Solo cyclist and mental health crusader Michael Schratter comes home to finish global tour

HALIFAX - He's riding to battle the stigma and misconceptions around mental illness for the 1 in 5 Canadians who experience mental illnesses like depression, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia.

After one year of bicycling around the world, crossing six continents and 30 countries clocking more than 30,000 km, mental health crusader Michael Schratter returns home today to embark on the Canadian home stretch of his epic "Ride Don't Hide" journey.

"Mental illness can affect anyone at any time and affects one in five Canadians, which means every single family in Canada will in some way be affected," said Bev Gutray, Chief Executive Officer of the CMHA BC Division. "Yet there is a reluctance to talk about mental illness. Michael's crusade to raise awareness about this social stigma will no doubt help many Canadians and inspire many to make a difference."

A Vancouver school teacher and newspaper columnist, Michael began his "Ride Don't Hide" campaign on August 1, 2010 with the goal of cycling 40,000 km around the globe, and raising funds for mental illness. All he had was a bike, a knapsack and determination to live out a dream where he could create awareness and help empower people dealing with mental health challenges. He started out in Vancouver, rode down through the west coast of the United States, Mexico and South America, flew over to the east coast of Australia and cycled up through Asia and then hopped over to Europe. He did all of this by taking a year away from his job as a grade five teacher and funding his own expenses as he travelled the globe.

"It's been an epic adventure with many highs and challenges along the way," said Michael. "I've met so many people from around the world and have been able to share with them the importance of fighting against the social stigma around mental illness. Most of them were surprised I was on this expedition and many lent a hand - I've surprised even myself for making it this far. Now that I'm on the home stretch, I'm hoping to raise even more awareness right here in Canada."

Michael's final challenge: the 10,000 km Canadian home stretch, which began in Halifax on August 16th, riding coast to coast through the Canadian landscape as the colder weather descends. Read Michael's blog and learn more about the amazing "Ride Don't Hide" expedition at www.ridedonthide.com.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC Division is calling on all Canadians to support Michael on his journey home by riding along with him or by donating to the cause. All funds raised locally through events will stay in the community to support the local CMHA Branch. Funds raised through online donations will be designated for the CMHA BC Division child and youth initiatives.

The CMHA BC Division is a charity which promotes the mental health of all British Columbians through community-based programs and services, public education, advocacy, and research. It is part of a network of more than 10,000 CMHA volunteers and staff in over 135 communities across Canada. CMHA BC Division is the sponsoring organization and facilitator for "Ride Don't Hide" events to raise funds and awareness for local CMHA projects. www.cmha.bc.ca

TOP PHOTO: Mental health crusader Michael Schratter cycles around the world for his "Ride Don't Hide" campaign to raise awareness and funds for mental illness. Michael is pictured here cycling through Malaysia. (courtesy of the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division)

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