The annual Tour de Bonnechere Bike ride has raised thousands for mental health.
Last weekend, more than 170 participants took part in the bike ride in Eganville that saw riders go on routes varying from 30 kilometres to 100 kilometres.
Race Organizer Barb Clarke says this was the 7th year for the ride, but 3rd that all money raised has gone towards local mental health services throughout Renfrew County. For the first four years, teams would raise money to donate to a charity of choice. Since directing all funds to local mental health, Clarke says the support behind the event has grown significantly.
While a final total hasn’t been tallied for this year, Clarke says it looks like it’ll be between four and five thousand dollars raised. She says the addition of a 30 kilometre route for riders help draw in a different demographic than in years past.
She says for next year race organizers would like to look at bringing in more support to assist with the operations of the event.