The 2023 Comox Bike Co YANA Ride returns this summer for its 11th anniversary raising money for YANA families. Riders of all ages, abilities and disciplines are invited to be part of the massive community-wide event.
This year the event, organized by YANA (You Are Not Alone) in partnership with Comox Bike Co, will take place from August 1-20. Participants raise money by gathering pledges and donations while charting their own course riding between Aug. 1-20. All riders, family, friends and supporters will reunite at the annual Party in the Park on Sunday, August 20th at Marina Park in Comox.
To keep the event going during the pandemic, organizers designed a virtual model.
The success of the event was overwhelming. The 2020 YANA Ride was the most successful ever. Since then, the Ride has taken on the hybrid live-virtual format, reaching more people every year.
The YANA Fund Society is a community organization offering help to Comox Valley families who need to travel for medical treatment for a child or for a pregnant mother. YANA executive director Kelly Barnie expressed gratitude for the support received from riders, sponsors, and donors, emphasizing the financial difficulties many families face.
“Our goal is to lighten the financial burden of medical travel and ensure families don’t have to worry about whether or not they can access the healthcare their child needs,” said Barnie. “The funds raised through this fun event enable us to commit to the community that assistance from YANA will always be available. Each kilometre cycled, and every dollar raised contributes to fulfilling this promise.”
With the success of previous editions, the 2023 Comox Bike Co YANA Ride aims to surpass previous years’ donations and build on the event’s legacy of community spirit. The ride is unique in that no matter where you ride and when you ride you are invited to celebrate your accomplishment with fellow participants at the party on Sunday, Aug. 20 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Comox Marina Park.
This year’s Party in the Park will include plenty of activities and attractions for both bikers and spectators. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant expo area, featuring local vendors, sponsors, and organizations dedicated to health and wellness. Live entertainment, food vendors, a beer garden, snacks, samples, face painting, bouncy castles and interactive activities for the whole family will provide a lively and festive atmosphere throughout the day. Additionally, the winners will be drawn for the 50/50 jackpot, Air Canada Foundation raffle and the $500 Comox Bike Co gift card grand prize.
“It’s so fantastic to see people excited to be riding and coming together in the Park,” said Barnie. “Giving away a bunch of cash and the vouchers for flights definitely doesn’t hurt the excitement either! We’re really looking forward to the great turnout we’ve had in the past years continuing again this year.”
To sign up, sponsor a rider, buy 50/50 and raffle tickets, or get more information about the Comox Bike Company YANA Ride, visit yanacomoxvalley.com.