Cyclist Robert Schimmelpfennig has been travelling through the Far South Coast as part of a journey to raise money for mental health but his passion for two wheels also helps to keep the black dog at bay.
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The round Australia journey started on March 2 when the keen cyclist left Mentone "counterclockwise keeping to the coast closest possible" on a 20,000km journey that he expects to take over nine months.
Robert's love of cycling sees him doing 80km on a normal work day when he uses his bike to get to and from his job as an abseiling rope technician working on high-rise building maintenance.
While taking an overnight stop in Eden, Robert explained that he had a personal connection to the Black Dog Institute.
Three years ago Robert suffered a mental breakdown following his divorce.
"I lost my position as a foreman at work because although I was at work, I couldn't function. It lasted about two years but the company supported me and provided mental health support," Robert said.
"It was nice to talk to someone and have a shoulder to lean on," he explained.
"I was stubborn at first but it was good that I was forced to see someone and that was a good thing; I would recommend it.
"For two years I was Robert the hobbit, I just locked myself up and stopped cycling but then I realised how good it was and how absolutely awesome exercise is for mental health."
He had originally wanted to do the round Australia bike tour just for the love of cycling but is glad he chose to do for the Black Dog Institute.
"They support me and ring me every couple of days," he said.
On March 13 Robert made it to Moruya and on March 15 was heading for Batemans Bay and further north.
If you would like to support Robert and the Black Dog Institute check out his Black Dog fundraising page here.
