Nine-day marathon for Black Dog riders

They rode, they saw Cairns and they conquered their goal to raise awareness of depression and suicide – a die-hard group of Tasmanian riders who joined the national Black Dog Ride this September.

Led by Black Dog Ride Tasmania state director Andrew Wadley, the leather-clad contingent met at his Hagley farm on September 1 to head to the Spirit for the 2026 Ride to the Top.

It involved nine days of riding to get there, where a total of 360 motorbikes rallied for another awareness ride around Cairns.

Each group from around the country pooled their fundraising efforts to present $240,000 towards the national initiative.

Launceston rider Paul Laidlaw, who lost his son to the “black dog”, was recognised at the awards night for being one of the top fundraisers.

The Black Dog Ride has raised millions since it began in 2009.

“It was a great trip that took us through Lakes Entrance, Kiama, Bathurst, up the New England Highway to Armidale, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and over the spectacular Tablelands into Cairns, along with other little towns,” Andrew said.

“There’s the usual hiccups along the way but we all support each other and enjoy the company of friends that we’ve made over many years.”

Tasmania’s next Black Dog Ride is the third weekend in March, when bike riders will travel from Campbell Town to St Marys, followed by a six-day ride in April that will most likely head north-west.