_Every year around 50 hardy souls ride from Albany to Perth completing the "Ride For Youth" - which raises money for Youth Focus who help kids at risk of suicide or self harm. In the ten years that the ride has been going, more than $4.6M has been raised. For the 2012 10th anniversary ride, double the number of riders are participating and aim to raise $1.25M. You can help raise funds by ordering cycling socks with all profits going to Ride For Youth (rider Sharon McBride). Download the order form above and follow the instructions to get your socks on!

More About Ride For Youth
The Ride For Youth takes place in March across 5 days with riders covering over 700kms on their way from Albany to Perth.  In 2012 the two pelotons will take two separate routes travelling through the towns of Denmark, Walpole, Pemberton, Busselton, Bunbury, Frankland River, Bridgetown and Collie before meeting in Mandurah to ride the final leg to Perth together.

The 88 Riders all participate in a strenuous six month training program, under the guidance of renowned coach Peter Trench, during which they will complete around 8,000 kms in preparation for the event.

On their journey the riders stop at high schools to engage the students in the issues of youth suicide, depression and self harm and the services that Youth Focus provides. The riders also share their personal stories and experiences as many have been touched in some way by these very personal issues.  In 2012 its estimated that the riders will encourage around 3,000 students to take better care of their own mental health.

The prime objectives of the Hawaiian Ride for Youth are:

• to raise funds for Youth Focus
• to raise awareness of the issues concerning youth suicide, depression and self-harm
• to raise awareness of the services provided by Youth Focus

Although the Ride provides opportunity for personal growth and achievement, particularly for persons who do not come from a cycling background, the main objective of the Ride is always a charitable one.

The Hawaiian Ride for Youth is Youth Focus’ largest fundraising event. Since its inception in 2003 the Ride has raised over $4.5 million for Youth Focus. In 2009 the Ride for Youth won the Special Events’ category of the Fundraising Institute of Australia’s (FIA) National Awards for Excellence in Fundraising.