BURLINGTON — The ninth annual Kelly Brush Century Ride rolls out of Middlebury on Saturday, Sept. 6. Vermont’s largest fundraising ride draws bicyclists and handcyclists who spin to conquer the challenges of paralysis through love of sport and to improve ski-racing safety.
Last year’s event drew more than 750 riders and more than two-dozen adaptive athletes using handcycles.
“The incredible dedication and support from riders, volunteers and sponsors over the years has made it possible for the foundation to improve the quality of life for individuals living with spinal cord injury and to raise the bar when it comes to ski racing safety,” said Kelly Brush Foundation President Zeke Davisson. “While the foundation has accomplished a tremendous amount in just under a decade, there is still so much more to do. Our main fundraising event, the Kelly Brush Century Ride Powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, is key to meeting our mission.”
In the nine years since the ride’s inception, participants have raised more than $1.5 million. As a result, nearly 100 pieces of adaptive athletic gear has been donated tothose paralyzed due to spinal cord injury (SCI) helping them to conquer the challenges of paralysis through love of sport. In addition, more than 400 miles of safety netting has been purchased to line ski racing and training courses improving safety and preventing injury.
“Kelly Brush Davisson is a strong inspiration to athletes everywhere, and VBT is proud to be a title sponsor for the third year in a row,” said Gregg Marston, president of VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations. “The charity ride has become a tradition for the VBT family due to the impactful work of the foundation and its positive influence on the community here in Vermont and around the country.”
New to this year’s ride is half-price registration of $75 for youth age 12 and under. Registration for age 13 and older is $150 and is free for adaptive athletes using handcycles. Registration includes a post-ride barbecue and party catered by local farm-to-table caterers Sugarsnap.
The ride supports the Kelly Brush Foundation’s three grant programs:
•  Individual Grants — for adaptive athletic equipment to individuals paralyzed due to SCI;
•  Ski Racing Safety Grants — to ski and snowboard clubs for safety equipment and trail modifications to make race venues safer;
•  Spinal Cord Research Grants — to rehabilitation hospitals and organizations working toward a cure for paralysis.
The Kelly Brush Century Ride course features rolling terrain and Lake Champlain views over several distances: 25, 50 or 100 miles, with options to ride 65 or 85 miles. Riders and teams of riders compete to raise the most money with prizes for reaching fundraising milestones.
Registration is online at www.kellybrushfoundation.org. The Kelly Brush Century Ride is made possible thanks to the generosity of many participants, volunteers and sponsors including title sponsor VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, along with top sponsors Shearer Audi, Sugarbush Resort and many others.