A DESIRE to raise money and awareness to combat depression will see Horsham's Matt Coutts ride a postie bike from Melbourne to the Gold Coast.
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Mr Coutts, of Laser Electrical Horsham, will join more than 20 members of the Laser group in the challenge to raise money for beyondblue.
Mr Coutts said increasing knowledge of the services provided by the national depression initiative would benefit Wimmera residents.
"Living in a regional city, we would all know someone who has been affected by depression or anxiety," he said.
"Raising money by riding to the Gold Coast will help beyondblue continue its valuable work in this area."
Mr Coutts can regularly be seen riding his postie bike in Horsham.
"It is a little smaller and slower than the bikes I'm used to, but I am looking forward to seeing the countryside at 80 kilometres an hour," he said.
The Laser Postie Bike Challenge will start in Melbourne in August.
Riders will visit Lakes Entrance, Canberra and Sydney and finish at the Laser Group conference on the Gold Coast.
"As we are riding through country Victoria, NSW and Queensland we will be hosting regular events at Laser member sites," Mr Coutts said.
"We will be encouraging people to come to these events and to support the ride by donating to beyondblue."
Mr Coutts is aiming to raise $2000.
"The money raised will help those going through tough times. Every little bit helps," he said.
"I know there will be a couple of people out there having a good laugh at my expense - don't worry, they are the first blokes I'm going to hit up for sponsorship."
Mr Coutts said people could visit http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/lasergrouppostiebikechallenge or the Laser Electrical office at 89 Plumpton Road, Horsham, to make a donation.