Published by Tasmanian Cycling Tours
“Just get on your bike.” That was all it took. One sentence, in the cold, in the rain, after 320km of riding — and it changed everything.
In the pre-dawn hours of December 22nd 2024, a small crew of determined riders set out to cycle 500km in a single day — a physical and emotional odyssey through Tasmania’s wild terrain, unpredictable weather, and their own inner worlds.
For me (Sofia), this ride was deeply personal. I shared my own experience on Facebook:
“It was 320km in, freezing cold, and I couldn’t stop crying. Then someone quietly said, ‘Just get on your bike.’ That moment — soaked, sore, and overwhelmed — reminded me why we do this. We ride for connection, for conversation, for the ones we’ve lost and the ones still struggling.”
Among the riders was Lucas Hlis, whose reason for showing up wasn’t just the challenge of the ride itself, but something much deeper. I think I can speak for everyone in saying he was an inspiration on the road.
“It actually started as a joke with a mate,” he admits. “Back then, I didn’t even own a bike.”
But it didn’t stay a joke for long. The Speak Up Stay ChatTY 500 ride was personal. Stay ChatTY promotes a cause that hits very close to home for me as I lost my Mum in late 2018 due to a lifelong battle with severe anxiety and depression.
Being able to do the ride this year was so much more than just a physical challenge. During the years prior to taking part in the ride, I have experienced what one might call “seasonal” depression and anxiety; particularly leading up to the time of year she passed which is on the 22nd of December which also happened to be the same day as the ride.
“It wasn’t just a ride. It was a milestone in my grief — and my healing.”
“Being able to take part in the Stay Chatty 500 was such a huge milestone for me not only as it is quite a physical challenge but also such a mental challenge for one to get through.
I can confidently say that in previous years (particularly last year) there would be absolutely no way I could even fathom the thought of participating in the ride let alone doing it due to the mental state I was in.
Therefore I guess what I’m trying to say is that being able to complete the ride meant that I had significantly improved the way I handle my thought patterns along with staying honest to myself and others when asked the question if I’m okay and explain that I am struggling or have had some hard thoughts to process throughout the day and acknowledge that they are there and can pass opposed to becoming fixated on them.”
For many, riding 500km in one day sounds impossible. But what’s even more staggering is the emotional weight carried on the pedals. Every kilometre was a reminder of loss, love, and survival. And every moment tested more than muscle and stamina — it tested the will to keep going.
The Highlands Hurt
At 340km, climbing back into the Tasmanian Highlands, Lucas found a moment of triumph — finally cresting what he described as “possibly the most physically demanding part of the day.” But that relief was soon met with cold, relentless rain and a cascade of mechanical issues. Between Poatina and Bothwell, it dumped nearly 25mm. Chains fell off. Hands froze. Legs locked.
“I’ve never been so cold in my life. I was in tears. I just kept reminding myself why I was doing it.”
And yet, he did keep going.
From roadside sobs hidden behind rain-covered glasses to a borrowed pep talk, a Coke, and a friend saying “Just get on your bike,” this rider found strength not in isolation but in connection. The rawness of the ride mirrored the process of grief itself — unpredictable, brutal, but ultimately transformative.
Lessons from the Ride
The parallels between the ride and life were clear.
“We commit to hard things knowing they’ll hurt. But if we pause and remember our why, and think about how sweet the reward will feel... we get through.”
Through it all, there was one constant: the power of community. No one could take away the pain. But they could ride alongside it.
“I wouldn’t have made it without the people around me. Even in silence — just having someone there meant everything.”
Healing in Motion
His message to anyone grieving?
It gets better — but you have to let yourself feel it.
Use the resources around you. - They are there for a reason and as hard as it may seem to take the first step and go and see someone about how you’re feeling, it’s also the biggest step to making a change towards having a clearer understanding of what stage of grief you are at and also gives you some great tools and coping mechanisms to help.
And if you can — move your body. Even a walk can help shift your perspective. Regular physical exercise has made an astronomical change towards the way my mind feels and deals with the little issues that arise and can often compile into a bit of a spiral.
What started as a casual dare became a life-affirming journey of healing, community, and reflection. The Speak Up Stay ChatTY 500 is more than a ride — it's a reminder that even on our darkest days, we are not riding alone.
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Written by Sofia Tsamassiros