May 20th turned out to be the perfect day for our Eighth Annual Richard’s Ride Powered by VBT. After the usual worries about the forecast, Richard’s spirit prevailed, and a warm, mostly sunny day graced us. Events of the day and the evening before were a different story: the hellacious swirling winds eyed our new RTF banner as a playful spinnaker and surreptitiously tore it down along with the supporting truss that Jim Komarmi (EventSet) had constructed that morning. Fortunately, no one was within the crash zone when it came down and the damage to the truss was minimal. Beyond that, all went smoothly!
We wish to thank our many volunteers who helped the RTF Board members make this such a successful event. Many of our volunteers return year after year to provide the support we need and several of the volunteers not only assist but also participate in one of the rides. Special thanks go to Sabra Davison of Little Bellas for serving up delicious pancakes with maple syrup throughout the morning. The list of volunteers is long – so here is a big THANK YOU TO ALL!
We wish also to thank our many sponsors and especially our Title Sponsor Vermont Bicycle Tours (VBT Bicycling Vacations – Discover Active Travel). With assistance from VBT and our Yellow Jersey, Green Jersey, and Polka Dot Jersey level sponsors and many individual donations we are able to continue provide scholarships to children to participate in mountain bike camps (through Little Bellas and Catamount Outdoor Family Center), support our Bikes for Friends (BFF) Program (free reconditioned bikes for kids and adults who otherwise may not have access to one), road and rider advocacy (through Local Motion), and assistance to youth racers. Thank you to each of our sponsors. And thank you to the Cochran family who graciously open Cochran’s Ski Area to RTF for our annual event.
On the morning of the 20th, promptly at 7:30 am our check-in and registration tables opened to a stream of riders picking up their bibs and swag bags. Each bag contained a custom designed BIVO bottle complements of RTF and BIVO. These bottles provide excellent flow, obviate any plastic taste, minimize the use of plastics, and are simple to clean. We hope you enjoy them!
We also distributed rear flashing lights to any riders who needed one. Being very visible on the road enhances our safety to a large extent. These lights were provided in memory of GMBC member Gerry Malavenda, who we sadly lost in 2022. Funding for these lights was provided by friends and family of Gerry in hopes that all can ride with an added measure of safety.
Our ride menu began with Richard’s 70, likely our most challenging route consisting of beautiful rolling terrain interspersed with challenging climbs and exhilarating descents. This year only about 12 riders participated – mostly due to the increased interest in gravel routes.
Next up was Richard’s 40/50 Gravel. About 50 riders participated in this ride which takes in the unpaved roads to the south of Cochran’s with an abundance of challenging terrain and beautiful Vermont scenery.
Richard’s 30 also attracted a large field, following the traditional route on paved rolling roads both north and south of Cochran’s and once again offering scenic vistas and views.
Richard’s Mountain Bike Ride attracted a good field this year and we hope to build on this. Several riders were excited to explore Cochran’s trails, led by Max Krieger of the new and developing Burlington Bike Park.
It was great to see many parents and children line up for our Richard’s 15 and Richard’s five-mile rides. Cochran Road was closed to traffic for these rides. RTF Board member and ride leader Karin Ward provided safe riding instructions to children participating in the River Trail Ride. Children refueled with drinks and snacks (Untapped Maple energy snacks and Cabot cheese) at the Celebration Station before heading back to Cochran’s to receive Medals of Accomplishment and line up for face painting.
We had over 200 riders participating in the offered rides. What was palpable was the overarching and relaxed camaraderie that followed the rides accompanied by a great post-ride meal (Dakin Farm, Sugar Snap Catering), brews (Stone Corral), and dessert (Sisters of Anarchy ice cream). Thanks everyone for participating in our Eighth Annual Richard’s Ride and to the several who helped disassemble the EventSet fencing at the end of the day. The day and the ambiance truly reflected the spirit of Richard Tom.
