He’s conquered the nation’s biggest bike races and now Dirk Winter is set to tackle a unique challenge to raise awareness about mental health.
The 31-year-old and his supporters will ride from Noosa to Caloundra on BMXs on June 25.
Winter expected the event, dubbed ‘Coasting The Coast’, to be quite the journey.
“I was just going to jump on a road bike and do it but a lot of cyclists would say ‘yeah that’s cool, we already do that’ so I thought I’d do it on a BMX bike. That’s a lot more challenging.
“There’s no gears and it’s a small bike with small wheels that are not really made for riding very far.
“A BMX race is about 350m, and this is going to be 73km.”
It should take about four hours.
Winter was inspired to raise awareness about mental health, and partnered with the Black Dog Institute for the event.
“It’s another way to spark conversation about mental wellbeing and getting through challenges,” he said.
Personal experience prompted the initiative.
Winter endured some dark times during the past couple of years, largely due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions.
“Just with all the changes around the world and everything going on and with (a lack of) bike racing and events.
“I was faced with those challenges in life, and Black Dog was the first institution I made contact with.”
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Winter said he was “pretty down” at times.
“I didn’t really want to do much and ended up selling my bikes.
“My business (The Cali Bike Shed) was pretty good, but I couldn’t really do much (at events) because of COVID and everything.
“That made it pretty difficult. My outlet is riding and if I couldn’t ride, I didn’t really have much of an outlet.”
Winter said he’s rebounded and is in a better frame of mind.
“They (Black Dog Institute) put me in the right direction, with the information I needed to make changes and get a bit of help.”
“I’m great. I’m going good now … and I chose this ride to spark that conversation for people who are facing challenges.”
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Winter has taken stock this year, after the enforced break from competitions.
“I’ve been racing BMX for 25 years and am now just (focused on) coaching,” he said.
“I’m going to do some more stuff as well.
“It’s time to step back (from racing) and take care of my family and give back to the sport and the community.”
Winter accumulated a stunning record in the sport, claiming 14 national titles and placing second twice at the world championships.
He coaches about 80 youngsters at clubs in Mooloolah Valley, Yandina and Caboolture.
Winter said the BMX ride from Noosa to the Cali Bike Shop at Baringa was open to anyone.
More information: www.facebook.com/thecalibikeshed/
