Richie was working, but here's a shot of her beautiful wife and daughter with Mary and Lindsay Brush
Richie was working, but here’s a shot of his beautiful wife and daughter with Mary and Lindsay Brush

Kelly Brush Rides: 2007 – Present

Richie has been a crucial, crucial volunteer since the first Kelly Brush Ride that was open to the public in 2007 and supporter of the Kelly Brush Foundation since it was formed. He is the father of a close friend of Kelly’s and her sister Lindsay’s and his family and the Brushes have become incredibly close. Richie is truly one of those guys that makes the Kelly Brush Ride fun, easy and successful!

What makes the ride special for you? It is all about the cause. People come because of the cause. I think we all see the importance of supporting those who can use the grants. Especially when each year you see more and more handcyclist and realize that at some point maybe they would not be doing this if it were not for the KBF. During the ski season it is also great seeing more and more in adaptive programs.

“I have a strong commitment to ensuring this is a great event. Greet people with a friendly face early in the morning, answer questions, provide a positive experience.”

Why do volunteer? I am responsible for parking and then I go out on the course for support. I have a strong commitment to ensuring this is a great event. Greet people with a friendly face early in the morning, answer questions, provide a positive experience.  Equally important is to try and make sure everyone is ok on course, that all the stations are ok. If there is a rider who has technical or medical issues make sure they are attended to.  You are now seeing more handcyclists going longer distances, those folks have my heart.

Any cool stories from the Kelly Brush Ride? The cool stories are about people I have helped out on the road. It is fun to hear how much they like the event, will tell their friends, etc. The other thing I really enjoy is seeing familiar faces year after year … and when I come in at the end of the day sharing a beer with some.