Equicenter Equitrails Fundraiser

the route

The last time I did a charity bike ride was about 25 years ago, in New York City, to raise money for MS. I was less interested in the cause than the ability to bike through one of the tubes of the Lincoln Tunnel car-free. Charity runs and rides are a peculiarly American obsession, and I’ve never really caught that bug – I’d rather bike away from crowds than with them, or go on a nice walk with a few friends, rather than hundreds or thousands of strangers.  But I do usually support my friends in whatever causes they’re running/walking/biking for.  So now it was my turn again.

an Equicenter client put through his paces

My friend Daren introduced me to the Equicenter in Mendon several months ago.  I don’t love horses, although I probably like them more after reading several of Temple Grandin’s books about animals.  Luckily, I didn’t have to get that close to the horses at the Equicenter – the animals there have a special purpose.  Short story:  “Horseback riding is a progressive form of therapy serving as an effective tool for improving muscle stimulation, strength, coordination, flexibility, posture and balance for people with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, hypotonia, visual impairment, Down Syndrome, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, stroke, and spinal injuries. In addition to these physical benefits, equestrian activities increase communication, social and organizational skills, and enhance self-confidence, relationship building, teamwork and independence.” (From Equicenter’s website.  For more information about their programs and mission, visit:  www.equicenterny.org)

When Jonathan Friedlander, President & CEO, told me they would be hosting their “first annual” ride/run/etc. in June, I had no doubt I would register (and actually ride if it weren’t raining!).  When I was begging friends to support me, I was surprised how many people were aware of the organization (and one friend and fellow Concentus member, Julie, actually works there!), so it wasn’t a hard sell.  I even enticed my friend Susan to join me so I wouldn’t have to bike alone. 

Let's bike already!

missing an "L"...

The 5K run had already started as Susan and I registered (with 200-250 other participants in the day’s activities), and the 50-odd bikers set off at 10am under a clear blue sky.  The owner of the Park Ave Bike Shop had created a lovely route, and although it was only 23.8 miles per the Strava app on my iphone, it had enough hills to make up for the mileage deficiency!  There was a killer hill at the very end, which shouldn’t have been a surprise to me, given the vista one has from the Equicenter…  I struggled to keep up with Susan, even though she complained about suffering the effects of being overserved the prior night at the Jazz Festival.  Only towards the end of the ride did we notice that someone had periodically chalked the road with encouraging or funny phrases.

beautiful view, but what goes down must come up!

We both agreed that the Equicenter set the bar pretty high for future annual events because this one was so well organized, and there was such a great turnout of volunteers.  As we devoured our bag lunches we were treated to the fantastic music of Significant Other, a local band (including Perrin Yang, an RPO violinist) using this as a “warm up” for their performance on Tuesday at the Jazz Festival.

Significant Other

There weren’t many participants left by 1pm for the wrap-up, when the donors were formally thanked and highest fundraisers were announced.  Many thanks to all of my family (Peter, Bill, Maria, Charlie and Kathryn) and friends (Bernie S., Lisa R., Tansy, Anne F., Ann B., Lucy & Phil S., Sue S., Sarah B., Nanette C., Lisa M., Tim & Kathy W., Tobie C., Jenna F., Peggy B., Maryann W., Dinny S., Jan S., Skalny Travel & Tours, Linda B., Rachel & Kevin G., Kathy G., Anne R., Cleve K. & Daren C.) who together helped me raise $2775 of the $24,105 listed on Crowdrise and earn me the prize for top fundraiser!  While I accepted that gift, donated by Park Ave Bikes, I declined the separate 10% incentive gift certificate when I learned that those had not been donated, but would need to be purchased by the Equicenter…  Second place went to team “Bella Goff,” which raised $1155, and Bella was adorable as she ran to the stage for her applause.  I looked up her story on Crowdrise and found it so touching I’m including it below.

I guess I’ll be doing this again next year!

Bella's Story

Bella was born 11 weeks early and when she was 3 days old we found out she had a brain bleed and we had no idea what that would mean for her development. She spent almost 8 weeks in the NICU and then immediately started physical therapy.  Now that Bella is 4 ½, we know that the bleed caused a weakness to her right side and a delay in all of her gross and fine motor skills as well as her speech.  As parents, we try to do everything we can to help support or children in their development and for us, the EquiCenter helps us do that.  We are a big proponent of trying to find new therapies that go above and beyond the typicals. One of Bella's therapists recommended the EquiCenter about 2 years ago. We went for a visit and were extremely impressed with what they offer. Bella has been riding there since she turned 3.  It is weekly therapeutic riding that focuses on her core strength, bilateral skills and the strengthening of her right side.  Her horse’s name is Annie.  Annie and Bella enjoy going on trail rides, “trit-trotting” as Bella calls it, and playing games.  They have so much fun Bella doesn’t realize it is therapy. Bella is also able to work on her speech while giving Annie directions.  The EquiCenter team is amazing in all that they have done to support Bella and this is our opportunity to help give back.