Even though there were more walkers than bikers at this year’s Ride4Pride, Six Nations Pride Outreach organized a very successful third annual event.
Vendors and merch tables were set up in the Six Nations Veterans’ Memorial Park on Saturday, June 11 showcasing locally made pride-themed jewelry badges, pins, flags, t-shirts and more. Spectators and those participating in the ride were welcome to select from some of the swag.
Even though the event’s namesake implies participants and supporters need to ride a bike, they don’t have to and won’t have to in years to come. The idea is to just get out and support your local LGBTQIA2S+ community.
“You don’t have to bike to participate,” said Six Nations Pride Outreach Member Michael Hill last week while preparing for the ride. “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.”
Riders, walkers, runners, rollerbladers and whoever else met at the Park early Saturday morning to check in and familiarize themselves with the new route. Six Nations Police kept participants safe by leading the pack and taking them through residential areas in Ohsweken and up to Kool Kidz and back. There were staggered starts for the different groups of bikers walkers and runners as well as water stations, free snacks, strawberry juice, fresh fruit and other refreshments.
