ITS been a long year for the Black Dog Ride crew, but for the hundreds of riders who will be participating in the national ride the day is finally here.
Taking off from Bateau Bay in New South Wales on Saturday July 26, it will then be a 32 day hike across Australia.
Locations include Bundaberg, Townsville, Tennant Creek, Kununurra, Broome, Busselton, Ceduna, Port Augusta, Torquay and Batemans Bay.
It will be a total of 14,600 kilometres.
Black Dog Ride founder Steve Andrews began the crusade in 2009 when he rode his motorbike solo across the country.
On his journey he spoke about depression and suicide prevention among people in the communities he visited.
From here he decided the more people talking about mental illness the better.
Mr Andrews now organises state, national and rides to the red centre each year.
Money raised from the trips go towards organisations such as Beyond Blue, Suicide Call Back, Lamp Inc, Black Dog Institute and Lifeline.
Mr Andrews and the Black Dog Ride has helped people like Clayton Gordon who suffer from depression.
Mr Andrews' work has been recognised in many ways, including a nomination for Australian of the Year.
On August 10, the national riders will meet up with the WA crew for their state ride.
Mr Andrews has had lots of help along the way with Caltex, Freemasons, Toyota, Lions and Telstra donating a service.
To see the itinerary for the national ride click here.
To see the itinerary for the WA state ride click here.