Schach Therapy returned for its third year with its biggest turnout yet, bringing together riders, runners, volunteers and supporters for a community event focused on mental health, connection and healing.
Hosted in partnership with the Golden Cycling Club, the Golden Family Centre and the Schach Therapy team, this year’s event drew 32 teams and 75 participants. Together, they raised $3,400 for the Golden Family Centre, the highest amount the event has raised to date.
The money will cover the cost of two months of free drop-in single-session counselling support for people in the community. The Golden Family Centre offers the free service every Wednesday on a first-come, first-served basis. Sessions are private, one hour long, and provide solution-focused support in an encouraging environment.
Participants faced challenging conditions on Mount 7, as rain made the trails slippery and demanding for the first riders and runners of the day. Organizers said the weather added another layer to an already meaningful event.
“Schach Therapy is an event that is deeply meaningful to me and one that I am proud to support,” said Jason Romani. “What makes this event special is the space it creates for connection. It brings people together to share their stories, support one another, and be reminded that none of us have to face life’s challenges alone.”
Romani said the event creates space for people to carry both the physical demands of the ride and the emotional weight of grief, loss and everyday struggle.
“We all experience hardship at some point,” he said. “Having friends, family, and a caring community beside you can make all the difference. Events like Schach Therapy help create those connections and provide hope, understanding, and support when it is needed most.”
The event included riders passing through the Schach Therapy wheel arch, often alongside teammates or greeted by high-fives and cheers at the finish. The Golden Rotary Club helped add to the social atmosphere at Reflection Lake, serving burgers and smokies and raising close to $200 through food sales.
Participant Lindsay Anderson said the event felt more like a community celebration than a race.
“Schach Therapy is one of those events that reminds you why you ride bikes in the first place,” Anderson said. “While it’s technically a race, the atmosphere feels much more like a community celebration on two wheels.”
Anderson said the event’s focus on mental health gives the day a deeper sense of purpose.
“It’s less about results and more about connection, community, and celebrating the positive impact that riding bikes can have on our mental well-being,” Anderson said.
The day wrapped up with an evening gathering at the Golden Skybridge pavilion, overlooking the Columbia Valley and Dogtooth Range, with live music from Red Haven.
Organizers thanked the many volunteers and supporters who helped make the event possible, including Whitetooth, Ethos, Reposados, Golden Skybridge, Menzies Music, Golden Rotary Club and DJ’s Paper. They also gave special thanks to the Credit Union Impact Grant Program, which provided funding support for this year’s event.
Katie Hodder, executive director of the Golden Family Centre, spoke at the opening of Schach Therapy Day and reflected on the meaning behind the gathering.
“We are all here today with our gear; most is visible like our shoes, helmets, and gloves, but there is more,” Hodder said. “There is more here that is invisible, like healing, grief, anxiety, enthusiasm, all invisible, but just as important as the shoes on your feet.”
Hodder said the event helps make those invisible experiences visible.
“It is here that healing can happen. It is here that connection can happen. It is here that grief can happen,” she said. “Healing happens here with safety, support, connection and community all by your side.”
Organizers say Schach Therapy has grown into a meaningful community event, and they look forward to seeing it continue to evolve in future years.
