MIDDLEBURY — Those who thought they may have been seeing more cyclists on the roads of Addison County on Saturday, Sept. 7, probably were right. That’s because it was the day of the 14th annual Kelly Brush Ride powered by VBT Bicycling Vacations drew a record 940 participants.
The event has raised $705,000 for adaptive sports and ski racing safety. 
Funds raised support the Kelly Brush Foundation mission to inspire and empower people with spinal cord injuries to live active lives and support the foundation’s ongoing collaboration with the ski racing community to improve safety in the sport. 
“We are truly inspired by the support the foundation receives at the Kelly Brush Ride and golf event. Through the fundraising efforts of each cyclist, handcyclist and golfer, plus the support of our sponsors and volunteers, this event enables the Kelly Brush Foundation to amplify its efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of people with spinal cord injuries through grants for adaptive sports equipment,” said Zeke Davisson, executive director of the Kelly Brush Foundation.
The ride drew 940 bicyclists and 27 handcyclists from 20 states. For the second year, participants also had the option to play a round of golf on the Ralph Myhre Golf Course at Middlebury College, and 14 teams participated.
Funds raised by riders and golfers provide direct support for equipment that gets people with spinal cord injuries out enjoying the activities that enrich their lives, like skiing, basketball, cycling and tennis. To date the foundation has awarded more than 830 people grants in 47 states for adaptive equipment through its Active Fund. The ride also supports the foundation’s ski racing safety program.
VBT Bicycling Vacations is proud to be the title sponsor of the Kelly Brush Ride for the eighth year in a row, said Timo Shaw, VBT president.
“We have been sponsoring the Kelly Brush Ride for eight years because the mission of the Kelly Brush Foundation aligns with our values at VBT,” Shaw said. “It’s been exciting to watch the organization and the event grow over time. This was the biggest year ever, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.” 
The Kelly Brush Foundation is a Vermont non-profit inspiring and empowering people with spinal cord injuries to be active and works closely with the alpine ski racing community to improve safety. The foundation was founded in 2006 by Kelly and her family after Kelly sustained a spinal cord injury while racing in an NCAA alpine ski race.