WAGGA'S inaugural one-day Black Dog Ride (BDR) certainly had plenty of bark at the weekend.
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One hundred bikes, 150 registered participants and a soft toy black dog named Winston yesterday made tracks through the eastern Riverina, driving home a strong message - let's talk about suicide and depression.
And, there was certainly strength in numbers, according to BDR Wagga region coordinator, Brett Parsell.
"Riding as a group is starting a conversation about suicide," Mr Parsell said.
Riverina Bluebell was joined by the Wagga and Region Suicide Prevention Network in throwing their support behind the ride.
"It's not about the Black Dog Ride (itself), it's about suicide and depression; it's the big picture," Mr Parsell said.
"We've made a statement.
"This ride in Wagga is here to stay."
Nationwide, more than 7000 riders took part in the BDR event - with more than 31 legs covering every state and territory.
Now the engines have been turned off the counting begins.
All proceeds will go towards funding the work Lifeline does to help those in need.
The BDR began in 2009 as one man's ride to raise awareness of depression.
It has since evolved into a national movement of thousands of motorcycle riders who have raised more than $1 million for mental health services.