Paddles Away at Make A Wave Race

(Killington, VT) - First Stop Board Barn will host their first ever Make A Wave paddleboard benefit race on Saturday August 26, 2017. This family friendly race will take place around Woodward Reservoir thanks in part to Farm and Wilderness for allowing the use of their day camp beach access for the start and finish area. Boards & paddles will be provided for this fun 1-mile race that will be easy enough for a beginner paddler to complete. You can sign up for FREE paddling tips from certified paddle board instructor Karen Dalury of Killington Yoga.

Proceeds will benefit the planning and development of a new multi-purpose bike path which would connect the towns of Killington, Bridgewater, Plymouth, Ludlow, Woodstock, Quechee and beyond.

After the race, awards will be given to the top 5 participants! The after party, hosted at First Stop Board Barn, will headline live music and a blazin’ BBQ sponsored by Hinterland Farm with fresh Misty Knoll chicken, homemade salads, lemonade, and all the other goodies a summer party could offer. There will be a 50/50 Raffle along with some great silent auction items!

First Stop Board Barn’s Randy Elles’ vision for a safer, family friendly bike route came to be while he was living in New York City. He noticed that multi-purpose bike paths were an integral part of roadway safety, and lead to a symbiotic relationship between vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians.

As the town of Killington becomes a major 4-season destination, from mountain biking to world class skiing, many families that visit First Stop Board Barn ask “where is there a bike path?" They don't feel safe riding on the roads, and unfortunately, many stretches of the roadway have fallen into disrepair in recent years. Even avid cyclists are interested in supporting this type of multi-purpose pathway!

Elles’ vision would come to fruition by connecting the towns of Killington, Bridgewater, Plymouth, Ludlow, Woodstock, Quechee and beyond. “Imagine if you could ride a bike on Route 4 from Killington to the Long Trail Brewery in Bridgewater, or from West Bridgewater along Route 100 South through the town of Plymouth all the way to Ludlow? It would be amazing if we could connect the bike path to the towns of Woodstock and Quechee as well. Now that would be something recreational cyclists from across the northeast would travel for and with the increase in recreation tourism it would boost the economy across the region." Elles added that potential year around use could offer a safe place for people to XC ski, fat bike, and snowshoe in the winter in what Elles’ considers some of the least mountainous, yet most picturesque and family friendly cycling terrain that Vermont has to offer.

The multi-purpose pathway might include sections of stand alone bike paths connected by existing roadways with wider shoulders and proper bike lane signage. Suggested parking areas and a bike path map would help people navigate their journey by highlighting local businesses, restaurants, general stores, hotels, inns, and historical sites along the way.

Potential routes for the new bikeway include:

• Killington to Bridgewater: Route 4 from River Road in Killington to Bridgewater Corners at the junction of Route 100A.
• West Bridgewater to Ludlow: Route 100 South from the Junction of Route 4 in West Bridgewater toward the junction of Route 103 in Ludlow, VT.
• Bridgewater Center to downtown Woodstock: Route 4 from Bridgewater Center at the junction of Route 100A toward the town of Woodstock.
• Downtown Woodstock to the town of Quechee along River Road.

The Paddleboard Race fee is $30 ($10 of which will be donated to the cause) and includes: Equipment for the race, prizes for the top 5 competitors, and a BBQ with live music.

If you don’t want to race but would like to support the cause you can purchase a BBQ meal ticket for $20 ($10 of which will be donated to the cause).

Make A Wave is set to be an epic event, so pack up the car, get the kids ready, and join us lakeside for an afternoon of fun!

Make A Wave Event Details: Saturday August 26, 2017

• On-Site Registration: 9:00am - 10:00am at Farm & Wilderness Day Camp Beach
• Competitors Meeting: 10:30am at Farm & Wilderness Day Camp Beach
• Races Start: 11:00am at Farm & Wilderness Day Camp Beach
• BBQ & Awards: 1:00pm - 3:00pm First Stop Board Barn, 8474 Rt. 4 Killington, VT 05751
• $10 from each entry fee will be donated to the cause.
• 100% of the proceeds from Silent Auction Items will be donated to the cause.
• 50/50 Raffle proceeds will be donated to the cause.

*Please note this event will take place sunshine or not! If we don’t like the weather, we may wait 10 minutes because it’s always changing in Vermont! Either way the BBQ and Live Music will be hot!

If you have any questions, or would like to help out as a volunteer, make a donation, or secure a sponsorship please feel free to reach out to Randy Elles or Becca Zidik at info@firststopboardbarn.com.