MORE THAN 700 CYCLISTS SUPPORT ADAPTIVE SPORTS, SKI RACING SAFETY

Kelly Brush Davisson leads the start of the 2014 Kelly Brush Century Ride powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations in Middlebury, Vermont. The ride celebrates its 10th anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015. With support from riders, volunteers and sponsors, the foundation has raised more than $1.5 million for adaptive athletes and ski racing safety. (Caleb Kenna Photography)

BURLINGTON, Vt. (September 23, 2015) More than 700 bicyclists and 25 handcyclists participated in the 10th Annual Kelly Brush Century Ride powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations. Together they raised $363,000 to improve the lives of those with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and raise the bar for ski racing safety.

“Support for our 10th annual ride exceeded our expectations,” said Zeke Davisson, executive director of the Kelly Brush Foundation. “The incredible, ongoing generosity of our riders, donors and sponsors makes it possible for the foundation to have a positive impact on the lives of those living with spinal cord injury and enables us to continue working to improve racing safety.”

With the 100-mile ride as its signature fundraising event, the foundation has raised more than $2.5 million since the first ride 10 years ago. Funds raised have made it possible for the foundation to improve the lives of hundreds living with SCI by underwriting the cost of more than 300 pieces of adaptive sports equipment.  In addition, the funds have supported the foundation’s work to make ski racing safer by purchasing more than 400 miles of race course safety netting, funding trail widening projects and reaching out to ski clubs and teams across the country to raise awareness.

Lead sponsor VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations was honored to help the foundation celebrate the 10th anniversary ride, said Gregg Marston, president of VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations.

“This ride continues to amaze us.  Whether first-time riders or long-time participants, the camaraderie, spirit and dedication make the day one to remember, year after year. VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations is proud to be a part of such a great event,” Marston said.

The ride was started by the Middlebury College Ski Team in 2006 as a way to buy an adaptive monoski and handcycle for team member Kelly Brush Davisson, who was paralyzed as the result of a ski racing crash. The next year the ride was opened to the public, with proceeds used to support the foundation’s mission.

The Kelly Brush Century 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, Saatchi & Saatchi, World Cup Supply and others.

 

About the foundation: The Kelly Brush Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated empowering those with spinal cord injury (SCI) through ownership of adaptive sports equipment and improving safety in the sport of ski racing. The foundation has raised more than $2.5 million, helping to purchase more than 300 pieces of adaptive sports equipment and procure over 400 miles of safety netting and other safety equipment for ski racing organizations. Kelly Brush Davisson, 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 SCI. 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, 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. In 2015, VBT was rated by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine among the “World’s Best Tour Operators” for the sixth consecutive year.

IMAGE CAPTION: Handcyclists lead by Kelly Brush Davisson head out on the 10th Annual Kelly Brush Century Ride powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations on Saturday, Sept. 12, in Middlebury, Vermont. The annual ride through the Champlain Valley drew more than 700 cyclists and 25 handcyclists and raised $363,000 for adaptive sports and ski racing safety. Image: Caleb Kenna

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