Prince George, B.C. – Over six thousand Canadians are expected to take part in Sunday’s  fourth annual Ride Don’t Hide community bike ride in celebration of mental health.

The Canadian Mental Health Association says cyclists from 27 communities across Canada, including Prince George, will be riding.  “Ride Don’t Hide is an opportunity to come together as a community and say mental health is important to me, and it’s ok to talk about,” says Maureen Davis, Executive Director of CMHA (Prince George). “We are so thankful for the support from the community, and those who have shared their personal stories of why mental health is important to them.”

The Prince George ride is open to all age and skill levels.  It is based at the CN Centre parking lot, where you can register right up to ride time.  Registration runs from 9-9:30 am, with the ride starting at 10:15.  You can also register online at www.ridedonthide.com.

Registration is $35 for adults and youth and includes a T-shirt.  Kids 12 and under are free, and a T-shirt can be purchased for $12.

There are a number of ride routes: the 6 km ride is partially on trails and partially on paved streets.  The 20 km hill and 30 km rides include a steep 1 km climb up University Way hill.  The 20 km flat course is on mainly flat ground and does not include the hill climb.  The ride route maps are available here:

• 6km course
• 20km flat course
• 20km hill course
• 30km course

The Ride Don’t Hide event has a provincial sponsor in B.C., Shoppers Drug Mart, and Frank Lucarelli, pharmacist/owner of Shopper’s Drug Mart-Spruceland, has been involved in the Prince George ride for 3 years and will be leading the 30 km jaunt.

Two Rivers catering will be set up in the CN Centre parking lot providing hamburgers and hot dogs for a donation.  There will be a DJ on site, activities for kids, and Cycle North will have personnel on hand to do free bike checks.

CMHA is aiming to raise $1,000,000 through the fourth annual Ride Don’t Hide events across Canada.