NAMIBikes “Fight Stigma and Ride” in Sun Valley on July 7; New Idaho Event to Help People Affected by Mental Illness

Posted on July 12, 2013

HAILEY, Idaho, June 12, 2013 — NAMI Wood River Valley, an Idaho affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is proud to announce that a new event in Idaho to raise awareness about mental illness, treatment and recovery.

"NAMIBikes Sun Valley" will begin Sunday, July 7 at 8 a.m. in the River Run parking lot in Ketchum.

Riding under the banner "Fight Stigma and Ride," NAMIBikes cyclists will ride to highlight the need for services for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

"We ride to break-down the stereotypes that surround mental illness," explained Tom Hanson, vice president of NAMI Idaho and NAMI Wood River Valley. "When we see the same compassion given for a diagnosis of a mental illness as for a physical illness, then we will begin to see real change."

Mental Illness includes: major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Event details include:

• Check-in and a continental breakfast open at 8 a.m.
• Start-times vary according to distance. NAMIBikes Sun Valley offers a 50-mile ride and 10-mile family fun-ride.
• For the more experienced cyclist, the 50-mile ride begins at 9 a.m. from the River Run parking lot north along the bike path to Saddle Road. It will continue along the Trail Creek Loop and increase in elevation 1,000 feet before heading back to Sun Valley Road and along Elkhorn Road. It will then head south along East Fork Road to complete the Triumph Loop, then through the tunnel to the Greenhorn Loop and back to the bike path at East Fork Road heading north, to the start/finish line.
• For the family cyclist, the 10-mile ride will begin at 10 a.m. near the River Run parking lot, proceeding south along the bike path to East Fork Road, before turning around and heading back to the start/finish line.
• All courses will be marked and feature rest stops and vehicle support. The event will offer music, food and more.

For more information about how to donate, ride or volunteer, please contact Carla Young at [email protected] or (208) 309-1987 or visit www.FightStigmaAndRide.org.