Penticton and Area Cycling Association Announces First Annual 'Cycling with Santa' Fundraiser Ride

Penticton, BC has long been known for its beautiful landscapes with vineyards stretching across rolling hills, sandy beaches and warm lakes. It’s home to some of the best mountain biking, gravel grinding and road riding in British Columbia. Host city for world renowned events like Ironman Canada, the Axel Merckx Granfondo, BC Bike Race, Expedition Canada and much more. Well now our wonderful little city may become known for something else – as Santa’s pre-Christmas training ground!

“We had been hearing rumours of someone in a large, red suit, with white highlights, using our new Lake-to-Lake Bike Route for some late night training”, said Debbie Ziegler, PACA’s (Penticton and Area Cycling Association) Membership Director. “And then a few weeks ago we received a new membership application from a Saint Nicholas…very interesting.”

Realizing this could be a great partnership opportunity, PACA seized on the moment and will be hosting our first Cycling With Santa Ride on December 11th! Santa will be available for pictures by donation after the ride, with 100% of donations going to Foundry Penticton to support Penticton’s youth.

Meet us at Gyro Park at 1:00 pm with your bikes, scooters, skateboards – decorations are highly recommended! From there, we’ll go for a casual ride with Santa through Penticton and back to Gyro Park where we will have socially distanced photos with Santa by donation. Cash donations are preferred, but food donations will also be welcomed.

Remember this Christmas season that riding your bike is a great way to exercise or get around town – and help raise money for a fantastic cause! We can’t wait to see you on December 11th for our first Cycling with Santa Ride. Maybe you’ll even spot Terry McWhirter, PACA’s President – last time he was seen was riding around town frantically yelling “Santa, SANTA!!” like Buddy the Elf – his family is hoping he’ll come home soon.

Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas from your friends at PACA and Foundry Penticton. Here’s to a wonderful Holiday Season!