Tag: Cycling in Vermont

ON A BIKE FIXING ROLL – ROTARY FUNDS LOCAL BIKE REPAIR STATIONS.

Rotary Club Makes Vermont Towns a Little More Bike-Friendly

Dero bike repair station at Charlotte town beach, Vermont

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New bike repair stations are popping up along popular cycling routes in several Vermont towns, thanks to local fundraising efforts.

Vermonter Susan Grimes encountered eye-catching bike repair stations while traveling, and was inspired to bring similar stations to her own backyard.

As President of the Rotary Club of Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg Vermont, she spearheaded a local effort to raise the funds needed to install several stations. Each features handy tools and a pump, built for long term use and made to be accessible to all. These attractive, useful stations are a welcome addition to Vermont’s local cycling infrastructure, and each one commemorates a local member of the cycling community.

Susan herself describes the project:

Dero bike repair station in Shelburne, Vermont

In 2018 and 2019, when I was visiting family in Richmond, Virginia, I walked on the James River trail to Belle Isle. It’s a popular site for people of all ages, and offers wooded paths, mountain biking trails, bicycle skills areas, and fantastic views. The trail is accessible from downtown Richmond as well as other areas.

What struck me was the number of bike fix-it stations that I saw. They were Dero brand repair stations and air pumps, and they stand out because of their sleek look, fun colors and well-constructed, functional design features.

The Dero stations cost $1,900 including shipping, and installation is simple where there is an existing concrete sidewalk or slab. Where a concrete slab is needed the price almost doubles.

Several stations I saw were donated by Rotary Clubs. As President-elect of the Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg (Vermont) Rotary Club in 2020, I brought up the idea of doing a fundraiser with our club to purchase and install Dero bike stations for each of the three towns we represent.

Rotary members at the dedication of a new bike repair station at the field house in Shelburne, Vermont

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President Chris Davis was instrumental in organizing committees, and with the use of an online fundraiser platform we were able to promote the fundraiser to a wide population.

At the Spin-a-thon fundraiser

We partnered with the Shelburne Athletic Club and Fieldhouse to hold a Spin-A-Thon fund raiser, in conjunction with dedicating the first Dero installation at the Shelburne Town office complex in May, 2021. That station was dedicated to George Schiavone, a local Rotarian, former State representative, and avid cyclist who passed away in 2020.

Former Vermont governor, Jim Douglas, was present, and praised the efforts of the Rotary to raise enough money to purchase the three bike stations.

We were able to raise enough money along with an AARP community grant, and a Rotary District Grant, to purchase a fourth Dero station, which was recently installed on the Shelburne town green.

These stations are placed in areas that are accessible to all bikers and families. We anticipate dedicating each station to a local cycling enthusiast or supporter. Bike stands are nearby and repairs can be made safely avoiding the need to stop at gas stations.

Promoting a healthy lifestyle by biking and providing essential bike repair tools and an air pump was a project the entire club embraced. We expect the locations of these and other bike repair and air stations will be added to area and statewide bike route maps over time.

We are working with other area Rotary Clubs to encourage them to add similar bike stations in other towns. It would be a wonderful thing if this program could be expanded through Vermont and beyond.

Learn more about Dero bike stations at https://www.dero.com/

December 28, 2021
Richard’s Ride 2021 – Celebrating the Love of Cycling in Vermont
Steve Z. finishing up the 50 mile Gravel ride at Richard’s Ride, 2021

We were delighted that Terry could be a Polka Dot sponsor of the 2021 Richard’s Ride event, organized by the Richard Tom Foundation on October 9th, here in Vermont. Richard’s Ride brings the Vermont cycling community together to celebrate Richard’s life, as well as our shared enthusiasm for cycling and all that it adds to our lives.

The event offered something for everyone, from short family rides to quite challenging gravel rides, and plenty of options in between. The weather cooperated fully too, providing great conditions for cycling in an unusually warm October.

Several members of “Team Terry” participated, opting for different rides to enjoy some wonderful fall cycling on Vermont’s beautiful back roads.

All roads led back to Cochran’s Ski Area in Richmond, Vermont, with plenty of sustenance provided by generous sponsors and volunteers, ready to revive hungry riders.

On the way there were options to explore paved road or gravel routes from 15 to 70 miles, with serious climbs thrown in. Trail lovers could opt for a 10k or 20k technical MTB ride, following Cochran’s challenging trails and single track, while kids and families had a selection of short but scenic rides to choose from.
- Riders lined up at the start of Richard’s Ride 2021 – Terry’s Megan Holt in red jersey
- Dave Howard of Terry, powering up yet one more hill on the long gravel ride, Richard’s Ride, 2021
- Annie MacDonald is ready to ride the Mountain Bike Trails at Cochran’s Ski Area, Richard’s Ride 2021
- Karen Marshall cresting a hill on a gravel road, with a view of Vermont’s Fall foliage
“Team Terry” represented in Richard’s Ride 2021
The Richard Tom Foundation was created to promote the joy of cycling, and safer roads

The story behind the Foundation begins in 2015, when Richard’s loss sent shockwaves through Vermont’s cycling community, and far beyond. The Foundation’s website does not dwell on that tragedy, instead focusing on the legacy of generosity, kindness, and love of cycling that Richard Tom left behind.

