WHEN 85 angry motorbikes roll into town, people start asking questions.

Luckily for the Black Dog Riders, starting a conversation about mental health and suicide is exactly what the group aims to achieve, according to co-ordinator Wayne Amor.

"We basically talk to everyone we meet, whether it's people in coffee shops or service stations to raise awareness for mental health,” he said.

"When we take our helmets off and start talking - people quickly realise we're humans who are just trying to help the community.”

On their way to Darwin, the riders made a well-deserved pit stop in Roma on Saturday night, having dinner at the Lion's Den before setting off for Emerald the following day.

Mr Amor said despite an increase in mental health awareness, it remains a difficult topic in today's society.

"It's one of those things that's still not spoken about enough,” he said.

"Mental health has always been a taboo subject for many to discuss - especially men who sometimes choose to bottle things up.”

Steve Andrews began the Black Dog Ride in 2009 as a one man band after the loss of a close family friend.

The rides quickly expanded across the country and today have helped raise more than $2.5million for mental health and suicide prevention programs.