Peloton raises funds for youth mental health

A vast peloton of lycra-clad, two-wheeled enthusiasts departing Albany this morning as Hawaiian Ride for Youth, now in its fifteenth year, rolled out of town raising money for youth mental health services.

The pack of 132 cyclists, who have raised almost $1.5 million so far for Youth Focus, left Albany in three groups headed for Perth via three different routes, along the coast, inland and through the wheat belt.

They will meet in Perth with a further 41 riders arriving from Geraldton and will cross the finish line together at about 11.45am Saturday morning.

Hawaiian property chief brand officer Kate O’Hara said the cyclists would be making 23 stops at regional high schools along the route to present to students on issues of resilience and the importance mental health wellbeing strategies.

Youth Focus is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to prevent suicide in 12-25 year-old Western Australians.

The money raised will assist their services in eight offices and more than 40 schools across the State.

The Ride for Youth has raised more than $15 million for Youth Focus over the first fourteen editions.