We couldn’t have asked for better riding conditions to host 15 adaptive athletes who traveled to Stowe, Vermont to participate in the Annual Green Mountain Adaptive Sports Adaptive Mountain Bike Weekend held August 24-25, 2024.
The group was composed of athletes with various physical disabilities traveling from all over New England. They signED up to come ride bikes, hang out together, and enjoy all that Stowe has to offer. They camped or stayed in local hotels and all met at Cady Hill Forest, the town’s flagship trail network for some single track action on Saturday, and participated in the Northern Delta Dental Race to the Top of Vermont on Sunday.
Adaptive riders enjoying Florence, Cady HIll Trails in Stowe. PC: Mike Hitelman
GMAS partnered with Adaptive Sports Partners (ASP) for the event. ASP not only contributed equipment for the athletes who did not own their own e-bikes, but also brought in valuable expertise, volunteers, and a big dose of contagious energy.
STOWE trails BECOME MORE ACCESSIBLE
For the past few years, Stowe Trail Partnership has been working on adapting many of their bike trails to create better access to adaptive riders whose e-assist mountain bikes are wider by design, and also tippier in tight turns. Their trails were truly put to the test, and passed with flying colors as the athletes crushed runs up and down Florence, Snake, Bear, Zog’s just to name a few of the accessible trails in the network.
Athlete supported in a bridge by volunteers.
PC: Mike Hitelman.
Riders of the STP joined us as volunteers, and had a chance to witness the impact their hard trail work had on a the pack of adaptive riders. “I had no idea what to expect. I was incredibly impressed by not just how well organized the event was, and the commitment of the staff (and volunteers) but the strength, camaraderie, and determination of the athletes. Watching them rip through the turns and trudge up the hills was impressive and eye opening,” commented Nolan Langweil.
Nolan Langwell was one of the eight STP Board members who rode with the groups. Jon Wehse, Charlie and Jeff Kauffman led the two groups. All STP volunteers joined the riders and used their knowledge of the network to assist the athletes on and off the trails. “The level of skills and riding was noticeably better this year, in my opinion, and so awesome to see these athletes progress!” commented Jeff Kaufman who also led the group last year.
“I’m stoked to hear everything went smoothly, and that the trails served the riders well,” says Carolyn Lawrence, Executive Director at STP.
The group concluded the day with a feast and awesome time in the private event’s room at Shakedown, Stowe Cider‘s restaurant and event venue. And, we can’t wait to do it all over again next year!
ATHLETES RIDE IN RACE TO THE TOP OF VERMONT
All smiles at the finish of the 2024 Race to the Top of Vermont.
To conclude this great weekend, eight adaptive riders reached the top of Vermont’s Highest Peak, Mount Mansfield on Sunday morning as part of the Northern Delta Dental Race to the Top of Vermont. A big thank you to Will Robens of Catamount Trail Association for working with us to accommodate our needs, and to Jason Boes of Stowe Mountain Resort for his kindness and attention to details along the way. It is quite a treat to reach the top of the mountain we all love to ski!
STOWE COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER
aMTB Rider crushing the berm on Flo
Yes it does take a village to pull such events! This year, thanks to the extremely generous support of Mountain Ops, Pinnacle Ski and Sports, and Ranch Camp, the volunteers got to ride e-bikes generously provided free of charge by the shops. “I am happy the event went well and glad we were able to help,” commented Don Allen, owner at Mountain Ops. We are so grateful to the three shops, and to Elle Euber, who was also of great help fixing mechanical issues throughout the event.
Sincere thanks to all who volunteered, big or small, your contributions go a long way to create such a perfect experience for all involved.
View Mike Hitelman’s photos on our instagram and Facebook posts. Thanks Mike for joining us!
Please reach out to Pascale Savard for more information on sponsoring this event or other GMAS adaptive events or programs, or to volunteer, or get involved in some way.