Graeme Bruce knows all too well the heartache and the pain after losing someone to suicide. 

"My son lost a good mate of his five or six years ago," he said. 

"Another mate of mine, who was a school teacher and married with a couple of young kids - he took his life 15 years ago.

"It hits home and honestly I don't think there is anyone out there who could say they haven't deal with depression in their life one way or another." 

Mr Bruce got involved last year when he completed the Dubbo to Darwin ride. 

"When you look at the cause and what the Black Dog is about, it was easy to get on board," he said.

"I thoroughly enjoyed that trip and 9600 kilometres later, I got home and was ready for the next one." 

Mr Bruce said joining the ride has given him a whole new social group, some of whom he considers family. 

"Even today, I met 20 new blokes and ladies over the day," he said. 

Mr Bruce said he encourages the community to share the message that it is OK to seek help and there is help out there. 

Graham Falconer, fondly known as Bear, said the registration of 208 drivers had set a new record. 

"We had 192 last year so it's great to see a new record," he said.

"It was a beautiful day for a ride.

"The more we get out there, the more people sign up to join us." 

The riders did more than 290 kilometres travelling from Gumly to Tumbarumba to Tumut and back to Wagga. 

"The main message is that it is OK to seek help," he said. 

Suicide is the leading cause of death in Australians under the age of 45. If you or anyone you know is in need of crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

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