About 20 riders from Gunnedah and Tamworth took a day trip to Barraba to unwind and organiser Wayne Watts said it was a great start for the social group.

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"We had a really good day," Mr Watts said.

"I was stoked with that considering a lot of people were really busy.

"There was a great meal to be had at the Victoria Hotel. The publican there is 100 percent behind us and he’ll probably ride down to Gunnedah with his wife and come with us on our next ride."

A few prizes were handed out on the day for a bit of fun, with Gunnedah's Des O'Callghan named oldest rider, the Appropriated Award went to Tamworth's Craig Lee receiving the Meerkat Award.

"There was a bloke riding an adventure bike and every time we turned around, he was standing up like a meerkat looking for lions," Mr Watts said.

Mr Watts reformed the social group as a way of combating mental health issues in the Gunnedah community.

"Everybody was happy to see it happening. They could see the need and were 100 per cent behind, to do everything they can to keep it going," Mr Watts said.

"They all recognise the problem we’ve got in our community and can see this as I saw this - as a platform to try and help."

Next month's ride is on Sunday, March 31, with plans to head to Nundle via Moonbi. 

"Nundle will bring a few out because everyone loves that ride - lots of twisties and a new route next month," Mr Watts said.

Riders are invited to meet at 9am at the Imperial Hotel and women are welcome. The group will stop for lunch at the Nundle Hotel.

For more information on the ride, join the Gunnedah Social Riders on Facebook or phone Wayne Watts on 0428 425 474.

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