Roger Cook feels the heat among 170 others cycling in Hawaiian Ride for Youth

From the hot seat of running the State to a bike saddle under the baking sun, Premier Roger Cook was among 170 hardy cyclists who crossed the finishing line of this year’s Hawaiian Ride for Youth on Saturday.

The ride, in its 23rd year, is all about preventing youth suicide and depression, but the searing heat made the laudable effort extra gruelling for participants.

“It was pretty tough,” the Premier said, between climbing off his bike and taking gulps of water.

“With the heat radiating off the road, we were drinking as much as we could in terms of electrolytes and water, taking on every fluid and every gram of sugar we could find,” he said. “But it was still tough.”

“The crew were saying that some years they’ve been wearing jumpers and this year they weren’t even wearing jumpers at night. So it was hot.”

Mr Cook joined the last two days of the week-long ride, from Albany.

“We rode down to Pinjarra and across to Mandurah yesterday, and then up from Mandurah today. So 135km yesterday, and about another 80(km) today.”

Mr Cook agreed with other riders that the highlight was the “camaraderie and the incredible cause”.

“These guys go to schools (along the routes) and deeply engage (with students) about youth mental health, and raise a large amount of money, which is, of course, such an important element of it.”

The ride has raised $36 million in the past 23 years for Youth Focus.

Julia Sladden, 25, did the full 700km distance, to be greeted at the finishing line by her boyfriend Clay, who’d flown in from Melbourne as a surprise.

“I’m here because my dad (who rode as well) inspired me to come and give it a go,” she said. “It was challenging and got up to 45 degrees out there on the road. It was like riding through a microwave at one point.

“But the school visits were so moving, really touching and inspiring. I’ve got closer with my colleagues and closer with my dad.”

It was the 11th ride for her dad, Mark, 60. “It was special to do this with my daughter,” he said. “The support crew were wonderful (keeping the riders hydrated).”

The Scotch College Pipe Band played as riders arrived at Kings Park, cheered on by families and supporters.

Youth Focus chief executive Derry Simpson praised the “beautiful community of riders”, with 41 new participants this year.

She said the impact of some of the riders sharing their stories and advice with students was very evident.

“Yesterday, it happened ... this young kid got up and walked out the door in the middle of a presentation. We followed him out to check he was okay. He said ‘No, I’m having a really rough time’. So there and then, we organised a counsellor for him. He gave us a big hug and said, ‘thank you very much’.”

She said a lot of the issues and questions raised by students were connected to the scourge of bullying.