Hawaiian Ride for Youth made its way through St Mary MacKillop College last Thursday to talk to students about mental health.
More than 140 cyclists in three pelotons participated in the event, cycling 700 kilometres throughout regional WA.
The event has been running for 19 years and has raised $24 million for Youth Focus, an organisation which supports youth at risk of suicide and those living with mental health challenges.
Youth Focus is a free service for 12 to 25 year old's with counsellors located in regional areas, including Busselton.
Veteran rider James Sutherland has completed all 19 events and said it was nice to see how the ride had funded those community services in areas where they had cycled through.
Mr Sutherland said this year's ride was really special because they had been training for the event for the past two years and he had made connections with fellow riders who have been through their own challenges.
"Firstly, the ride is important because it raises funds and this year we are hoping to raise $1.8 million for Youth Focus to provide free counselling to thousands of students," he said.
"Secondly, we want to destigmatize and open up conversations around mental health, it is 1 per cent away from everybody and every family.
"If it hasn't happened to you then open the door and look to your neighbour."
Mr Sutherland said while the ride was challenging there were many highlights which included visiting schools to talk to students about mental health.
"It is wonderful to share with the children what we are doing and why, and to have these open conversations," he said.
"We often target why we do the ride, for me personally when I was only 15 years old I was challenged and attempted suicide.
"That is a direct connection to the cause. In my day people did not talk about suicide, it was a real no-no.
"We talk about these types of things openly.
"There are also many parents here who have 15 year old's and many of them will share some really challenging times they've had with teenagers going through these challenges.
"Life is full of highs and lows and it is okay not to feel good."
Mr Sutherland said one of the riders shared a personal story with Year 8 and 9 students at Denmark High School.
"They really connected when one of our riders talked about his 15 year old who had three nights without sleep," he said.
"He was terrorised and said to his father, 'I don't think I am going to get through this.'
"They were hooked and the nice part was that he explained how his son had been addicted to a game called World of Warcraft, the game is very clever and they suck you in so you get this anxiety.
"The important part is after playing go and do 20 minutes of exercise.
"The rider and his son went out on a regular basis and now it is a happy story 10 years later."
Mr Sutherland said the students really connected to those personal stories and often asked confronting questions.
"We lead with vulnerability but the goal is to really connect with them to say if it hasn't happened to you it may and just know its okay to seek help," he said.
If you need to talk to someone please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Kid's Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
