Photo: Larch Hills Nordic Society The Canadian Mental Health Association is taking the road less travelled as this year's Ride Don't Hide event heads to the gravel trails at Larch Hills. The CMHA Ride Don’t Hide fundraiser will take place at Larch Hills Nordic Ski Area on Oct. 6.
Riders will enjoy a gravel bike ride with a variety of distance options to ensure anyone can come out and join the community event. Event organizer Emily Bostrom explained the fundraiser is part of a wider series of Ride Don’t Hide events taking place across Canada. “It's been going for 12 years across Canada through CMHA in different communities,” she said.
“It's not really a race, more of a community event promoting wellness, connection, and then also a fundraiser for mental health programs.” In the past, CMHA Shuswap-Revelstoke has run the event as a road ride, but for this year’s event, organizers decided to move the course to the gravel trails at Larch Hills Nordic Ski Area. “It's so beautiful just riding through the forest,” Bostrom said.
“We're really excited about this change to a gravel ride.” The event features a 5 kilometre walk, as well as 10 and 20 kilometre gravel bike ride options. A 40 kilometre timed ride division is available for the most experienced riders.
Bostrom said she thinks the switch to a gravel ride will help people connect more during the event. “We want people to come in and connect with each other, and gravel riding really lends itself to that be.