Local train drivers the Rail Riders have turned their annual motorbike expedition into an awareness-raising event for depression.

Organisers Phillip Pitt and Paul Sanders decided that this years ride to Robe would honour the memory of two workmates they lost to depression last year, and raise awareness of depression and anxiety to others.

"For the last four years a group of rail employees have ridden motorbikes socially to either Robe or Renmark," Phillip said, "we are all from different rail companies and different depots.

"This year Paul and I were prompted to run this years Robe ride to promote depression and anxiety awareness both within the rail industry and peoples lives in general.

"We wrote to beyondblue and were granted permission to raise money as Rail Riders Rally."

Phillip said that an anonymous donation had been made for a major prize that will be won by one of the riders on the day.

"A travel voucher to the value of $1000 has been donated, and Jetset has added $100 to that. We have asked all the riders participating on the day to give $25 to beyondblue, which will put them in the running to win the voucher."

Donations can be made to this cause at the Commonwealth Bank, under Pitt/Sanders, BSB 063 675 and account number 1004 6165. Donors are asked to leave their names for receipting purposes.

"Everyone is welcome to join the ride, not just railway employees," Phillip said, "we will be leaving from the main street of Dimboola on Saturday September 13 around 9am. We will travel to Robe via Tintinara, meeting other riders at Adelaide, then going through the Coorong, Salt Creek and Kingston. We will ride home a different way."

Phillip, right, is pictured with Tim Crowhurst. They expect around 10 riders to leave from Dimboola, with another 25 joining in from Adelaide.