Police officers will trade their uniforms for cycling gear this weekend as the Cops for Kids Ride rolls through the Kootenays, raising money for children and families facing medical and other crises.
The annual 10-day ride begins Friday and will take law enforcement members and civilian riders across southeastern B.C.
Creston RCMP Const. Robyn Diddams is among this year’s riders and is taking part for the eighth time.
“We’re changing out the uniform, throwing it on the bike lycra to support families that are going through crisis,” Diddams said.
The ride raises money to provide financial assistance to families of children facing medical, physical or traumatic challenges.
Diddams said the physical demands of spending 10 days on a bicycle are put into perspective by meeting the families the organization supports.
“We know how much we suffer and then when we talk to the families that we’re helping and recognize that our 10 days of a little bit of suffering on a bike seat is nowhere near what they’re going through. So it’s really worth it in the long run.”
Now preparing for his eighth ride, Diddams said the challenge does not necessarily get easier, but riders know more about what to expect.
He said some of the toughest sections of the route are also among his favourites.
“ I really love climbing the hills, so I’m a big fan of the first couple days where we come out of Osoyoos and out of Ground Forks and into Castlegar.”
The riders will reach Grand Forks on Saturday, Castlegar on Sunday, Nelson on Monday, Creston on Tuesday, Cranbrook on Wednesday and Golden on Thursday.
Diddams said encouragement from people along the route can provide an important boost.
“Look for us on the road and give us a honk, it really motivates us to keep going.”
Cops for Kids was formed in 2001 and has raised more than $6.8 million to support children and families across southeastern B.C.
The 2026 ride, presented by the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, runs from Sept. 11 to 20.
Donations can be made to the organization or individual riders through copsforkids.org.
