About 40 riders converged on Tamworth Sunday morning for the start of The Black Dog Ride’s 1 Dayer, which travelled through Manilla before finishing at Gunnedah.

The event aimed to start a conversation about depression and suicide prevention, with all donations going towards the Gatepost Support Services in Gunnedah.

Since 2010, Black Dog Ride's 1 Dayer has brought together Black Dog Riders for a meaningful day of riding, and to help start the conversation.

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Regional representative John Holyoake said the purpose of the group was to act as a “gatekeeper”. 

“We try to get to people before they step over the line,” Mr Holyoake said.

“We do all these rides, but it’s also about mental health training. 

“It’s a conversation starter. It’s amazing. 

“You can be pulled up in the middle of central Australia and people come up to you and share their story with us.”

Eight people a day take their lives, and Black Dog Riders coming together under one voice aims to amplify a national message of mental health awareness to prevent this tragic loss of life to suicide. 

“I reckon every guy who has turned up here today knows someone who’s been affected by mental health or depression,” Mr Holyoake said.

The one-day ride saw 7000 riders from 41 different locations around Australia take part this year. 

To find out more about the work of The Black Dog, visit www.blackdogride.com.au