On February 11, 2025
Sports

Rikert Outdoor Center expands accessibility with Adaptive Bike Days

By Anja Wrede A volunteer from Rikert Outdoor Center helps facilitate a memorable winter adventure at a recent Adaptive Bike Day event.

RIPTON—This winter, the Rikert Outdoor Center is launching Adaptive Bike Days, a program aimed at making outdoor recreation more accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. Running every Wednesday through March, this initiative allows participants to explore Vermont’s winter landscapes on specially designed adaptive bikes.

The program is offered free of charge and takes place from 10 a.m. to noon at Rikert’s scenic outdoor center in Ripton. Participants are encouraged to bring a helmet and a friend to ride with. Those who have their own adaptive trike or bike with tires 4.0 or larger are welcome to bring their own equipment.

“Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of Vermont’s identity, and we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to share in that experience,” said Jane Moulton, Program Coordinator at Rikert Outdoor Center. “With Adaptive Bike Days, we aim to remove barriers and open the door to meaningful and memorable winter adventures.”

Expert support and personalized experiences

Each session accommodates 2-4 riders, with additional space available for those bringing their bikes. Participants receive expert guidance from adaptive biking specialist Anja Wrede of RAD-Innovations and volunteers from Rikert Outdoor Center and RAD. With extensive experience in designing and fitting adaptive cycling equipment, Wrede ensures that each rider is matched with the right bike for their needs, providing both comfort and confidence on the trails.

Riders will start in Rikert’s stadium oval, a safe area ideal for getting comfortable with the equipment. Depending on individual abilities and snow conditions, some may explore the Battell Trail or even venture onto longer trails with a friend familiar with the routes. The flexible program structure ensures that every participant’s tailored experience suits their comfort level and needs.

For those interested in participating, a fitting session can be scheduled by contacting Anja Wrede at 802-382-0093 or [email protected].

A commitment to accessibility and inclusion

Rikert Outdoor Center has been actively working to make its trails and facilities more accessible for individuals of all abilities. The Adaptive Bike Days program builds on this mission, fostering a welcoming space where everyone can enjoy the outdoors.

“Our goal is simple,” said Moulton. “We want to empower individuals to see winter as an opportunity for fun, freedom, and connection—no matter their ability.”

Whether you’re new to adaptive biking or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, Adaptive Bike Days offers an inclusive and exciting way to experience winter in Vermont.

For more information, visit: rikertoutdoor.com/rikert-adaptive-bike-days/.

Courtesy Hase Bikes
The Rikert Outdoor Center currently offers Adaptive Bike Days every Wednesday through March.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Get a GRIP

June 27, 2025
Hold on, don’t lose traction — get a GRIP! It’s time to ride! With over 250 trails within 45 minutes of Killington this trail guide will show you all there is to discover — and enhance your experience with tips on where to go, what to do and where to go to refuel. (We can’t…

How to take the best flicks of your tricks

June 27, 2025
To take the best photos of mountain bike tricks, focus on the technique, composition, and timing. Tips compiled from experts can help you capture dynamic shots, accurately capturing (and even slightly enhancing) the extreme nature of the feat. By combining these techniques, you can create stunning, action-packed images that truly capture the excitement and skill…

Tricks defined

June 27, 2025
Mountain biking is as much about skill and style as it is about speed and endurance. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your trick repertoire, here are some of the most popular and accessible mountain bike tricks, along with brief explanations and tips for learning them. Intermediate tricks Tabletop: The rider tilts the bike…

Tips to maintaining your bike

June 27, 2025
 Staff report So, you bought a mountain bike. Well done! You’ve now got a few epic rides under your belt. Excellent. But now you wonder how to best protect your investment and keep it rolling like new. While there are many expert bike mechanics around locally that can help, here are a few basic things…