Cyclists are encouraged to mark their calendars and start looking for pledges to support the annual Blacks Cycle Century Ride for YANA (You Are Not Alone) Aug. 28.This year marks the fifth annual ride that includes three loops of varying lengths throughout the Valley totaling 160 kilometres, the first in Comox, the second in Courtenay and the third in Cumberland. Riders can choose to complete any combination of loops.YANA raises money to assist families who need to leave the Valley to access medical treatment for their children. It maintains four apartments in Vancouver close to Children’s Hospital for the use of families from the School District 71 catchment area while their ill children are at the hospital. This year, Century Ride organizers are trying to promote the five-kilometre family ride portion in Comox.”The last two years we’ve had a family ride,” YANA executive director Anita Brassard said. This year’s event will include a children’s craft table that will add to the family spin of the event. Headquarters will be at the corner of Anderton and Comox Avenue, lending a “block party feel” to the ride, Brassard said. The event includes a free barbecue.The $20 entrance fee will be waived for riders who collect pledges.Last year’s event was hampered by poor weather but it still garnered about $20,000. The year before raked in about $32,000. For more information visit www.yanaride.com.reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com

Comox Valley Record