Middlebury, VT – A record number of riders participated in Vermont’s largest charity bicycle ride, the Kelly Brush Century Ride powered by VBT Bicycle and Walking Vacations, helping to set a fundraising record for the ride on Saturday.
Over 750 cyclists, 25 of them using handcycles, started spinning from the Middlebury College campus in Middlebury, Vt. on a cool day perfect for riding through the scenic and rolling hills of the Champlain Valley. Riding in teams or individually, the cyclists raised more than $300,000 for adaptive athletes and ski racing safety.
“With the incredible generosity of our riders and sponsors, the Kelly Brush Century Ride Powered by VBT Bicycle and Walking Vacations has now raised nearly $1.5 million for adaptive athletes and ski racing safety,” said foundation President Charlie Brush. “With this support, the Kelly Brush Foundation is able to make a positive difference in the lives of those living with spinal cord injury, through helping with the purchase of specialized adaptive sports equipment. In addition, our supporters have helped put safety first in ski racing by underwriting the cost for over 400 miles of safety netting.”
Funds raised through the ride support the Kelly Brush Foundation’s mission to conquer the challenges of paralysis through love of sport by helping athletes with spinal cord injuries purchase specialized sports equipment. The foundation has awarded more than 60 grants for adaptive equipment, including adaptive gear for skiing, cycling, bowling, rowing and even horse carriage racing. Applications for adaptive gear grants are currently being accepted. For information visit the foundation’s web site www.kellybrushfoundation.org. Donations are still being accepted and may be made through the web site.
The ride was started by the Middlebury College Ski Team as a way to raise money to buy an adaptive mono-ski for team member Kelly Brush Davisson, who was paralyzed as the result of a ski racing crash. Brush and her family later founded a nonprofit, and the ride was opened to the public.