Greenbrier Challenge Supports Programs Of CAWV
By Cathy Grimes, Staff WriterArticle Photos
Fact Box
Donation Requirements
- Cyclist, team and solo - $100 per rider minimum
- 5K Run/Walk - $50 per person minimum
- Early Bird Family Ride - $50 per person minimum.
- 5K Kids Ride - $25 per person minimum.
Donations to CAWV are tax deductible as the law allows.
The fifth annual Greenbrier Challenge will take place Aug. 2 at Marlinton Municipal Park. Registration will be from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
The challenge offers something for everyone and a day filled with activities. This year's event will include the 52-mile Bicycle Team Relay, 5K Run/Walk, 10 Mile Family Ride and 5K Kids Ride.
"Challenge your friends, co-workers and challenge yourself to come out and have a great weekend and support our most important summer fundraising event," said David Begg, executive director of Challenged Athletes of West Virginia.
The event includes lunch, a mountain barbecue dinner, an event T-shirt and prizes.
The main event is the 52-mile bicycle relay between Cloverlick and Watoga trailheads.
The challenge is open to everyone and is fully supported by shuttle service, rest stops, SAG and safety riders and volunteer support staff at the ride headquarters in Marlinton.
"Eight Rivers Amateur Radio Club has provided excellent support for the challenge the past several years," Begg said, "and they will be participating in this year's event as well.
"The Greenbrier Challenge is an excellent ride. It's a great family opportunity to be enjoyed by everyone, with or without disabilities," Begg said.
The challenge will consist of relay teams and solo riders bicycling segments of the 2000 Millennium Legacy Greenbrier River Trail.
"Several riders with disabilities will be participating in this year's event," Begg said, "and we hope to host some injured service men and women through the Wounded Warrior Project as well."
According to Begg, there were 70 participants in last year's event and at least 100 are expected this year. Participants come from all over West Virginia and other areas as well.
Cyclist teams of two, three and four riders challenge the 52-mile course from Watoga State Park to Cloverlick, starting at 9 a.m. The relay consists of two 16-mile and two 10-mile relay sections.
Solo cyclists will do the entire 52 miles beginning at 8 a.m. Riders will encounter two river crossings (bridges) and one tunnel through the scenic countryside.
The Early Bird Family Ride starts at 9 a.m. and is considered an easy 10-mile morning ride accompanied by a guide from Marlinton to Watoga State Park with a shuttle back to ride headquarters in time for lunch. The ride consists of two miles paved road, eight miles fine packed gravel and one bridge.
The 5K Run/Walk starting at 10 a.m. provides shuttle service to Buckeye Trailhead.
Participants can run or walk in the 5K back to Marlinton in time for lunch. The trail is 1 mile of fine packed gravel and 2 miles of paved road.
The 5K Kids Ride begins at 10 a.m. and offers shuttle service to Buckeye Trail head and a leisurely ride back to Marlinton in time for lunch. The ride is on 1 mile of fine packed gravel and 2 miles of paved road.
There will be afternoon activities for early finishers from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., including a scavenger hunt for kids and a GPS search for caches, "so bring your GPS units and join the fun," a challenge spokesperson encouraged. More activities will be announced the day of the event.
A golf outing at Marlinton Country Club is offered Aug. 3 and will be hosted by event chairman Chris Polinchock.
Special prizes and recognition for the team, solo rider and 5K participants that raise the most donations for CAWV will be awarded during the barbecue at 5 p.m.
Funds raised from the Greenbrier Challenge will help support the CAWV adaptive ski programs for children and adults, scholarship opportunities, Wounded Warrior Projects, training and education, and specialized sports equipment for those with disabilities. CAWV provides adaptive skiing opportunities as well as bicycling, rafting and other outdoor recreation for persons with disabilities.
"Public awareness of the CAWV programs and what they offer to the disabled is very important," Begg said. "The public needs to be more aware of the capabilities of people with disabilities.
"Adaptive skiing has become the sport and vacation of choice for thousands of challenged individuals and their families," said Begg, who has worked with disabled skiers for more than 25 years and has been with CAWV since its charter.
The mission of CAWV, according to Begg, is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through outdoor sports and recreation. The goals of CAWV include facilitating physical and psychological rehabilitation through educational, recreational, sports and social activities; increasing public awareness of the capabilities of persons with disabilities; encouraging persons with disabilities to be involved in the management and other aspects of CAWV and its programs; teaching good sportsmanship; encouraging the competitive spirit; and fostering independence throughout program activities.
CAWV is a chapter of Disabled Sports USA and programs are supported by a large group of volunteers. Volunteers serve as instructors, helpers, event planners, office support staff as well as many other areas.
Training programs are conducted annually and provide classroom and hands-on experience for persons interested in working with Challenged Athlete's programs and activities. Training opportunities with Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and other organizations are provided through CAWV.
For more information, call Begg at 572-6708 or e-mail dbegg@snowshoemtn.com.
Riders with disabilities are encouraged to attend and should contact CAWV for information, equipment or assistance.
Primitive camping is available at Marlinton Municipal Park at the ride headquarters.
For information on the Challenged Athletes of West Virginia, visit www.cawvsports.org. For visitor information, camping and lodging visit www.pocahontas.org.
