Inspired by his nephew MJ, Dave McAnerney started Rider Cider for Autism in 2015. The event was founded in an effort to bring more programs and services for individuals on the autism spectrum to Kelowna.

The inaugural event soon grew into what was known as the "HM Commercial Ride for Autism", an annual community-building ride that showcased local wineries and cideries, while supporting Canucks Autism Network (CAN).

CAN became Dave’s charity of choice due to the positive impact the organization had on MJ’s life. Dave wanted to ensure that any Kelowna family with a child on the spectrum could benefit from the same life-changing support.

Dave’s sudden passing just a few months following the 2022 ride devastated everyone fortunate enough to have known him. With heavy hearts, the community came together to honour the memory of an incredible person gone too soon. The 2023 and 2024 rides were renamed the "Dave McAnerney Ride for Autism" in honour of Dave's passion for cycling and unwavering commitment to the autism community.

In 2025, the event was renamed the "Kelowna Ride for Autism" and the Landmark Challenge Trophy, awarded each year to the top fundraising team, was renamed the "Dave McAnerney Memorial Trophy" in continued recognition of Dave's legacy.

Dave's legacy lives on each year with this ride and the direct impact it has on children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum in Kelowna.

Since launching in Kelowna over 10 years ago, hundreds of local families have benefited from CAN’s growing portfolio of sports and rec programs, summer day camps, youth and adult opportunities, and year-round family experiences.