Comox Bike Company YANA Ride

2008 - 2011 - YANA Century

What started out as a challenge to road riding enthusiasts in 2008 shaped into something much more powerful and beneficial. Originally, the goal of The Century Ride was to complete a 100 mile (or 160km) road ride throughout the Comox Valley. Then ride coordinator Les Black of Black's Cycle decided that perhaps those who ride for their own health and wellness might be able to support those who are preoccupied with the critical health of someone they love. This extra challenge was woven into the century ride. Can you ride 100 miles? Can you challenge yourself? There were no trophies awaiting at the finish line, nor were there points for competitors or prizes for age categories. But there were cycling enthusiasts seeking a challenging ride both to keep fit and to meet other riders who enjoy similar feats.

We are all grateful for the years of cycling, fundraising and organizing the Black's Cycle family have contributed.

In 2013 Simon’s Cycles joined YANA to bring back a cycling fundraiser to support Comox Valley families. The focus was fun and fitness for the whole family.

The Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride took place on Sunday August 17, 2013 at Comox Marina Park. 271 cyclists and dozens of volunteers brought the event to life and helped raise over $28,000. All of the funds raised went directly to Comox Valley families in need, thanks to the support from our gracious sponsors.

There were cyclists of all ages and abilities. Some riders challenged themselves to a 100km, 50km, or 25km routes, riders experienced Comox Valley’s beauty, including beaches, forests, farms, rural and urban roads. With the opportunity to taste some local treats along the way.

Alex Dunae, 2013 YANA Ride Participant recalls, “I signed up for the YANA 50km ride on a whim and immediately regretted committing myself so publicly to the longest ride of my life. But with friends and family committing cash, riding was the only option. And so I rode. 49kms later I climbed Comox Hill and was grinning as I cruised to the finish. I’ll definitely be back for 2014.”

Other cyclists challenged their whole family with a 5km family loop. A run bike race provided a way for the youngest of YANA’s supporters to get involved which added a wonderful enthusiasm to the day.

2014 - Simon's Cycles YANA Ride

The 2014 Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride took place on Sunday August 17 at Comox Marina Park.

411 cyclists and 100 volunteers brought the event to life and helped raise over $39,000. All of the funds raised went directly to Comox Valley families in need, thanks to the support of gracious sponsors who covered event expenses.

Riders ranged from 1 to 78 years in age and chose to ride 100km, 50km, 25km or 5km in support of YANA. Most popular was the family ride which was supported by 141 riders. Many participants also chose to fundraise for YANA, the top fundraiser generated over $2,500 in pledges.

Patti Fletcher of Simon’s Cycles hoped that the event would raise $32,000, the amount required to fund 5 months of accommodation expenses for YANA families. We are proud that the community helped us exceed this goal and delighted with the community spirit that surrounded the 2014 event.

2015 - Simon's Cycles YANA Ride

The 2015 Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride took place on Sunday August 16 at Comox Marina Park.

525 cyclists and 145 volunteers brought the event to life and helped raise over $44,000. All of the funds raised went directly to Comox Valley families in need, thanks to the support of gracious sponsors who covered event expenses.

Riders ranged from 1 to 79 years in age and chose to ride 100km, 50km, 25km or 5km in support of YANA. Most popular was the family ride which was supported by 149 riders.

YANA’s Executive Director, Marcie Dumais, is overwhelmed by the community support, “I love this community. It never ceases to amaze me how we work together to support our own. People of all ages get behind our ride in so many ways, we have our partners at Simon’s Cycles, participants, sponsors and volunteers all coming together to create one incredible event,”

2016 - Simon's Cycles YANA Ride

The 2016 Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride took place on Sunday August 21 at Comox Marina Park.

A total of 600 riders took part in the 2016 Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride on August 21 raising over $55,000 for local families. Participants were supported by over 150 enthusiastic volunteers. 45 business sponsors ensured event expenses were covered so that all dollars raised could go directly to local families. It was an incredible day of cycling and a wonderful example of the love that surrounds YANA.

Marcie Dumais — YANA's Executive Director was overwhelmed by the communities support. “There’s a feeling when that many people come together for something they all care about,” Dumais said. “Little passings have huge significance. For instance, running into a rider wearing a very, very special jersey. Or families that are out there riding for other families, and people that they care deeply about.”

“It’s an incredible privilege for Simon’s Cycles to be part of this event,” committee director Patti Fletcher said. “The community support is amazing. It’s a real honour to be a part of it…It exceeded our expectations in every way.”

2017 - Simon's Cycles YANA Ride

The 2017 Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride took place on Sunday August 20 at Comox Marina Park.

A total of 593 riders took part in the 2017 Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride on August 20 raising over $61,000 for local families. Participants were supported by nearly 150 enthusiastic volunteers. 49 Ride sponsors ensured event expenses were covered so that all dollars raised could go directly to YANA programs. It was an incredible day of cycling and a wonderful example of the love that surrounds YANA.

2018 - Simon's Cycles YANA Ride

The 2018 Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride took place on Sunday August 19 at Comox Marina Park

A total of 600 riders took part in the 2018 Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride on August 19 raising over $70,000 for local families. Participants were supported by nearly 150 enthusiastic volunteers. 55 Ride sponsors ensured event expenses were covered so that all dollars raised could go directly to YANA programs. It was an incredible day of cycling and a wonderful example of the love that surrounds YANA.

2019 - Comox Bike Company YANA Ride

The 2019 Comox Bike Company YANA Ride took place on Sunday August 18 at Comox Marina Park

A total of 600 riders took part in the 2019 Comox Bike Company YANA Ride on August 18 raising over $80,000 for local families. Participants were supported by nearly 150 enthusiastic volunteers. 45 Ride sponsors ensured event expenses were covered so that all dollars raised could go directly to YANA programs. It was an incredible day of cycling and a wonderful example of the love that surrounds YANA.

2020 - Comox Bike Company YANA Ride

The 8th annual, but first-ever virtual Comox Bike Company Ride took place from August 1 to August 15, 2020 in the Comox Valley.

A total of 424 riders took part in a totally flexible ride, and against all odds, raised a record $110,000 for local families. Participants registered by donation and fundraised vigorously. In spite of the COVID pandemic, sponsors came through again generously supporting the event and the cyclists with hundreds of prizes. The community rallied behind YANA families more strongly than ever before, despite the local and global challenges we faced. We embraced our 2020 mantra - Bikes will keep us together....even when we're apart.