Schach Therapy was a huge success this year, with over 70 people riding for mental health, for each other, and for a stronger, more connected community.
“The heart and soul of this experience allows people to visit challenging things in life and discover strategies to manage. Just a pure soulful event. “ – Rich Marshall
This year, Kicking Horse Culture collaborated to build connections between the arts and the sports/mountain community. At each transition station, we placed a wheel and a question for people to consider. “How do we support each other through hard times?” While participants waited for their teammates, they wrote down their responses and added them to the wheel. (See picture). These wheels were then included in the art installation at the Brewery that evening for everyone to enjoy.
“Like the mountain, our challenges are tough—but not impossible. And when we face them together, with support, honesty, and a whole lot of heart, something shifts. Healing begins. Change begins.” – Katie Hodder
The weather forecast initially added some stress this year, with up to 60 mL of precipitation expected on Friday night, raising concerns about whether the event could go ahead. Fortunately, Golden seemed to be on the edge of the storm and only received 12 mL of rain. While the upper mountain was a bit slick from the rains, the lower mountain remained in excellent shape.
“I missed Schach Therapy at its inaugural event last year, but heard from everyone who attended how great a time it was. It was while standing in line to register that I learned of the race’s inspiration and philosophy. The goal of fostering connection and resilience is incredibly valuable, as so many mountain communities grapple with isolation and loss.
The race itself is brilliant in how the format opens its arms wide for every kind of rider. Whether you want to push yourself to the limit or just have a great time with friends, the ability to split the Mt7 behemoth up between as many as four people lets everyone leverage their strengths and challenge themselves the ideal amount. I look forward to next year!” – Ruben Salzgeber
The Golden Rotary Club was out serving up burgers and smokies at Reflection Lake after, creating a great social environment for all to share their stories from the morning adventures.
“Participating in the Schach Therapy race this year was a highlight of my summer so far.
I have always coped with stress by spending time outside – often, I go ride my bike. The race organizers’ acknowledgement of those who couldn’t ride with us that day was a powerful moment. It made me reflect on how many of my own friends and family have struggled with mental health challenges. I was reminded of how important it is to bring that fact to light, normalize and destigmatize having a mental health condition, and bring awareness to coping strategies. The reality is that every one of us will struggle at some point.” – Adrienne Ross
The event concluded with a social and the enjoyment of the art installation at Whitetooth Brewery.
“As I walked slowly past the art installations at the Brewery that night in which people reflected on a prompt that addressed what ‘you do when you feel sad, ‘ I realized that many other Goldenites cope through the same means that I do.
We tend to reach for human connections via our pre-existing support networks, and get out in nature. The entire event embodied and supported those concepts. The Shach therapy race brought our small community together and fostered connections between people through riding bikes. How rad is that? I really look forward to next year’s race.” – Adrienne Ross
The Golden Cycling Club would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this event, raising $2000 for the Golden Family Center. We are already looking forward to next year.
“So let’s carry that energy beyond the trail. Let’s keep showing up for each other—on and off the bike. Because this is what community looks like. This is how healing takes root. And this is how change begins—one climb, one conversation, one act of courage at a time.” – Katie Hodder
