Once more this year we saw brave and hardy participants take on the 55, 30, 16 and 4 mile rides and the newly added 3 mile walk in the rain to raise money for women, children and families in Vermont. The weather was wet and windy but spirits were not diminished and we had first time riders as well as new to Lund riders and walkers full of smiles as they enjoyed the scenic routes.
We added a walk this year to make sure that there was something for everyone, even those not so keen on biking or who don’t have ready access to a bike. It started at Joy Drive and continued to Shelburne Road and then through the neighborhoods to our residential treatment facility for substance abuse and mental health issues. (The only place in Vermont where a mom can receive treatment while living with her child thus removing one of the biggest barriers women face when accessing treatment.) After a rest stop at Glen Road, the route followed the common path that our clients take when walking to Joy Drive to access clinical groups, high school completion or early childhood education at our Hoehl Family Building. The walk was one of the most popular parts of this year’s event. Perhaps because it’s easier to hold an umbrella while walking than while riding your bike!
Post ride festivities included antics from Joey the Clown, ice cream from Ben and Jerry’s, Boloco burritos and a raffle. Over $25,000 was raised to support families at Lund. Thank you to all our riders, walkers, volunteers and sponsors. Special thanks to Julie Richards of Julie Richards Photography for taking photos including the on this page of a brave rider and her Dad taking on the 16 mile ride.
