Why I ride in support of the CT Cycling Advancement Program:
I first joined the CT Cycling Advancement Program in 2017 as a rider parent. We had moved to CT from NJ the previous summer and I knew former CCAP Executive Director Dave Hoyle through our advocacy work together on Team 26, so he was one of the first contacts I made when we relocated. My daughter, Evie, had experience as a cyclocross racer and was interested in road racing, so we knew we'd get involved with CCAP in one way or another. Within that year, I fell in love with the program and became one of the coaches of the West Hartford ERRACERS team. The community CCAP provided was unlike any other I had experienced in my decades of cycling and racing, and it made our transition into New England so much easier.
After Dave's untimely passing in 2019, I picked up the helm and carried the mission forward as CCAP's next Executive Director. It's my goal to provide every young rider and their family with the same, if not better, experience we had when first joining the CCAP community, while also ensuring we're growing and reaching new communities and rider populations in towns and cities throughout the state. Help me grow CCAP this year by making a donation through our Breakaway Benefit campaign. I can assure you that we'll put your dollars to work by spreading the love of cycling as far and wide as we can.
#RideWithUs
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The CCAP Breakaway Benefit Ride
May 1, 2021- Farmington, CT
The CCAP Breakaway Benefit is a fundraising event for youth cycling programs in Connecticut's schools and towns. Your participation starts more youth teams, empowers more coaches to lead, and gets more kids on bikes! THANK YOU!
“What the difference is....in my opinion was the CCAP. Many of our kids have never been out of town, to a mountain bike area, etc.... Many can’t afford team sports or their behavior would not be tolerated in a team environment. Having a sport like cycling and being able to spend time with friends is important to these kids.” - Coach Bill Davis, Dag Hammarskjold Middle School, Wallingford
Breakaway Benefit Experiences
- Mountain Bike and Road Rides: Enjoy Connecticut's most beautiful and scenic roads during fully supported rides of 20, 40, or 62 miles. For mountain bikers or those who want to get lost (metaphorically) in the woods, Winding Trails has over 12 miles of trails open to riders during the day!
- Let's Ride - The Family Adventure: New to riding? Come out and join the party for a mellow 1, 3, or 6-mile ride on-site at Winding Trails. This ride includes an "at your own pace" group ride by one of CCAP's Coaches and access to Winding Trails. We recommend a basic mountain bike or hybrid-style bike. Please purchase a meal ticket for a small donation (option available during checkout)!
- Delicious Food and Drink: Pre-ride light breakfast and a barbeque-style lunch afterward to celebrate your ride and fundraising accomplishments. Stick around for awards and fun; which will kick off at 1:00 pm!
- Music and Entertainment for kids and adult cyclists
- Marked and fully supported routes
- Looking to volunteer? Please visit our Volunteer Page to sign up! All volunteers will receive complimentary breakfast and lunch after the ride! No fundraising is required for volunteers but is encouraged. For volunteer questions, please reach out to [email protected].
- Connecticare Triple Crown Charity Challenge: Participate in three ConnectiCare sponsored Gran Fondo's and earn the coveted Triple Crown medal! In addition to all of the awesome swag that you will earn for your Breakaway Benefit fundraising, meeting the $250 minimum will automatically enter you into this challenge. CCAP Coaches, Juniors, and family fun riders encouraged to raise the minimum $150 for the challenge.
Volunteer
Please visit our Volunteer Page to sign up! All volunteers will receive complimentary breakfast and lunch after the ride! No fundraising is required for volunteers but any fundraising is encouraged. For volunteer questions, please reach out to [email protected].
Event Timeline
Event timeline specifics coming soon!
Location
Winding Trails
50 Winding Trails
Farmington, CT 06032
Ride Routes (GPS files coming soon!)
- Teammate 20 Mile Road Ride
- Fast 40 Mile Road Ride
- Big Ring Metric Century
- Aventure Mountain Bike Loops
The Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program's mission is to ensure that Connecticut's youth and their families have access and exposure to an organized state-wide youth cycling league. Additionally, youth and their parents should be able to see a clear avenue that allows them to develop as far as their ambition, skills, and abilities can take them. The sport of cycling teaches a child or young adult a wealth of values, social skills, and mindsets that help them become successful in every aspect of their life, and the CCAP is proud to provide kids across the state with the opportunity to participate in a safe and positive team-based environment.
Recognized nationally for its impact and leadership, the CCAP partners with communities and schools to grow youth cycling throughout Connecticut. More than 55 Connecticut school districts and towns have created CCAP-registered cycling programs or are in the process of establishing cycling clubs and teams. over 550 youth participate in these programs. In addition, 40 CCAP youth-specific events were held in 2019. With your help, the CCAP is just getting started!