In its first year, the organizers of the cycle event Ride Don't Hide were hoping to start reducing the stigma of mental illness one pedal at a time.
The Sunday morning event featured bike rides of varying lengths to raise awareness around the issues of mental health.
Launched to celebrated Vancouver school teacher Michael Schratter's 2010 ride around the globe, and in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association's (CMHA) previous Community Bike Ride, this is the first year the ride went province wide.
The Prince George event launched from the Winton Global lot on River Road with more than 30 cyclists. Though it was a small number, CMHA Prince George executive director Maureen Davis was optimistic.
"Vancouver started three years ago with 50 riders," she said. "If you do the population comparison, we're doing pretty good."
But the focus wasn't on the amount of people who participated, but rather the conversation the ride would generate.
"It's one of the areas of stigma that really resonates through North America," Davis said. "The goal is to be able to have people feel OK about being able to speak about having a mental illness, the same way as they speak about a physical illness."
Prince George resident Robyn Long is one of those who have found the courage to speak out about the topic.
Long, who was diagnosed with a mental illness at the age of 18, shared her story with the assembled cyclists before they set off on their ride.
She explained that navigating mental health issues brings its own set of problems, such as figuring out the right medications and dealing with the side effects, as well as a general lack of understanding from others as to what mental health is.
"So early in 2001, I found a medication that really helped me and with the help of the Canadian Mental Health Association, I was able to get my life back in order and I learned how to deal with my mental health on a day-to-day basis," Long said. "I like to be who I am - I'm very proud of my life. And I wouldn't change me for the world."
Thirteen communities across B.C. participated in the Shoppers Drug Mart and Cycle World sponsored event with a goal of raising $400,000 for mental health programs specifically benefiting women and their families. The Prince George ride was aiming for a fundraising total of $3,000.
