Young blood taking on the Black Dog Ride – James Ryan, 21, Connor Larkin, 19, Lachlan Williams, 22, and Kayley Beaman, 24. Photo: Marguerite McKinnon.
The annual Black Dog Ride has been hailed a huge success thanks to the influx of young blood.
Among the more than 130 motorbike riders who gathered in Wagga Wagga this month there were new riders keen to take a stick to The Black Dog – a metaphor to describe the effects of depression.
“This is the one day where all the rides happen on the same day all around Australia so it’s massively important,” said 2025 Black Dog Ride organiser Ian “Maso” Mason.
Since 2009, Black Dog Riders have raised more than $3 million for mental health services across Australia.
“All the biking community comes together and looks after each other with depression and mental health, and it’s about starting that conversation with your mates about depression and suicide prevention,” he said.
The Black Dog crew outside the Batlow Men’s Shed. Photo: Marguerite McKinnon.
Twenty-one-year-old James Ryan saw the Black Dog Ride on a social media group chat and decided to join in.
“I’ve never been on a group ride before, and it’s good to raise awareness,” James said.
At age 19, Connor Larkin is a new rider on his L’s but wanted to join the ride.
“It’s a different experience and it’s fun,” Connor said.
“I looked into it and it seemed like a good cause so I thought, why not? I have a day out with a few mates.”
Lachlan Williams, 22, has more years’ experience riding, but this Black Dog Ride was his first.
“I saw it up on a noticeboard at work and thought it would be a good idea to join the ride, put some money towards (The Black Dog Ride charity) and raise awareness,” Lachlan said.
Kayley Beaman, 24, decided to join the ride when she heard some colleagues mentioning it two days beforehand.
“I didn’t know it was happening but when I heard about it, I thought, let’s do it,” Kayley said.
Graham “Bear” Falconer and his wife, and fellow organiser, Neroli Falconer, with new 2025 organiser, Ian “Maso” Mason. Picture: Marguerite McKinnon.
The influx of new blood was warmly welcomed by organisers, especially the originals – Graham “Bear” Falconer and his wife Neroli, who clocked up 10 years “organising the whole shebang”.
“You only have to look at the young blokes here. We didn’t have that when we first started,” Graham said.
“Now even the young blokes are starting to realise that it’s OK to say, “Look, I’m not well. There might be a problem,” and they get their mates together and come for a ride. These are exactly the people we’re trying to talk to,” he said.
“It’s easier to correct something than try to fix it later on.”
2025 organiser Ian “Maso” Mason said having young people on board would help tackle the stigma about mental health.
“Having young people join the ride has only started in the last five years, and now they’re turning up in droves and talking to each other and getting out with their L-plates,” Ian said.
“It’s about starting a conversation and saying, ‘Yeah, we can do this. It is possible. You’re not suffering alone.'”
Wagga pipers Ken Lansdown and Max Humbert played the riders off with the bagpipes. Photo: Marguerite McKinnon.
With the help of the Riverina Police District providing an escort, and the Wagga District Highland Pipe Band playing them off, the day set the standard for the next ride, with a call to young and young-at-heart to come along.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:
Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au
MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978.
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