On August 29th, Chris Goble and Jennifer Block, community healthcare activists, begin a multi-stage cycle to raise awareness of the on-going stigma against people who use substances.
In their second year of Revolution[s] Against Stigma, they hope to raise $10 for every kilometre cycled. Their goal is to ride 750 kilometres in total with 7 stages across Vancouver Island wrapping up September 6th.
Their ride takes in various communities on the island and was purposely planned around International Overdose Awareness Day.
Their ride plan is as follows:
Stage 1 Aug 29 – Comox Valley (mixed surface)
~ 100 km
Stage 2 Aug 30 – Comox Valley to Parksville
~ 100 km
Stage 3 Aug 31 International Overdose Awareness Day – Parksville to Comox Valley
~ 100 km *Transit to Cowichan Area
Stage 4 Sept 1 – Cowichan Valley Trail Loop (gravel)
~ 100 km *Transit to Victoria
Stage 5 Sept 2 – Galloping Goose Victoria to Sooke, out and back (gravel)
~ 110 km
Rest Day Sept 3 – Short ride
~ 25 km *Transit to Comox Valley
Stage 6 Sept 4 – Comox Valley to Campbell River and back (gravel/mixed surface)
~ 100 km
Rest Day Sept 5 – Short ride
~ 25 km
Stage 7 Sept 6 – Comox Valley (gravel/mixed surface/swimming hole)
~ 90km
While they are excited to get on their bikes for their big ride, they are extremely disheartened that for the 7th year in a row in BC we have experienced the ‘worst year on record’ for poisoned drug deaths. Tragically, the toxic drug crisis continues to take the lives of an increasing number of people. More and more families are losing loved ones. Change is needed and the cycling pair hope their revolution[s] can make a difference. We invite our community to rally around this ride as a way to show support.
You can follow @revolution.rider on Instagram for regular updates or join the Revolution[s] Against Stigma Facebook group.
The funds raised will support mental health initiatives that aim to decrease stigma against people who use substances. Please donate in support of Revolution[s] Against Stigma.
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