James’ Ride for Youth

Tender Writer James Trench took part in the Hawaiian Ride for Youth this March, riding 700 kilometres to raise funds for a good cause. The 2023 ride, held between 20th and 25th of March, raised a total of $2.3 million for Youth Focus and James’ team of three riders raised an incredible $16,000.   

James explains why he does the ride for Youth Focus and what it means to him and his family. 

This year will mark the second year that I ride the grueling 700 kilometre journey from Albany to Perth, and my Dad’s 20th. Not only am I doing this out of a masochistic desire to test myself, or an excuse to wear lycra for long periods of time, but to raise funds.  

All riders share a common goal, raising much needed funds for Youth Focus, a mental health provider that supports young people across Western Australia. Having had my own struggles with mental health issues when I was younger, it is an extremely personal journey for myself and my Dad and is something we are both very passionate about. 

Since Dad’s involvement in the ride’s inception 21 years ago, Youth Focus has been the charity of choice because all involved strongly believed that the mental health of our young people is so important, and now post-COVID, it is more important than ever. Almost every week one person – a child, sibling, relative or friend – under the age of 25 dies by suicide. The ripple effect of suicide and feelings of loss, sadness, and loneliness are felt deeply by individuals, families and entire communities and it is Youth Focus’ goal to remove stigma related to mental health and provide necessary services to those in need. This includes those directly affected by mental health issues and their support networks, friends and families.  

This year I have been heavily involved in starting something very special, the aptly named Young Rider Taskforce, a support initiative aimed at getting more young riders involved in the ride, removing barriers to entry, providing funding and access to equipment and, most importantly, nurturing a community of like-minded young people. In 2022 the ride had 15 Riders under 30, while this year we have almost 30. This initiative has been met with strong support from many riders and supporters as the enthusiasm and connection to the cause that this influx of young riders bring to the event has been an insightful addition to the peloton’s dynamic, and something we hope to continue for many years to come.  

Every year we take the opportunity to speak to young adults at the schools along the way, where we talk to them about our stories, where to go for help and what to do if you need help. This year we visited 15 schools in the South-West where I shared my personal story.  

The ride is an epic journey, consisting of over 7,000 kilometres travelled in training, 4:45am wake-ups three times a week for five months, more than 100 coffees purchased, 500 plus bidons of electrolytes – and that is without mentioning the ride week itself. All riders fork out their own cash to register, therefore all donated funds go directly to those who need it.  

For anyone wanting to donate, your funds can really help people and make a difference: 

• $40 will fund a mentoring session for a young person. 
• $150 will help facilitate a professional counselling session for a young person with mental health issues. 
• $250 will help facilitate a full day peer support program for one young person. 
• $1,000 will help facilitate one year of mentoring for a young person with mental health issues. 

If you’d like to donate, you can do so through the link here. All funds are much appreciated.