The inaugural Ride Don't Hide cycling event in Prince George aims to raise awareness about mental illness and raise funds for the local chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
The family-oriented event set for June 23 at Cottonwood Island Park is part of province-wide campaign to get people talking about mental health issues the same way they do about other illnesses.
"Mental health needs to be less stigmatized and there needs to be more awareness around it," ride co-ordinator Cheryl McKay said. "No one has a problem talking about diabetes or cancer, but when it comes to mental health everyone kind of shies away."
Although people are more open to discussing mental health issues than in the past, McKay said there's still a long way to go.
"It's something we can all suffer from at some point in our lives," she said. "To be comfortable enough to start talking about it, and not to be so discriminatory against it, that's the goal."
The campaign got its start three years ago when Vancouver school teacher Michael Schratter began the Ride Don't Hide campaign with an epic 40,000 kilometre trek on his bike through 33 countries. Schratter, who lives with bipolar disorder, raised $94,000 through his ride.
That success spurred the first public ride in the Lower Mainland last summer and has expanded again this year to 13 sites across the province.
Province-wide, the Canadian Mental Health Association is hoping to raise $400,000 this year through the ride.
McKay said for a first event in Prince George they would like to see between 100 and 200 cyclists take to the trails, but hope to grow the event over time.
"We're trying to bring out the families, raise some awareness and have a great barbecue on a Sunday afternoon in the middle of June down at the park," she said. "We're trying to keep it a little more causal so it's for everybody."
Three cycling routes are planned - a short one for beginners, a longer one for more advanced riding and a free ride for those who want to go out on their own.
Fitness and mental health go hand-in-hand, making cycling a perfect fit for the campaign.
"It all comes together, healthy mind, body and soul," McKay said.
The event is sponsored by by Shoppers Drug Mart and Cycle World. Information on how to register for the ride or contribute to the cause is available at www.ridedonthide.com.
