Thank you for visiting my Breakaway Benefit Fundraising page!
I discovered cycling as a teenager and couldn't be more grateful for the experiences it brought into my life. I was incredibly fortunate to connect with responsible mentors who coached me through my first few years in the sport. This welcoming community of diverse individuals not only guided me as an athlete and competitor but also helped shape me into the person I am today. I learned invaluable lessons about sportsmanship, humility, training for success, and learning from losses and mistakes. Over the past 20 years, I have made lifelong friends and cherished memories.
However, many kids and families might not have the good fortune to connect with mentors in the community. Parents often don't know where to turn when their child expresses interest in cycling. That's where the CT Cycling Advancement Program (CCAP) comes in. We need a way to ensure that kids and their families have access to the sport in a similar manner to other youth sports. The CCAP was created to provide the necessary coaching, equipment, education, and a welcoming community for young cyclists, just like I had when I was 15. Our goal is to help a new generation of junior cyclists, and aspiring coaches find their place in the sport, supporting them as they guide future generations. We aim to give these kids and coaches a sustainable and accessible future in cycling.
While achieving our mission may present challenges, it's far from impossible. In fact, over two-thirds of our country's youth have access to a bicycle, which means the hardest part—getting kids on bikes—is already accomplished for many. For those without access to a bicycle, we provide one. It's as simple as that. Through the CCAP, I hope more kids discover a lifelong passion for cycling, one that builds character and helps them succeed in all aspects of life. With your help, we can seize the chance and privilege to shape the next generation of the cycling community that I hold dear.
Thank you for helping us get more kids on bikes.
Warm regards,
Aidan Charles
The CCAP Breakaway Benefit Cycling Festival
June 3, 2023 - Bolton, CT
The CCAP Breakaway Benefit Cycling Festival 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
- Road and Mountain Bike Rides for ALL: Enjoy Connecticut's most beautiful and scenic roads during fully supported rides of different lengths. Our Road Sampler is perfect for a beginner to novice rider and is fully marked, so no need for a navigation device if you don't have one. Double Trouble and The Big Scoop offer fun for riders of all abilities but are a bit longer - ride at your own pace or have fun with the optional timed segments. You'll need a ride computer or phone mount to navigate this one. Mountain bikers, will be riding the beautiful trails of Case Mountain with ride lengths of multiple distances; expect routes as short as 5 miles and as long as 15. We will have coach-led routes with GPS files and trail markings to accompany them!
- Festival: This isn't just a ride! We'll have a team tent zone, kids' games, product vendors, and more bike-focused fun to keep you entertained throughout the day. CCAP staff, along with a DJ, will be on-hand to lead the fun!
- Delicious Food and Drink: Riders are welcome to enjoy a light, pre-ride arrangement of pastries and coffee, then we will kick off the ride with a quick ceremony of Fundraising Awards (including top fundraiser and top junior fundraiser)! Enjoy the ride and then join us for a catered picnic lunch, live DJ, games, and a raffle to celebrate their riding, fundraising, and accomplishments.
- Route Files and Timed Segments: Official Route Files are HERE! There will be timed segments via Ride with GPS, so you will need to set up a free account to be counted if you don't already have one. There MAY or may not be some awesomely adorable prizes available for those (Juniors and Adults) who place top 10. Standings will be based on the fastest overall combined times of all 5 segments. However, please remember they are optional and NOT a race. Always ride with safety in mind!
Volunteer
Please visit our to sign up! All volunteers will receive complimentary breakfast and lunch after the ride! No fundraising is required for volunteers, however is so appreciated! No amount is too little for any fundraising efforts, please check out our Fundraising Tips Packet for more details (Click here). For volunteer questions, please reach out to [email protected].
Event Timeline
Please see timeline on our Bike Reg page (Click here).
Location
Villa Louisa
60 Villa Louisa Rd
Bolton, CT 06043
Ride Routes (available for download HERE)
- The Sampler - 20 Mile Road Ride
- The Double Trouble- 40 Mile Road Ride
- The Big Scoop - 63 Mile Road Ride w/optional Timed Segments
- The Banana Split - 14 Mile MTB Ride. Aventure Mountain Bike Loops w/ optional Timed Segments
- The Sundae- 7 Mile MTB Ride
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!