A group of cyclist enjoy the scenic ride as they part-take in one of the past Long Trail Century rides.
KILLINGTON — The fifth annual Long Trail Century Ride to benefit Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports returns to Vermont again on Saturday, June 27, where cyclists of all abilities can ride a century, 60- or 20-mile course to raise funds and awareness for disabled sports programming. Adaptive athletes are sponsored and ride for free. The goal is to raise $200,000 this year, which is used for adaptive programming and equipment.
“We’re really excited about this year’s ride, and with each year, the event just keeps growing,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director at Vermont Adaptive. “Last year we had 500 riders plus party-goers atLong Trail Brewery after the ride. This year, we expect about a 1,000 folks who will be supporting disabled sports and helping us raise funds and awareness. We really have to give a huge thanks to the 500 or so riders and the sponsors—they are the ones who fundraise and work hard to help us raise funds for our organization.”
After what came together in less than six weeks in 2011 for its inaugural ride, thanks to the inspiration of Lookout Tavern owner Phil Black, more than 500 riders from around New England and East of the Mississippi are expected to participate in this year’s fundraising event. An après-ride party, featuring live music with Duane Carleton plus the Pete Kilpatrick Band, face painting, kids games, a vendor village, Lazy Cow ice cream, adaptive equipment demos and more will be held after the ride at the brewery for all to enjoy – riders, spectators and visitors alike. For those not riding, party-only tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. The event is held rain or shine.
The century ride, plus 60- and 20-mile routes, start and end at the Long Trail Brewery in Bridgewater Corners. The routes travel through Killington and surrounding communities including Pittsfield, Stockbridge, Bethel, Woodstock, and Ludlow.
The recreational rides loop through the towns of Killington, Pittsfield, Bethel, Barnard, Woodstock, Ludlow, Bridgewater, and Plymouth, Vermont. Quaint villages, the scenery of Route 100 and U.S. Route 4, the Crossroad of Vermont Byway, the seventh of its kind recently designated by the Vermont Transportation Board, are incorporated into the routes.
All riders and volunteers receive entry to the “Après-Ride” party, and additional party tickets are available for $15/adults and $10/kids.
Cyclists check-in Friday night at a pre-ride party at the Umbrella Bar at Killington Resort, and rides begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday from the brewery on Route 4. The first 500 people to register receive a lift ticket voucher to ski or ride Killington Resort during the 2015-2016 season. Fundraising incentives include: raise $300 or more and receive a custom cycling jersey; raise $1,000 or more and receive SPY sunglasses plus the jersey; raise $3,000 or more and receive a GoPro HERO4, SPY sunglasses and the cycling jersey.
Rider registration is $70 and includes a Century Ride wicking t-shirt, food and support at aid stations during the ride, entry to the après-ride party complete with food and entertainment, plus a commemorative pint glass. Everyone is welcome to attend the “Après-Ride Party” and advance tickets are available for the party. Each rider is responsible for a minimum $100 fundraising requirement. Registration, pricing, information, and advance-ticket purchase to the party can be found at www.longtrailcenturyride.com.
Photo By Barb Wood
