The South Coast event was one of 33 such rides held around the county raising awareness of depression and suicide prevention.

Organiser Paul ‘Gaff’ Gaffney said the turn out surpassed his expectations.

“We were hoping for 150 riders and we easily bettered that,” he said.

“And we probably would have had even more if the weather was a little better.

“We ran out of registration forms and had to get more printed.”

Riders encountered cold, drizzly weather, but Mr Gaffney said they all soldiered on through the ride.

The ride left Nowra around 11am, farewelled by Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis and Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash, and made an impressive sight as the motorcycles turned onto the highway at the Moss Street intersection before starting their trek south to Batemans Bay, where the ride finished.

There they were also met by riders travelling from Canberra.

“I led the ride and have seen photos that were taken where all there is, for as long as you can see, is motorcycles,” he said.

“It was an incredible feeling to have that many bikes behind you

“We haven’t fully calculated how much money we raised but it will be a fair bit for Lifeline.

“The money is important but just as important is spreading the message and raising awareness of depression and suicide prevention.”

Mr Gaffney said plans were already afoot to make next year’s event even bigger and better.

“This was just the entree, next year we will have the main course,” he laughed.

He thanked the many local businesses who this year supported the ride and all the riders who took part.

“Local business, John Hills Signs, Manildra and Wayne Dun and the crew at Fujitsu, have been fantastic backing the ride,” he said.