The Hawaiian Ride for Youth celebrated its 23rd successful ride this year, raising over $2 million dollars to support Youth Focus and young Western Australians. After six months of training, hundreds of hours on the bike and a collective one million kilometers cycled during training and Ride Week, over 140 riders and 40 support crew rode out of Albany for their 700km journey to Perth.
The riders faced hot conditions during the week, but as always, they rallied together, showing the strength of community and camaraderie between the riders and the support crew. The Hawaiian Ride for Youth is a unique event, offering an inspiring example of the power of passion for a shared goal. With 40 first year riders joining the community this year and a number of long-term riders returning to the bike, the pelotons united individuals from all walks of life. University students, CEOs, parents and grandparents, first time cyclists and longtime triathletes all came together to take on the challenge of raising funds and awareness for a cause close to their hearts.
Suzzanne Laidlaw, 2025 rider and Business Coach, shared her reflections of this community, and how leadership shown by a young Ride Lead on the Wheatbelt peloton has changed the way she sees leadership.
“Traditionally, the Ride Lead has been a mature male – someone experienced, steady, and well-respected in the group. During the Hawaiian Ride for Youth this year, I saw a young woman, Sophie Pugsley, lead a peloton of 40 riders through blistering heat, and I have never seen such a powerful display of leadership.”
“Sophie is an example of leadership that was built, not given. In the lead up to Ride Week she had spent months showing up early, staying organised, listening, and preparing for every possibility. She communicated early and consistently. She noticed who needed support and quietly made it happen.”
“Above all, she made it safe to struggle. I was one of the 40 riders with Sophie Pugsley as the lead. It was hot – often over 40 degrees. The ride, over 100km a day, was long, physically exhausting, and emotionally intense. Sophie wasn’t just riding, she was managing logistics, handling risk, and reading the group – all while holding us steady. She was the emotional anchor and the motivator, creating space for people to feel heard, supported, and human.”
“Leadership isn’t something you do. Leadership is something you earn.”
Suzzanne shares her lessons learned from the 2025 Hawaiian Ride for Youth:
Too often we confuse leadership with authority or charisma. But what Sophie showed us was something far more valuable.
Preparation matters more than bravado. She knew the route, the riders, and the risks — and her calm focus allowed others to trust her process.
Communication builds safety. In every message and check-in, she made people feel safe, supported and included.
Empathy strengthens leadership. She didn’t hide emotion — she modelled honesty and connection.
Awareness is a superpower. Sophie noticed the small signs when people were struggling — and acted before it became a problem.
It’s not about being the strongest. It’s about helping others find their strength. And that’s what great leaders do.
If you’re a CEO, manager, or coach, ask yourself:
Am I doing the work behind the scenes to earn trust?
Do I show up prepared and aware of what my people need?
Do I listen as much as I speak?
Am I creating a culture where people feel safe and supported?
Leadership isn’t about getting people to follow you.
It’s about creating the conditions for others to feel safe to lead - and grow - themselves.
The community, camaraderie and leadership that is fostered as part of this challenge means that for many, this is more than an annual charity ride. In 6 months of training, individuals are challenged emotionally and physically, but supported, encouraged and cheered on by those who surround them.
The 2025 Hawaiian Ride for Youth has just finished, but preparations are already underway for 2026. Expressions of interest open in late June, visit rideforyouth.com.au to learn more about getting involved.
By Youth Focus
