The Cops for Kids bike ride will be hitting the road in a few days, with 19 riders and 8 support persons traveling across southeastern BC.
The grueling, 10-day bike ride will start in Kelowna on Friday and travel through over 20 communities, including Creston, Nelson, Grand Forks, Rossland, Cranbrook, and smaller surrounding villages.
With unwavering determination and boundless compassion, BC Sheriffs Inspector Rob Crowder and retired Deputy Mike Kosof are once again gearing up to take on the 2024 Cops for Kids Ride.
This year, their journey brings them to our community of Nelson on Monday, September 9th, as part of their heartfelt mission to support children in need.
Rob and Mike have poured their hearts and souls into months of rigorous training, volunteering, and fundraising. Each rider has committed to raising a minimum of $2,500, demonstrating not just physical endurance, but an unbreakable commitment to the cause.
Throughout these ten days, the riders will be visiting communities across the province, not just to pedal through, but to connect with the very children whose lives are touched by their efforts.
In Nelson, they will arrive at the RCMP detachment on Monday, September 9, at 12:30pm. We warmly invite all supporters to join us in welcoming them—whether by cheering as they ride into town from Castlegar or stopping by the RCMP detachment to express your gratitude and support in person.
For Mike Kosof, this ride represents more than a physical challenge—it embodies a profound reward.
“Every year, the Cops for Kids Ride pushes us to our limits, but it’s the incredible people we meet along the way, the heartfelt thank-yous, and the generous donations that make it all worthwhile,” Mike shares with a smile.
“We endure the tough climbs and long days on the bike knowing that these efforts make a significant difference in the lives of children facing their own battles.”
Mike has been a passionate rider since 2012, while Rob joined the team in 2015, and this year’s team includes fresh faces alongside the dedicated veterans.
“It’s amazing to see new riders join our ranks each year, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm,” Rob notes.
“But the core group, the friendships and bonds formed on those challenging rides, are what make this journey so special.”
Creston RCMP constable Robyn Diddams will also be among the riders.
“We do a 1,000-kilometer bike ride throughout the Southeast District of BC. So we start in Kelowna, circle our way down south, and then go back around through the Golden-Salmon Arm area, and then back down to Kelowna within 10 days.”
The ride helps raise funds that will help children in the midst of medical treatment.
“(It helps) kids who need medical expenses covered, including travel expenses for the family to get kids to and from the hospitals, or learning aids, or medical devices that they might need to assist them,” said Diddams
Cops for Kids has raised over $6.5 million since its inception. Last year, they received requests from 448 local kids.
Among those getting help was Diddams’ own family.
“I ended up having to use Cops for Kids. When my son was born, he had some issues, and we had to get him and my wife airlifted to a bigger hospital. They assisted with some travel expenses for us.”
Despite being an avid cyclist, Diddams is expecting a grueling ride.
“Whether it’s the weather that gets us like when you’re getting a ton of rain or lots of heat, or the ride itself with the mountain passes, we have a lot to go through. It takes a lot.”
Diddams says he’s been preparing since he signed up for the ride, putting in about 500 kilometres a month since early March.
“I love the crew that I ride with, it’s a great group of people who all have the same mindset. One of the biggest things that I ride for is getting to meet some of the families that we assist on top of our landings at the communities we stop in. It’s really impactful to see the faces of the people that we help, and how grateful they are for our hard work.”
Other riders joining the cause are Castlegar’s Ron George, and Cranbrook’s Lisa Barnes and Steve Mercandelli.
Those looking to help with donations can do so online.
A full list of the stops along the ride can be found below:
Sept 6 – Departure from Kelowna, stops at Peachland, Summerland, Penticton, Oliver. Arrival at Osoyoos.
Sept 7 – Departure from Osoyoos, stops at Midway and Greenwood. Arrival at Grand Forks.
Sept 8 – Departure from Grand Forks, stops at Christina Lake. Arrival at Castlegar.
Sept 9 – Departure from Castlegar, stops at Nelson and Procter. Arrival at Nelson.
Sept 10 – Departure from Nelson, stops at Crawford Bay. Arrival at Creston.
Sept 11 – Departure from Creston, stops at Yahk. Arrival at Cranbrook.
Sept 12 – Depature from Cranbrook, stops at Invermere, Golden and Revelstoke. Arrival at Salmon Arm.
Sept 13 – Departure from Salmon Arm, stops at Chase. Arrival at Kamloops.
Sept 14 – Departure from Kamloops, stops at Falkland, arrival at Vernon.
Sept 15 – Departure from Vernon, stops at Lake Country. Arrival at Kelowna.
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