VBT Bicycling Vacations
Country Walkers
Vermont’s largest charity bike ride set for September 7, 2013
BRISTOL, VT—VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations is the title sponsor of the 8th Annual Kelly Brush Century Ride, in Middlebury, Vermont, the state’s largest charity bike ride and the largest hand cycling event in the Northeast.
“We’re are very pleased to be the title sponsor of the Kelly Brush Foundation’s Century Ride for the second year in a row,” said VBT President Gregg Marston. “VBT associates have participated in the Kelly Brush Ride since its inception six years ago. We have been truly inspired by Kelly Brush and we strongly support the profoundly important work of her Foundation.”
VBT is giving away a trip for one to Tuscany as the top prize for the event’s raffle.
VBT’s September 8 Vermont: Champlain Valley & Islands tour and it’s September 8 Classic Vermont tour both coincide with the Kelly Brush Foundation Century Ride this year. “VBT travelers interested in arriving a day early can combine a philanthropic endeavor with their vacation—a win/win for everyone,” Marston said.
The Century Ride will be Saturday, September 7 and start and finish at the Middlebury College Alumni Field, Route 30, in Middlebury, Vermont. Riders have their choice of 25-, 50-, or 100-mile course routes with a 65 and 85 mile re-route from the 100. The event closes with a ride party and a barbecue. Online registration will close at midnight, Wednesday, September 4. Registration is allowed on the ride day from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Proceeds from the Century Ride go to support the Kelly Brush Foundation’s mission to:
- Improve the quality of life for individuals living with a spinal cord injury by purchasing adaptive athletic equipment for those with financial limitations
- Advocate for improving ski racing safety
- Support research to treat and cure paralysis due to traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI)
- Support the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team
On February 18, 2006, Kelly Brush hit a lift tower while competing for the Middlebury College Ski Team. Her injuries included a T 7-8 level spinal fracture, and she became paralyzed from the chest down. Within a year of her accident, her family and friends had founded the Kelly Brush Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, whose mission is to improve ski racing safety for racers at all levels and to improve the lives of other individuals living with a spinal cord injury by purchasing adaptive sporting equipment for them.
The first Kelly Brush Century Ride was a closed event with only family and friends. But the event was so successful that it became an annual tradition that is now the largest charity bike ride in Vermont. Over the following six years (2007-2012) the Kelly Brush Foundation has grown both financially and in its impact on both ski racing safety and in the lives of athletes living with a spinal cord injury.
The Foundation has purchased athletic equipment for individuals living with a spinal cord injury, including hand cycles, mono-skis, bowling and tennis chairs, and scuba diving gear. The Foundation has also purchased more than 400 miles of netting to make ski racing courses safer all across the country.
The Century Ride is the only fundraising event of the year for the Foundation. It has become the largest charity bike ride in Vermont, with more than 750 cyclists and hand cyclists participating annually. To learn more about the Kelly Brush Foundation and to make a donation, please visit www.kellybrushfoundation.org.
Founded in 1971 by a Middlebury College professor, VBT offers deluxe, small group bicycling, walking and cross-country skiing tours worldwide, including destinations in Europe, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Vietnam, Thailand, Peru, Argentina, Canada and the U.S.A. Each trip includes all accommodations, many meals, two expert local Trip Leaders, unique sightseeing and cultural activities, and full vehicle support. Unlike other companies, VBT also includes international airfare in its trip cost.
For reservations or more information, and to receive the latest 2013 catalog, call 1-800-245-3868 or log on to the company’s website at www.vbt.com.