Riding it out for a pub feed to remember

The third annual Dementia Ride and Drive Day will be held on April 12, with cars and bikes winding their way through the backstreets from 10am for a pub feed and, most importantly, to raise vital funds for dementia.

Following a tradition set by dementia advocate Mick Simpson, participants will gather at Memorial Park Gardens before cruising to the Undera Pub.

Mr Simpson was diagnosed with dementia in 2019 and noticed a significant gap in community support for those like him.

In a short time, he's created a lasting impact with Don't Demention It, a group he leads that brings together people with dementia and their carers for mutual support across the Goulburn Valley.

And, while it’s typically been Mr Simpson and his nephew Steven “Simmo” Simpson leading the way for the Ride and Drive Day, this year he said it was the group of riders that approached his nephew to get the planning for this year’s edition rolling.

“It’s the first year we haven’t asked them — they’ve actually come and asked,” Mr Simpson said.

“You can’t get much better than that... it shows that the awareness is getting out there.”

He said this year’s ride would be shorter than the last few, but he hopes it will encourage even more to come along and give their time to support their cause.

“You can drive anything, no matter how dingey it is… as long as it’s not a pushbike,” he said.

“You don’t have to know someone who has dementia, it’s open to everybody as long as you bring a smile.”

For more information, contact Mr Simpson on 0473 470 616.