U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vermont, speaks with Greg Durso in his adaptive mountain bike during a tour of Richmond Mountain Trails’ The Driving Range, the state’s first accessible adaptive-ready trail system, in Bolton on Friday, Sept. 13. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger Mountain biking in Vermont should be more accessible to riders this fall, thanks to the first fully adaptive mountain bike trail network at the Richmond Mountain Trails in Bolton. U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., met with local tourism and outdoor recreation leaders at the trail, called The Driving Range, on Friday morning to highlight and discuss their efforts to bolster the state’s outdoor and recreation economy.

“It’s a beautiful trail, and it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.”

Welch, the CEO of the company that owns the trail, spoke about the completion of the new trail, highlighting its significance and impact on the local community. He emphasized the trail’s beauty and the dedication of those who worked on it. The new trail, a 1.5-mile loop, is designed to be accessible to people of all abilities.

The Driving Range is different, participants said, because it was developed with adaptive biking needs top of mind. More than 5,000 hours of trail-building was completed by volunteers on 256 acres of private land. Work on the trail network began in 2022. Kelly Brush propels her adaptive mountain bike up a trail during a tour of Richmond Mountain Trails’ The Driving Range, the state’s first accessible adaptive-ready trail system, in Bolton on Friday, Sept. 13. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger While about 10% of mountain biking trails in Vermont are adaptive, officials with Richmond Mountain Trails believe The Driving Range is the first network of adaptive trails in the world. That distinction is important, Richmond Mountain Trails board President Berne Broude said, because it allows groups of adaptive and non-adaptive bikers to explore trails together.

The author of the article, a journalist, is writing about the accessibility of trails in a national park. The author is highlighting the importance of accessibility for people with disabilities. The author is also highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach to trail design and development. The author argues that while adaptive trails are a step in the right direction, they are not enough. The author argues that ADA compliance is essential for true accessibility.

Kelly Brush started the Kelly Brush Foundation after injuring her spinal cord in a skiing accident 18 years ago. “Being active and sports were part of my identity, in the same way that being active is part of the identity of Vermont and all Vermonters,” she said. For the first several years, the foundation primarily provided grants to help people with spinal cord injuries get the equipment they needed to get active, like adaptive bikes, mono-skis, and wheelchairs for tennis and basketball. But the equipment is not helpful without a place to use it, Brush said. Brush’s focus at the foundation over the past several years has been to make recreational spaces more accessible.

This quote from a professional mountain biker, and the sentiment it expresses, is a common thread throughout the experience of mountain biking. It emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience, of getting out there and experiencing the trails firsthand. Mountain biking is a sport that demands a unique blend of physical and mental skills. It requires a high level of fitness, agility, and endurance.

A. Vermont’s Thriving Tourism Industry
B.

This economic activity will create jobs in these sectors, further boosting the economy. The tourism industry in Vermont is a significant contributor to the state’s economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue annually. The state’s natural beauty and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities attract millions of visitors each year. Vermont’s tourism industry is diverse, encompassing a wide range of activities, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and kayaking.

This statistic highlights the significant potential for tourism and economic development in the state. Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is a non-profit organization that provides adaptive skiing and snowboarding programs for people with disabilities. They have been operating for over 20 years and have a proven track record of success in creating inclusive experiences.

“It’s a huge responsibility, and it’s a privilege to be able to do it.”

This statement highlights the significant role volunteers play in the recreation sector in the state. It emphasizes the immense responsibility they bear, acknowledging the crucial role they play in shaping and maintaining recreational opportunities for others. The statement also underscores the privilege associated with this responsibility.

“It’s the opportunity for people to be outdoors,” Welch said. “Exercise isn’t a bad medicine for the head and for the heart.”