Local volunteers in Bolton, Vermont have recently completed work on the Driving Range trail network, making it fully accessible to adaptive mountain bikers. The project was spearheaded by Greg Durso, a Burlington resident who has been mountain biking for seven years and works for the Kelly Brush Foundation, which empowers those with spinal cord injuries. Durso, who rides an adaptive mountain bike that allows him to kneel and ride in a prone position, played a crucial role in testing and providing feedback on every trail in the network.
The Driving Range trail network is the first of its kind in Vermont and possibly in the country, designed to be universally accessible to both adaptive and non-adaptive mountain bikers. The trails are challenging, not geared towards ADA standards, but still catering to riders of varying skill levels. The completion of the network has created a sense of community among adaptive riders, offering them a space where they can feel normal and connected.
With the success of the Driving Range project, more adaptive-friendly mountain biking opportunities are emerging across the state. Organizations like the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, the Kelly Brush Foundation, and Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport are working to identify and improve trails, providing more opportunities for adaptive riders to engage in the sport. The impact of these efforts goes beyond just mountain biking, offering a sense of freedom, community, and normalcy to individuals with spinal cord injuries.
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