YMCA of the National Capital Region

Y Ride for Youth

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First National Tree Park between Elgin St and the closed portion of Metcalfe St
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A happy family of four wearing helmets are biking outdoors.
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Join us for a lively evening of community, compassion, and movement at Y Ride for Youth — now in its second year and returning to the heart of Centretown for a fun, free, family-friendly bike ride along the canal.

Together, we’ll ignite the spark of hope, raise critical funds, and shine on for young people supported through the YMCA’s Second Stage Housing Program for Youth. Join the ride, pedal with purpose, and show youth in our community that they’re not alone. Sign up, show up, and ride on!

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Check-in at 5:00 p.m. | Ride departs at approx. 6:00 p.m.
Meet at First National Tree Day Memorial Park between Elgin Street and the closed portion of Metcalfe Street

How to Participate in the Ride

Join the ride – it’s free and fun for all!
Whether you’re a casual rider, a family looking for a great evening out, or a passionate cyclist, everyone is welcome to ride with us.

Here’s how to get rolling:

  • Register to ride – there’s no cost!
    Sign up below to secure your spot in this free, family-friendly community event. All you need is a bike and your brightest spirit!
     
  • Decorate and ride in style!
    Dress up your bike with streamers, spoke beads, and colour—creativity encouraged!

Thank you to our sponsors and partners

Celebration Sponsor

bms insurance logo.

Warm Up Sponsor 

Meridian Credit Union logo.
 

Bike Partner

RentABike.ca logo.

Partner

Canadian Museum of Nature logo.

Make an Even Bigger Difference

You have the power to change a life. By supporting the YMCA’s Second Stage Housing Program for Youth, you help provide a safe place to land—and a strong foundation to grow—for young people moving beyond crisis.

Here’s how you can shine even brighter:

  • Start your own fundraising page (optional)
    Share your story, your reason for riding, or your connection to the cause. With our JustGiving platform, it’s easy to create a personalized fundraising page and invite your friends, family, and coworkers to help light the way for youth in need.
  • Can’t join us on ride night? You can still make an impact.
    Your gift -- no matter the size --  makes a difference. Donate online or create a fundraising page to support the cause from wherever you are. Your generosity helps youth move from surviving to thriving.
     

Start your own fundraising page 

Donate online  

Because of you, young people can find their way home.

Meet the Y’s Grand Marshall: Morgan Bello

We’re thrilled to have the YMCA’s very own Vice President, Strategy and Chief of Staff, Morgan Bello, back leading Y Ride for Youth as our Grand Marshal once again!

From April 26 - May 1, Morgan took his commitment even further — heading to Morocco to take on the legendary Škoda Titan Desert, a gruelling 496 kilometre, 4000 metres of elevation, 6-day endurance race across the desert, to raise awareness and funds for the YMCA’s Second Stage Housing Program for Youth experiencing homelessness.

Morgan’s determination, leadership, and passion for youth inspire us all to shine brighter. Join Morgan on May 16 as we ride together — fundraising and showing youth in our community that they are not alone.

Follow Morgan’s journey