Ride Don't Hide, Canada's biggest bike ride for mental health, comes to Owen Sound this Sunday, June 26th. Across the country, an estimated 8,000 cyclists, in 29 communities will ride to end the stigma around mental illness and raise $1.5 million for the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The Ride Don't Hide – Grey Bruce event will start at Kelso Beach Park and will include a 1.5 km family/beginner ride, a 25 km intermediate ride, a 50 and 80 km advanced ride route with on-site family-friendly activities and events. On-site and riding will be former NHL goalie, Curtis Sanford.

In any given year, one in five, or approximately seven million Canadians, experience a mental health problem or illness, but only one-third will seek help – often due to the discrimination and stigma around mental illness.

The Ride Don't Hide movement aims to help overcome the stigma by creating a welcoming and inclusive community of hope and empowerment, to open up conversations around mental health and to raise $1.5 million in 2016 to support mental health programs for all.

The tremendous growth of Ride Don't Hide in just 5 years – from 560 riders in 2 BC events in 2012 to thousands across 5 provinces this year – demonstrates an appetite for change. And that change is happening. According to the 2015 Ipsos Canadian Mental Health Check-Up, more Canadians are talking about their mental health than last year – 35 per cent, compared with 31 per cent.

Join CMHA this Sunday to experience change in action in your community.

The ride is open to cyclists of all ages and skill levels. Registration and donations can be made online at www.ridedonthide.com.

source: media release, Canadian Mental Health Association