Cyclists take a ride, to reflect on Tropical Storm Irene - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-
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It's a story about starting over. Signs of new life are beginning to surround the once Irene ravaged route 107 in Stockbridge. "The significance of today is celebrating what we're doing here and knowing that in times of need people were really good in Vermont and they helped each other" President of Long Trail Brewery, Brian Walsh said.
Long trail brewery and Killington Resort partnered with Vermont Adaptive Saturday for the Century ride. At least 300 cyclists took 20, 50 and 100 mile tours of the hardest hit areas of the state during the storm.
Vermonters recall August 28th like veterans sharing war stories. Chris Nyberg, President of Killington resort said, "In the end we had at least $5 million worth of damage to Killington, the town fared somewhat better but most people still had a ton of issues with water."
Riders like Jon Wilson are using this day not only to remember Irene recovery but as a form of personal healing. "I lost my leg to cancer in 2006, after losing my leg to cancer I really build my confidence up with adaptive sports" Wilson said.
All of the proceeds from Saturday's event go toward Vermont Adaptive, a program for athletes like Wilson, they're hoping to raise at least 40,000 dollars.
Irene left scars on both the landscape and the people here. Houses in Pittsfield remain untouched as if frozen in time. Brian Walsh will tell you, Irene helped the community think big picture. "I think it's brought everyone closer I really do, we aren't fighting over the little things we used to fight over we are actually just driving the business and being good community servants" Walsh said.
As time propels forward Vermonters adapt determined to ride out the storm.
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