Tom Broido explains more about the Richard Tom Foundation’s mission and programs

Richard Tom on tour at the famous Alpe d’Huez ski resort in France, close to a legendary cycling climb often used in the Tour de France

The Richard Tom Foundation (RTF) was founded in 2015, and has become an integral part of Vermont cycling in a short period of time. There are several factors which have resulted in RTF’s success:

The first is because Richard Tom was such a loved and respected member of our cycling community. From decades of leading cycling tours, and being a knowledgeable bike shop staff member, he was well known and appreciated. RTF has embraced Richard’s joy of cycling and boundless energy, to create a foundation where the many aspects of cycling culture can interact and result in positive change.

RTF’s efforts result in getting people on bikes who otherwise would not have the means to do so. This ranges from school age kids receiving scholarships to attend mountain bike camps, to individuals receiving bikes for transportation and recreation via our Bikes For Friends program, in partnership with local bike shops.

We also support the local race community by supporting local youth racers, and being the Title Sponsor of the Richard Tom Foundation Burlington Criterium, which caps off the final day of the Green Mountain Stage Race, the long running and largest Pro/Am stage race east of the Mississippi.

In the middle of the Criterium race day, RTF puts on the free Kids’ Crit where 9-11 year olds can ride the closed course in downtown Burlington!

RTF’s support and partnership with Local Motion works to make roads safe for all who use them, and to run their Bike Smart program bringing bikes to schools to teach children how to ride safely.

Richard’s Ride is our annual fundraiser and is a unique event due to the number of different types of riding opportunities offered. With 70, 30, 15 and 5 mile road rides, there is something for everyone, from hammerheads to families.

Tyler and his daughter enjoying some hot chocolate after completing their effort at Richard’s Ride, 2021

A 40 & 50 mile unsupported and unmarked gravel ride attracts those seeking a bit more adventure on Vermont’s quiet dirt roads. The ride is staged out of Cochran’s Ski Area, a community mainstay where our riders can also enjoy mountain bike trails right from the base lodge.

Richard’s Ride is supported and sponsored by many local businesses who also supply the many Vermont products providing rider nutrition.

The success of Richard’s Ride, and RTF as a whole, grows from this community spirit, the essence of Richard Tom: road racers, gravel riders, mountain bikers, casual riders, families and local businesses can all get together and enjoy being outdoors in Vermont and spending time together!

The Richard Tom Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of cyclists of all ages. They strive to ensure that resources are readily available for everyone to discover the adventure and joy of cycling.
RTF also supports educational and advocacy programs to advance the cause of safe roads for all who use them.

For more information please visit the Richard Tom Foundation website.
October 29, 2021
SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER?

GoSojourn/Terry Tour of Vermont: September 4-7.

Join us for our annual, custom weekend for women only.

There’s no better place to ride and greet fall than in Vermont. Quiet country roads, charming villages, reasonably challenging terrain, great accommodations and terrific GoSojourn guides guarantee a good ride; Terry Trunk Show and staff add to the fun.

A special Weekend for Women Cyclists

Ride, share, learn, and laugh during this truly special event. Sojourn and Terry Bicycles bring you an extraordinary women’s bike tour weekend full of fun. This relaxed, educational and social gathering is designed for women interested in cycling – from those just getting into the sport to those who have been riding for years. Learn more about cycling skills, bike fit for women, nutrition, fitness for cycling, and basic road repair, all while enjoying miles of fabulous rides in the company of like-minded women.

The Basin Harbor Club, directly situated on Vermont’s beautiful Lake Champlain, will serve as the host site for the weekend. Amenities include dining room, pub, pool, tennis, golf, and a variety of watercraft. From here you will ride back roads that helped make Vermont one of the world’s top cycling destinations. Terrain is gently rolling with options for avid cyclists to add longer rides in some of those Vermont hills.

Each day will include cycling options for leisure and avid cyclists, as well as interactive sessions and discussions with experts on various topics. Georgena Terry, founder of Terry Bicycles, will share important information about bike fit for women. A nutrition and exercise consultant will also regale participants, and the trip will be guided by two of Sojourn’s experienced tour leaders. The event kicks off with an informal lakeside reception where everyone will have the opportunity to meet one another.

It’s the top event of it’s kind for women this year – come join the fun!

For a tour itinerary and more details, click here.

June 18, 2015