On August 1, athletes, mentors, and community members came together for an unforgettable two-day celebration in Vermont’s Mad River Valley and at Killington Bike Park. This special event, hosted in partnership with Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, brought adaptive athletes to the trails for new experiences, skill-building, and shared moments of pure joy.
Day One kicked off at scenic Blueberry Lake, where eight athletes explored flowing trails alongside experienced mentors. The focus was on fun, confidence, and the kind of trail time that leaves you smiling long after the ride ends.
Day Two shifted gears to Killington Bike Park, with 12 athletes taking on Vermont’s premier downhill terrain. The day offered opportunities for riders to push their limits, connect with the community, and embrace the thrill of adaptive mountain biking.
A highlight for the High Fives team was seeing just how many athletes were riding their own bikes. A decade ago, High Fives was working to fund only a handful of adaptive bikes. Now, the trails are filled with riders bringing their own gear—proof of the real progress being made in access and independence.
