After a brief break over the festive period, Hawaiian Ride for Youth training is back in full swing!
Last Saturday, riders tackled a challenging 110km ride with an elevation of 1,120m, capping off nearly 200 km of training for the week.
Since starting in October, teams have been deep in training, completing three early morning sessions each week, as well as Time Trials and double-ride weekends. All this training is building each rider’s endurance and strength, preparing them for their 700km journey from Albany to Perth in March.
It’s inspiring to see the riders continuing to show up to training after long rides with significant hills or after a hot windy ride in the middle of summer. Each session brings its own challenges, but together they are working towards a greater purpose – raising funds and awareness for Youth Focus and youth mental health.
It’s at this stage of training that we really start to feel the camaraderie between the riders grow. Michael Pyne is celebrating his tenth year of the ride and when asked why he continues to show up each year, he shared:
“It’s down to the community of likeminded individuals who want to help make a difference. Celebrating my tenth ride is an opportunity to pass on to the newer riders the importance of what we are doing and encourage these riders to be proud of their involvement.”
Evan Lewis is returning for his second year on the bike, having long supported the ride through the Broadwater Resort. He shares:
“For years, I watched riders arrive exhausted, but always smiling, at Broadwater Resort in Busselton after having given everything out on the road. Their commitment to the cause always stayed with me, and I am proud to have joined. Riding for something bigger than yourself feels so powerful. I think this contributes to why you quickly feel connected to everyone around you who is also taking on the challenge. The riders and Support Crew are incredible – generous, determined, and endlessly positive. Being around that energy is inspiring.”
With two months of tough training still ahead, the riders are as excited and optimistic as when they first signed up for the 2026 Hawaiian Ride for Youth, which kicks off on the 24th of March.
You can support the riders without having to tackle a 100km Saturday morning hills ride by:
- Donating to the Hawaiian Ride for Youth page.
- Attending an event or fundraiser in February or March – check out what’s coming up.
- Purchasing a ticket for the Hawaiian Ride for Youth Raffle (just $25 a ticket).
- Sharing the links above with your own community and networks
With the 2026 Hawaiian Ride for Youth just around the corner, keep an eye out for updates on how you can celebrate the riders’ achievement at the Welcome Home Ceremony.
