Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports mountain biking program
The Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports organization's Adaptive Mountain Bike Program, which was one of the first established in New England offers special dates for outings in various locations and has adaptive mountain bikes to use. All abilities are welcome and participants may bring their own equipment as well.
The programs are scheduled at multiple locations with outings and events planned for all level mountain bikers who have their own equipment. In addition, Three-wheeled adaptive mountain bikes are available for participants on a first-come, reservations-based system.
These highly adjustable bikes are ideal for individuals with spinal cord injuries, amputations or limb differences, or balance and motor skill disabilities. Vermont Adaptive purchased the bikes with funding from the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs grant and Phil Black, owner of Lookout Tavern who donated monies for Vermont Adaptive to purchase a trailer for hauling the bikes to various locations statewide.
"Participants gain a sense of accomplishment when reaching the top of the mountain and that is great to see," said Kim Jackson the Vermont Adaptive program spokesperson.
The US Dept of Veterans Affairs awarded Vermont Adaptive grant monies to help purchase two-wheeled mountain bikes for use on recreation paths. These bikes were added to the existing fleet, allowing participants who don't need to use an adaptive bike to get outside, exercise and socialize with other veterans, to enjoy Vermont alongside their peers with physical disabilities.
The custom three-wheeled hand cycles are crafted specifically for rocky terrain are designed for adaptive riders to cruise down the trails smoothly.
There is open enrollment (free for veterans) to the mountain bike program in the summer. Although Vermont Adaptive has a limited number of adaptive mountain bikes for use, all adaptive riders are encouraged to bring their own bikes and participate in any of the summer events. Reservations are required for programming and equipment use.
In the past, the schedule was hosted by outdoor resorts such as Blueberry Lake in Warren, VT, Catamount Outdoor Family Center in Williston, Killington Resort, the Pine Hill Park in Rutland. They’ve also used the Stowe Bike Path, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and in NH the Northern Rail Trail in Lebanon. These programs have been limited to Vermont participants, but you can look for similar programs in other regions across the country by contacting organizations that resemble Vermont Adaptive.
The program is seeking volunteers who have an interest in mountain biking and for further info, contact https://www.vermontadaptive.org/mountain-biking/.
Banner photo and other photos in this article are from Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports.