Hundreds of cyclists to travel through Mandurah for youth mental health charity ride

Cyclists will ride 700km between Albany and Perth raising money for youth mental health. PIC: Hawaiian Ride For Youth/Facebook

A record number of riders will saddle up for the historic 20th Hawaiian Ride for Youth this week.

More than 200 riders will embark on a 700km journey over four and a half days between Albany and Perth, raising money for youth mental health and suicide prevention.

Since its inception, the Hawaiian Ride for Youth has raised $26 million and its estimated another $2 million will be donated from this year's ride.

Money raised from the ride helps Youth Focus to provide free professional counselling and suicide prevention education to young people in WA.

This year, the ride will traverse the three traditional pelotons – coastal, inland and the wheatbelt with riders stopping at several regional towns along the way including Albany, Walpole, Pemberton, Busselton, Frankland River, Bridgetown, Collie, Gnowangerup, Katanning, Narrogin and Mandurah.

Hawaiian Ride for Youth Chair Christina Matthews said riders will be in Mandurah on Friday.

"The last night of the ride is always held in Mandurah and people really enjoy it and get a chance to meet up with the other pelotons," she said.

Ms Matthews said the event not only raised important funds for Youth Focus but provided a conduit for young people to openly discuss mental health and wellbeing, particularly in regional WA.

“This year marks a special milestone for the Hawaiian Ride for Youth, our 20th event,” Ms Matthews said.

“The impact of the event, the funds raised and the lives touched over this time is immeasurable.

“Not only does the ride raise money to support young people in WA, but it is a fundamental platform that facilitates important conversations about youth mental health and the challenges faced by young people today."

 To donate or for more information visit www.rideforyouth.com.au

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