The week leading into our 3rd Annual Richard’s Ride was worrisome (Richard frequently used the expression: “No Worries”!) The forecast was for steady rain. Well, Richard seemed to be watching over us once again – there was no rain to dampen the spirits of the day! Richard’s Ride is different from many of the other organized rides in this area because throughout the morning we send out rides for all levels of riding experience, ages 7 (or less) to 70 (or more).
This year Vermont Bicycling and Walking Vacations (VBT) was our Title Sponsor. Also, big thanks to the Cochran family and Cochran’s Ski Area for once again providing the perfect staging area for our rides.
The Rides
After introductions and recognition of our sponsors, riders for Richard’s 70 headed out at 8:30 a.m. This is our most challenging route, encompassing a loop from Richmond, north to Cambridge, west to Fairfax (including the infamous Richard’s Surprise on Buck Hollow Road), then south through Westford and returning through Jericho.
Later in the morning, riders for the more mellow Richard’s 30 departed, followed by riders for Richard’s Family Ride, Children’s River Trail Ride, and Children’s Road Ride on Cochran’s Road which was closed to through traffic. Children’s rides were FREE as they are at other RTF children’s events such as the Kids’ Crit associated with the Green Mountain Stage Race. Experienced mountain bike riders were treated to Cochran’s challenging terrain which has only two options: Up or down.
All riders returned with smiles, feelings of accomplishment, and camaraderie as we continued to celebrate the spirit of Richard throughout the day. We were treated to a great post-ride spread and drinks.
A special addition this year was the availability of mountain bike demos supplied by Earl’s Cyclery and Fitness and BelGen Cycles.
We want to thank our sponsors and volunteers for contributing to a great day in remembrance of Richard.
- Vermont Bicycling and Walking Vacations (VBT): Title Sponsor
- Many volunteers: parking, food stops, traffic control, registration
- EventSet: Provided fencing and truss
- Dakin Farm: Provided meats for sandwiches
- Stone Corral Brewery: Provided beer (adults only!)
- Earl’s Cyclery and Fitness: Tech support and MTB demos
- Ski Rack: Tech support and Richard’s 30 sag support
- BelGen Cycles: Tech support and MTB demos
- Cowbell Mobile Bike Shop: Tech support and Richard’s 70 sag support
- National Life Group: Ride sponsor
- Heart of Steel Bikes: Ride sponsor
- ATC: Ride sponsor
- Aquatec Environmental, Inc.: Ride sponsor
- Downs, Rachlin and Martin (DRM): Ride sponsor
- Cochran’s Ski Area: Provided base lodge and property
Sincerely,
The Richard Tom Foundation Board of Directors
