Cops for Kids Ride Day 2 2026

By Dean Marchand, Penticton

Today was a reminder of challenging situations faced by the families we help, but we were all smiles by the end of the day.

We woke up at Spirit Ridge after a luxurious stay bright and early. It’s hard to wake up so early when we’re in such a nice hotel, and we appreciate the opportunity to stay there more than people know. We felt spoiled!

Upon arrival at the Legion for breakfast, there was a slight delay due to a power outage but a hot breakfast was served and filled our bellies for the long climb up the Anarchist mountain. We had a small day surgery procedure on a bike before we could even get going up the hill, which caused another slight delay. In the end, everyone took their own pace up the hill, and did a great job getting up that steep hill. Congratulations to the new riders on their first climb up the Anarchist.

After our photo with the Sasquatch, we made our way to the Riverside Centre for a quick rest and then onto the Midway detachment for lunch generously provided for us by the Oliver Lions.

The temperature started to rise as we rolled into Greenwood, and we all started to feel the affects of our tired legs and long day. After one last climb, we got to enjoy the best part of all that climbing – the quick descent and race down into Grand Forks. We had a great reception at the Grand Forks detachment where we were welcomed by local members, the fire department, mayor & council, the Elks Club, and our Little Ambassador Aryanna.

The team just finished a delicious feast provided by the Omega Restaurant and now we’re all tucked in to rest the legs. Tomorrow is the Paulson pass, and the weather forecast doesn’t look too friendly. Hoping for a change in the outlook overnight…

Over the next hill!