RIDIN' NORTH: Bikepacking 2000km+ Melbourne to the Gold Coast for Youth Mental Health

RIDIN' NORTH 2000km+ to raise funds for Youth Mental Health and attend Social Work Conference on the Gold Coast

On October 29, 2026, Angus Norman is taking social work on the road, bikepacking 2,000km+ from Orygen’s headquarters in Melbourne to the Gold Coast over 21 days. The goal is to raise $25,000 for Orygen and youth mental health. As a social worker and youth mental health clinician, youth mental health is a cause that means a lot to Angus.

With 75% of all mental ill-health having its onset by the age of 25, supporting young people early can make a real difference. Every donation, big or small, is greatly appreciated and will help support Orygen’s work with young people experiencing mental ill-health.

Along the way, Angus will launch Roadside Chats, a mini-series of informal conversations with current and former high performance athletes about what it takes to thrive in elite sport and beyond. The chats will explore how athletes stay grounded, navigate the pressures of elite sport and maintain a life after the final siren or finish line. By speaking with athletes performing at the highest level, as well as those who have already walked the path, Angus hopes to hear different perspectives, share stories and start conversations about what helps people thrive.

The reason behind the ride is so Angus can get himself to one of Australia's biggest social work conferences on the calendar, the National Social Work Congress on the Gold Coast from 18–20 November 2026. The finish line of Ridin' North will be at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on November 18, just in time for the big conference.

Ridin’ North brings together Angus’ passion for youth mental health, social work and sport: raising funds for Orygen, taking social work on the road and starting conversations with athletes along the way.

Thanks for getting behind RIDIN' NORTH.

Follow the ride:
Instagram: @angusnorman.au
Strava: Angus Norman