Support Hilltopper MTB and Help Fuel My LVRT Out and Back

Updated date: On Friday, July 5th, at 4 AM, I will set out from the St. Johnsbury Welcome Center on (what I think will be) my most ambitious personal physical challenge yet- attempting to ride ~185 miles from St. J to Lake Champlain AND back in a calendar day via the LVRT. I will be joined by Mallory Fischer and Bryna will join in for some and provide the critical role of crewing this insanity.

For some added motivation, I'm doing this to raise funds for Hilltopper MTB, a youth mountain bike team that is near and dear to my heart. It was started by and is coached by some very good friends of mine and Bryna and I both also help coach. The program is affiliated with Vermont Youth Cycling, and kids who want to can participate in some really fun and welcoming youth races they put on each year.

Our goal from the get-go has been to make the program as low-cost as possible for anyone who wants to participate. (If not free) It's a super supportive environment, serving kids from grades 5-12. We have a huge mix each year of both competitive and non-competitive riders, with a huge focus on fun. Seeing the kids progress over the course of a season, and from season to season, and come together as a team is a significant source of joy in my life.

The program is currently run out of St. Johnsbury Academy and funds raised through this event will be set aside specifically for the bike program.

Donations of any size are appreciated and will help fuel me when times get tough, and I am sure they will. 185 miles is no joke, but with your support and the motivation of knowing that each pedal forward is helping get kids on bikes, I know I can do it.

Thank you.

Joe