries and parmas, so it's a win win really.
Rhi @rhiannonwatt
After losing her dad to suicide in 2016, cycling (and music) became a key part of the grieving and healing process. Much like running, which helped Rhiannon through her own struggles with
depression, stress and anxiety, cycling has enabled Rhiannon to have open and vulnerable shoulder to shoulder conversations and connect with others who have had similar experiences. Eggplant parma’s will be the
evening meal of choice. Rhiannon will also be taking on a personal challenge of sampling as many caramel slices from country bakeries as she can.
Danny @noise_atlas
Father-in-law. Uncle. Cousin. Namesake. Male suicide is something that is hard to ignore for Danny. And having struggled with depression he knows the importance of conversation,
and how riding a bike can create an environment to speak openly. He’ll be sticking strictly to eggplant parmas.
Hannah @hannahbierre
Hannah has been riding since 2002 and after a 5 year hiatus while living overseas she is back into it. She isn’t afraid of a daunting physical and mental
challenge, and despite hailing from NZ, is a big fan of a parma (always, always with ham). She’s here for the tough moments, the physical grind, and the strength, openness and depth
of connection that comes with vulnerability.
Paul @lapaulio
Paul is fresh into cycling, but is going all in to support his mates and start those chats that we know men desperately need to have. Doing it for himself, and the guys in his life,
Paul is up for stretching himself physically and mentally to raise awareness and funds. Being celiac, Paul’s other major challenge over the 5 days is to find a breadcrumb-less Parma.
Liam @_leehow_
Liam's always enjoyed riding and pushing himself physically and mentally. The tougher the ride the greater the reward. But years of sickness meant he couldn't do a lot of the physical activity he wanted to,
which took a toll on his mental health. Talking to family and friends really helped. Liam's healthy again, back on the bike and TourDeParma will be his toughest ride to date. But he's glad to have plenty
of support. Vege parmas for Liam too!
Michael @mchlfrr
Not quite sick of the Parma just yet, Michael, back for his 3rd year and is more than thrilled that so many people have taken up the challenge.
Not only riding, but doing their bit for mental health and illness. Looking foward to the conversations on and off the bike.