This will be my fourth year riding with Rebecca's Riders, and it's a true privilege to support my best friend and sister in this way. Over the years, I've witnessed her grow more independent and confident while remaining the joyful, bubbly person we all cherish. Programs like Special Olympics play a crucial role in helping athletes achieve their goals and experience success. It’s both an honor and a joy for me to ride again this year alongside so many friends and family in support of these incredible athletes.

This year's ride will take place on Saturday, September 14. The ride will be a one day round trip from Kent, CT to Copake, NY and then back to Kent. It's approximately 35 miles each way, with a stop in Copake for lunch before the trip back to Kent. In Kent there will be an "after party" with Special Olympics athletes, family and friends to celebrate another successful Challenge!

Last year's ride was a great success! This is thanks to our many donors and sponsors, on whom I hope I can continue to depend on to support my effort! Last year with only 20 riders, we raised over $54,000 for Special Olympics programs.

These programs provide Special Olympics athletes, like my sister, with opportunity to play and compete in the sports they love. More importantly, the programs give these athletes a feeling of self-worth, accomplishment, and camaraderie. Local communities and school districts don't always have sports programs for those with physical and development disabilities. Your donations are helping to fill that important gap.

You may not know it, but Special Olympics NY still has a long road ahead as they have returned to in-person sports training and competition, that is a lifeline for the athletes. With your generous support, they will continue the return to play that has been purposely slow and cautious. They will need more equipment, more facility space and more safety supplies than they have ever needed before, so I truly appreciate you all doing your part to make this happen.

If you are interested to ride this year, next year or know a cyclist looking for a challenge as well as a terrific time, please let them know about the CycleAbility Challenge! It's a great experience and it is something that you will never forget! The personal satisfaction of completing the ride along with knowing how much the athletes appreciate what the ride does for them, is truly priceless. 

Please join us in supporting Special Olympics and its many programs that support individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. As always, we really appreciate your generosity!