Shim's GrandPrix

Hosted on July 19th, 2025 in the heart of Vancouver at Jonathan Roger’s Park, Shim’s Ride presents Shim’s Grand Prix.

Shim’s Ride was created to honour Mathew “Shim” Szymanowski, a former national-level rower and passionate cyclist who suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury after being hit by a vehicle in 2019.

In 2020, his close friends rode 520 km across Vancouver Island to raise funds for his rehabilitation, successfully raising $85,000. That effort sparked the birth of Shim’s Ride — now an annual event celebrating Shim’s resilience, raising awareness for spinal cord injuries, and bringing the community together through cycling, connection, and support.

Shim’s Ride is focused on raising money for spinal cord research through Praxis Spinal Cord Institute and bringing the community together for the annual Shim’s Grand Prix.

Come share a full day of criterium bike racing, food trucks, beer garden, raffles, music, local businesses, and community fun, with all proceeds donated to Praxis Spinal Cord Institute.