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200-plus cyclists in Victoria join national ride for mental health

Riders in support of taking mental health out of the shadows did so in glorious sunshine Sunday as they pedaled along Dallas Road in Victoria.

Riders in support of taking mental health out of the shadows did so in glorious sunshine Sunday as they pedaled along Dallas Road in Victoria.

More than 200 cyclists participated in the fifth annual ride in support of Canadian Mental Health Association B.C. programs and services. Thus far, the event has raised $2.5 million nationally.

The number of riders exceeded expectations and registration closed Friday.

“We doubled our registration from last year,” said Jocelyn de Montmorency, CMHA’s program manager. “Next year it will be even bigger and better.”

The ride raised about $63,000 over its goal of $40,000 she said.

“It’s a great beautiful day and there’s lots of enthusiasm,” said de Montmorency.

Elite cyclists departed at 6:30 a.m. for the 105-kilometre ride led by former NHL star Geoff Courtnall.

Former track cycling Olympian Gillian Carleton led the 50-kilometre route riders on their way at 8 a.m. and the family ride led by dignitaries including Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps left after 9 a.m.

Not all riders had yet returned by 10:40 a.m.

Courtnall and Carleton and CMHA’s chief executive officer Bev Gutray are scheduled to speak at about 11 a.m.

A steady stream of riders in aqua blue t-shirts could be seen departing Ogden Point Sunday and cycling along the waterfront Dallas Road.

The inaugural ride in 2012, began with just one event in Vancouver raising $85,000.

Interest in the cause to banish the stigma around mental illness “one pedal at a time” has grown each year and last year’s event attracted more than 6,000 participants nationally at 27 rides across Canada, raising $1.1 million.

This year, the national effort is predicted to raise funds in excess of $1.5 million.

De Montmorency said the ride is mostly about raising awareness and sharing stories.

“We don’t want people hiding trying to normalize mental health, “ de Montmorency said. “One in five people will experience mental health issues in their lifetime and we want more to be able to speak openly about it.”

De Montmorency said she was thrilled to have the participation of two star athletes who have faced their own mental health challenges while excelling in the world of sports.

ceharnett@timescolonist.com