Canning Vale cyclist Clay Yarwood will participate in the ride for the first time.
Camera IconCanning Vale cyclist Clay Yarwood will participate in the ride for the first time. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Clay Yarwood to ride in first Ride for Youth event

Declan ByrneCanning Gazette

ALMOST 150 cyclists will ride from Albany to Perth as part of the 2016 Ride for Youth, raising awareness and funds for Youth Focus.

Youth Focus works in preventing youth suicide and depression and has raised more than $12.5 million since its 2003 inception.

Triathlete and half Ironman competitor and Canning resident Clay Yarwood will take part in the gruelling 700km ride, which begins tomorrow .

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Ride for Youth Chairman Bruce Fielding said participants in the ride often became great mates who just so happened to be helping others.

“The deep level of engagement from participants and their genuine drive to improve the lives of young West Australians creates a wonderful event full of camaraderie, dedication and motivation,” he said.

“Along the journey, the riders stop at 19 regional high schools and engage students in the issues of youth suicide, depression and self harm.

“For many riders, the school visits are the most rewarding part of the five-day event, giving them the opportunity to spread awareness of the services that Youth Focus provides and share their own personal stories.”

The 2016 ride will again feature a CEO Challenge that will give senior business people the chance to escape the office.

Participants include Hawaiian chief executive Russell Gibbs and Wesfarmers chief financial officer Terry Bowen, who will ride the final leg from Mandurah to Kings Park.

The Hawaiian Ride for Youth will commence in Albany and divide into three pelotons, each covering 700km to Perth via regional towns including Katanning, Narrogin, Walpole, Pemberton, Busselton, Frankland River, Bridgetown, Gnowangerup and Collie before meeting in Mandurah and riding the final leg together.