Adaptive mountain‑bike trails launch

A fully adaptive mountain‑biking trail network has launched, designed to make technical trails accessible to athletes with disabilities and broaden participation in off‑road riding. (x.com)

The Driving Range sits on a 256‑acre parcel in Bolton, Vermont and was developed and built by the nonprofit Richmond Mountain Trails (RMT). (richmondmountaintrails.org/the-driving-range) Construction began in 2022 and organizers say volunteers logged roughly 5,000–6,000 hours to complete the network, which RMT and partners describe as officially opened in 2023. (gearjunkie.com/biking/new-adaptive-mtb-trails) (vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-08-12/this-new-trail-network-first-vermont-fully-accessible-adaptive-mountain-bikes) Trail design was driven by adaptive riders’ needs: widths sized for roughly 36‑inch adaptive rigs, reduced off‑camber sections, and clearer sightlines, with every section tested by program leader Greg Durso during buildouts. (outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/2026-travel-awards-driving-range-bike-trail/) (gearjunkie.com/biking/new-adaptive-mtb-trails) The mapped network contains about four miles of trails (organizers note it takes roughly eight miles of riding to hit all lines) and ranges from beginner routes to multiple double‑black diamond lines with features like gap jumps, ladder bridges and rollers. (singletracks.com/bike-trails/the-driving-range) (trailforks.com/region/the-driving-range-51149) Project partners included the Kelly Brush Foundation, the Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA) and Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, alongside local businesses and donors who provided funding and logistical support. (gearjunkie.com/biking/new-adaptive-mtb-trails) (bicycleretailer.com/announcements/2025/02/05/grant-will-aid-kelly-brush-foundation-and-partners-promote-accessible) The Kelly Brush Foundation reports more than $6 million in adaptive equipment grants and has awarded over 1,700–1,900 grants to people across the U.S., and the foundation provided equipment grants and program support tied to the Driving Range effort. (kellybrushfoundation.org) (bicycleretailer.com/announcements/2025/02/05/grant-will-aid-kelly-brush-foundation-and-partners-promote-accessible) A documentary chronicling the build and community around The Driving Range, titled "Best Day Ever," was slated for a Feb. 18, 2026 screening, highlighting local organizers, testers and donors who helped bring the adaptive network online. (burlingtonfreepress.com/story/life/2026/02/16/film-adaptive-bike-trails-kelly-brush-foundation-richmond-mountain-driving-range-disability/88662916007/)

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