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Cyclists to pedal 787 km through mountains and prairies
Ninth annual cycle tour raises funds for kids’ mental health
Thirty-seven cyclists have embarked on the Minds Over Mountains Cycle Tour that takes them 787 km through mountains and prairies as they raise funds for CASA Mental Health, a non-profit provider of mental health services for kids, youth and families in Alberta.
From June 16-22, cyclists will ride from Kelowna to Sherwood Park, Alta., with stops in Grand Forks, Rossland, Creston, Cranbrook, Radium Hot Springs, Banff and Airdrie.
“Riding my bike helps me keep my body and mental health in shape. Riding to support CASA and their excellent work with a great group of cyclists is a privilege,” said Dave Bellous, Minds Over Mountains cyclist.
This year, the event is organized by Chad Stewart, owner of Concrete Blonde, and Shane Kyle, owner of JDK Group.
“Minds Over Mountains cyclists have formed a community with a common goal: raising money for mental health. Seven years ago, Shane Kyle of JDK Group asked me if I wanted a challenge — to participate in the Minds Over Mountains Cycle Tour. We did it, and here we are, years later. We’ve been the title sponsors for the last six years, and this year we decided to take it to a whole new level by organizing it together,” said Stewart, 2024 co-organizer.
The Minds Over Mountains Cycle Tour began in 2015 and has since raised over $1 million for child, youth and family mental health. This year, the tour raises funds for CASA’s mental health services that centre around the child and wrap around the entire family. Each cyclist has pledged a minimum of $5,000, and the overall fundraising goal for the 2024 cycle tour is $150,000.
“The Minds Over Mountains Cycle Tour has been a gift to CASA and the kids we serve. The tour has brought hope to families struggling to support children with mental illness and the funds raised have supported the delivery of more mental health services to more kids across Alberta, closer to where they live. The tour also has a storied history. It came to CASA in 2015, thanks to local philanthropist Nick Lees, and it’s going strong nine years later. Cyclists have a huge challenge ahead, but they also have the help of a 17-person support team and our incredible cycle tour organizers. All of us at CASA will be cheering them on,” noted Bonnie Blakley, CASA CEO.
Cyclists will conquer challenging terrains and experience the thrill of riding through scenic destinations in British Columbia and Alberta, all while raising funds for kids’ mental health care.
Schedule
Stage 1: Sunday, June 16 – Kelowna to Rock Creek, B.C. (129.12 km + 71.8 km vehicle jump to Grand Forks);
Stage 2: Monday, June 17 – Grand Forks to Rossland (99.04 km);
Stage 3: Tuesday, June 18 – Rossland to Creston (129.76 km);
Stage 4: Wednesday, June 19 – Creston to Cranbrook (109.28 km);
Stage 5: Thursday, June 20 – Cranbrook to Radium (144.28 km);
Stage 6: Friday, June 21 – Radium to Banff, Alta. (135.05 km + 143 km vehicle jump to Airdrie).
Stage 7: Saturday, June 22 – Travel to Sherwood Park, unload and cycle to JDK Group for ride-in celebration (40.32 km).
Each stage will begin at 8 a.m. and arrival times will vary.
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