MIDDLEBURY — The 12th Annual Kelly Brush Ride, powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations is ready to roll on Saturday, Sept. 9, in Middlebury.
The bicycle and handcycle ride supports the Kelly Brush Foundation’s mission to empower those with paralysis through sport and recreation and to prevent ski racing injuries.
“We have routes for riders of all abilities with beautiful views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks and Green Mountains,” said Kelly Brush Foundation Executive Director Zeke Davisson. “It’s not too late to join us in our biggest fundraiser of the year and help make it possible for the Kelly Brush Foundation to further its mission to improve the quality of life for those with paralysis and to work with the ski racing community to make racing safer.”
The ride, Vermont’s largest charity ride, draws more than 700 riders and several dozen handcyclists from across the country and Canada. Last year’s ride raised more than $450,000. 
Funds raised from the event have contributed to the purchase of more than 475 pieces of adaptive sports equipment, such as handcycles, sport wheelchairs and monoskis, to enrich the lives of those with paralysis. In addition, the foundation has supported ski clubs and race organizations in efforts to improve ski racing safety, helping protect thousands of racers around the country with safety netting, trail widening projects and awareness campaigns.
The event’s title sponsor, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, continues to enthusiastically support the event and the foundation’s mission.
“This year will be our sixth as title sponsor of the Kelly Brush Ride. We are honored to be a part of the tradition that this ride has become and to be a part of an event that makes a positive difference in the lives of so many through sport and recreation,” said Timo Shaw, president of VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations.
The ride offers rolling terrain through the Champlain Valley over options from 20 to 100 miles. Riders and teams of riders compete to raise the most money with prizes for reaching fundraising goals. The ride ends with a well-earned and festive barbecue. For registration and information visit: kellybrushfoundation.org.