FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Elizabeth Langfeldt, 802-846-5298 or elizabeth@kellybrushfoundation.org

 

KELLY BRUSH RIDE SET FOR SEPTEMBER 9

12TH ANNUAL RIDE SUPPORTS ADAPTIVE SPORTS, SKI RACING SAFETY

BURLINGTON, Vt. (May 8, 2017)—Registration is open for the 12th Annual Kelly Brush Ride powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations. The fundraising ride is set for Saturday, Sept. 9 in Middlebury, Vermont.

Cyclists rolling in the Kelly Brush Ride powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations on 9-10-16. The 12th annual ride, which starts and finishes in Middlebury, Vermont, is set for Sept. 9, 2017. Image: Caleb Kenna

The bicycle and handcycle ride supports the Kelly Brush Foundation’s mission to enrich the lives of those with paralysis through sport and recreation and to prevent ski racing injuries through a shared commitment to safety.

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.

“The Kelly Brush Ride, our biggest fundraiser of the year, has become a New England tradition, offering a great reason for friends and family to come together, raise funds, and enjoy a scenic early fall ride. Riders, donors and volunteers make it possible for us to improve the quality of life for those with paralysis and to work with the ski racing community to make racing safer,” said Kelly Brush Foundation Executive Director Zeke Davisson.

The Kelly Brush Foundation has purchased 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.

Kelly Brush on right leads the pack of handcyclists at the Kelly Brush Ride Powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations in Middlebury, Vermont, Sep. 10, 2016. The 12th annual ride is set for Sept. 9, 2017.

The event’s title sponsor, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, continues to 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 gently rolling terrain through the Champlain Valley over several distance 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: www.kellybrushfoundation.org.

The Kelly Brush Ride powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations is made possible thanks to the generosity of many participants, volunteers and sponsors including: VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, Shearer Audi, Sugarbush Resort, SkiRack, World Cup Supply, Murphy Realty Company and more than 25 other generous sponsors.

 

About the Kelly Brush Foundation: The Kelly Brush Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering those with paralysis live engaged and fulfilling lives through sport and recreation and to prevent ski racing injuries through a shared commitment to proper safety practices. The foundation has purchased more than 475 pieces of adaptive sports equipment. 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.  Kelly Brush, together with her family, started the foundation in 2006 after she sustained a severe spinal cord injury while racing in NCAA Div. 1 competition as a member of the Middlebury College Ski Team in Vermont. The Kelly Brush Foundation affirms Kelly’s ongoing commitment to live life on her own terms and better the lives of others living with paralysis. www.kellybrushfoundation.org

 

About VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations:  VBT offers deluxe, small group bicycling and walking tours worldwide, including destinations throughout Europe, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Peru, Chile, South Africa and the United States. Each trip includes all accommodations, many meals, two expert local Trip Leaders, unique sightseeing and cultural activities and on-tour vehicle support. Unlike other companies, VBT also includes roundtrip international airfare from over 30 U.S. cities and select Canadian cities for all overseas vacations. VBT has been rated among the “World’s Best Tour Operators” by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine for six years.

 

IMAGE CAPTION (above):  Cyclists rolling in the Kelly Brush Ride powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations on Sept. 10, 2016. The 12th annual ride, which starts and finishes in Middlebury, Vermont, is set for Sept. 9, 2017.  Image: Caleb Kenna

 

IMAGE CAPTION (attached): Kelly Brush, on right, leads the pack of handcyclists at the Kelly Brush Ride Powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations in Middlebury, Vermont, Sep. 10, 2016. The 12th annual ride is set for Sept. 9, 2017. Image: Caleb Kenna

 

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