Six Nations Pride Outreach is excited to announce the third annual SN Ride4Pride is back in time for Pride month and taking place this weekend on Saturday, June 11.
Michael Hill, one of the event organizers, gave the Two Row Times the lowdown on some changes from last year, details on the event, and how you can participate if you can’t bike.
“The event last year was beyond successful. We did not anticipate as many to join that did,” said Hill. “We had well over 200 people attend plus a dozen volunteers. We definitely plan on making this an annual thing because it’s important and we create a safe, positive and healthy space for our youth and the community.”
Hill explained the ride also stands to show people who might not yet be out that there is a space for them in the community.
“Because it’s Pride month this is also the perfect time to hold the ride and it’s always a great time,” said Hill.
Riders, walkers, runners, rollerbladers and whoever else are asked to meet at Six Nations Veterans’ Memorial Park to register and check in from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the 11th. From 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. participants will make their way up Chiefswood Road travelling three kilometres to Kool Kidz, and then back to Veterans’ Park for a thanksgiving address, speeches, and refreshments.
“You don’t have to bike to participate,” he explained. “The main idea is just to be active. There will be people walking, running, skateboarding, rollerblading and driving. Whatever means you have, you’re more than welcome to join.”
According to the event organizers, water and break stations will be set up along the route, all they ask for is for you to bring your own water bottle and helmet, and to follow the rules of the road. There will not be supervision provided for children.
“This year we also will be having COVID-19 screening protocols in place as well as sanitizing stations,” he said. “Some other changes this year include us having more water and break stations available. The route has also changed to going from Veterans’ Park to Kool Kidz and back. We’ll also have staggered start times so the faster bikers can go first.”
Hill said he is excited to see even more people out this year for the ride.
“While planning the event we’ve been approached by several community organizations and schools to come and give presentations and talk to staff and students based around any of these topics or questions they may have,” explained Hill.
