Bike for the Brain will host its 17th annual community bicycle ride on Labor Day, Monday, September 5.
This event increases public awareness that all people have the potential to recover from mental health disorders.
Jewish community member and cyclist Dr. Ken Sonnenschein started Bike for the Brain in 2005. He told The Chronicle in 2011, “There are many different types of runs and walks for many different things. As I was going around and participating in many of these runs, walks and rides I was wondering, ‘Where is the mental health event?’”
This year, Sonnenschein and Susan Crain Lewis, President and CEO of Mental Health America of the Heartland (MHAH), will have a short program to officially turn over Bike for the Brain to MHAH. Both Sonnenschein and Debbie Bass, Chief Development Officer of Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City, are on the MHAH Advisory Board.
Bike for the Brain has had an average of 400 participants per year. Bike for the Brain is a signature event for MHAH
This year, cycling courses include 10, 34, 55, and 65 mile options. The start/finish line will be at Johnson County Mental Health Center at 6000 Lamar Ave., Mission, KS. On-site registration will be at 7 a.m., and the ride will begin at 8 a.m. After the ride, there will be a Chris Cakes pancake lunch.
Participation in Bike for the Brain helps MHAH continue offering resources to people who struggle with mental wellness through their services and programs.
This year’s event will be held with COVID-19 safety precautions in mind. Riders and volunteers are asked to follow guidance from the CDC and local health departments.
Registration is $45 per person at the event and $35 for sign up prior to September 5. Information and registration are at bikeforthebrain.org. Gina McCord can be emailed with questions at .