Luck

I had a dream that I wanted anyone to be able to enjoy and/or challenge themselves through sports. Sports have always been a wonderful part of my life. So I founded Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports (VASS) which is an organization that provides sports opportunities for individuals of any age with any type of disability. I am a lucky person, with the tremendous help of a wonderful group of hard-working and dedicated volunteers, the dream came true. I then expanded on this and started the Vermont 50 Mile Ride & Run, and the Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run as fundraisers for VASS. I felt the connection was great because in VASS and the Vermont 50 and 100 milers they are all athletes enjoying and or challenging themselves through sports.

Three years ago I retired as director from all three of these things to spend more time with my young family. But the most wonderful thing happened at this year's Vermont 50 mile; my dream made a full circle. My husband (Jim) and I and our two sons Bobby (age 10) and Brad (age 9), all biked and finished and had a blast at the 50 mile. This time the wonderful volunteers of VASS and the 50-mile helped my family finish and reach a new goal. We could not of done it without you. THANK YOU! As you are out doing the Vermont 50 you can not help but see and feel all the support from the community such as the landowners, local shops, food providers, etc. They support the Vermont 50 not only because they think it is a great event, but because they truly believe in and support VASS.

Well, my husband and son Brad biked together and finished in 10:30 hours and Bobby and I biked together and finished in about 7:30 hours. The beautiful trails and views, Jim said, really helped make it possible to finish, BUT my husband said he was not to sure how he felt about the last 3.5 miles over the mountain to the finish. At one point Bobby was taking a break to eat and drink and I was holding and pushing his bike and a 50 mile runner came by and said to me what a lucky son and I said to the runner "I AM A LUCKY MOM."

Happy Trails,

Laura Farrell

(Founder and past director of VASS, Vermont 50 and Vermont 100 milers)