A large group of motorcycle riders will be roaring from Winnipeg to Brandon this Saturday, to promote mental wellness and mark World Suicide Prevention Day. 

Kris Goodman - along with his wife and a family friend - started the event three years ago, after his daughter lost a close friend to suicide. 

Goodman says he started selling patches to raise money for Klinic's Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line. Eventually he pushed it further and started the Breaking the Silence Suicide Awareness Ride, which is heading into its third year.

"I want people to talk about this and I don't want it to be a big, dark, dirty secret anymore," Goodman said. "If you have these feelings, there are options, there are people to talk to, there is a hotline." 

"It's important people start talking about it." 

Over the first two years, Goodman estimates 175 riders have come out for the event, which has grown each year. He says they have raised over $4,000 for Klinic so far. 

"Everyone talks about mental health and I understand that, but not a lot of people really tackle the word suicide," Goodman said. "I kind of took the bull by the horns and said, 'Let's start talking about this. Let's get it out there so people know there are places to turn and you don't have to take your life. There are other options." 

Riders can pre-register for the event online at patchitforward.ca or in person at the start of the event at Assiniboia Downs at 9:00 a.m. It costs $20 to register. 

Goodman says they will leave Winnipeg at 11:00 a.m., stop for lunch in Portage La Prairie and then finish the ride in Brandon. 

The proceeds will be presented to Klinic on Sept. 10 at Vimy Ridge Park.