Mental health remains the focus at the 33rd annual Folks on Spokes & Step Forward charity ride

MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Damp weather didn't stop hundreds from bringing their bikes to Milford Sunday morning for the "Folks on Spokes and Step Forward" charity ride.

Now in its 33rd year, Folks on Spokes is the longest running charity ride in Connecticut. The ride focuses on mental health and the issues that can result from ignoring it.

Organizer Ray Vitali told News 8, "It's very difficult to identify an individual who is either anxious or depressed or whatever.. and you know, you don't see a bandage around the head. You see a broken arm, you see a broken leg, but you don't see that broken emotion."

New to the ride this year are therapy animals, interactive art, face painting and relaxation therapy for participants. There was also a Remembrance Ceremony to honor the lives of those who have lost their lives to struggles with addiction and mental health.

Their goal this year is to raise $50,000 to support Bridges Healthcare's local mental health addiction recovery programs.