The 2026 YANA Ride has officially wrapped up, bringing another incredible summer of riding, fundraising, and community spirit to a close. The Comox Valley came together in a big way, raising a record-breaking $125,000 to support families who must travel for medical care for a child or pregnant mother.
From August 1 to 16, 239 riders of all ages and abilities took to roads, trails, and paths across the community, with 27 teams made up of friends, families, co-workers, and riding crews. The top three fundraising teams, Pedal Pirates, Ale Blazers, and Da Wheel Women, collectively raised well over $23,000. In addition, our top individual fundraiser, Mark Purcell, raised more than $21,000 for the 2026 Ride.
One of the new additions to this year’s Ride was the YANA Ride Passport, which gave riders destinations to seek out and plenty of inspiration for creating their own routes through the community. Riders loved the new challenge, with many collecting 10, 20, 30 or even 40 stamps along the way. Checkpoint businesses got in on the fun too, celebrating the riders who stopped by and offering creative Ride Day Exclusives to add to the experience.
The two-week Ride ended with a celebration on August 16 at the Party in the Park at Comox Marina Park, where riders, families, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters gathered for an afternoon of music, activities, food, and plenty of fun. Riders were welcomed through recognition stations where qualifying fundraisers received their exclusive 2026 YANA Ride t-shirts, prizes, and gift cards and certificates generously donated by sponsors.
The park was filled with live music from Massie and Patterson, Nick Gastis and Friends, Sum Her Sum Her, and INUK, along with a site-wide beer garden, Taoist Tai Chi demonstrations, and plenty of hot dogs and refreshments. The family fun zone kept younger attendees entertained with face painting, bouncy castles, yard games, a Little Wheelers course, and the Comox Valley Toy Library Society’s popular toy station.
The afternoon also featured the highly anticipated 50/50 Draw, Air Canada Foundation Raffle, and third annual YANA Golf Ball Drop. Hundreds of golf balls dropped from the top of a Comox Fire Rescue ladder truck, creating one of the most exciting moments of the afternoon and a spectacle that continues to become a favourite part of the YANA Ride.
“The YANA Ride is about so much more than riding,” says YANA Executive Director Kelly Barnie. “It’s about bringing people together and reminding families that they have an entire community behind them. This year, we saw that support in so many ways, from riders and fundraising teams to businesses taking part in the passports, volunteers giving their time, sponsors supporting the event, and everyone who came out to celebrate with us. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm that made this year’s Ride such a success. Because of this community, YANA can continue to be there for families when they need support, and that is something worth celebrating.”
