Steeple Chase Ride/Walk Combines Scenic Vistas, Camaraderie and Altruism

On Saturday, Aug. 19, the Steeple Chase Bike Tour charity ride/walk returns for its 32nd year to Windham County.

The longstanding event raises funds for worthy regional nonprofits, and hosts hundreds of cyclists and walkers of all ages. The event offers an opportunity to enjoy the region’s beautiful scenery while raising money for three critical social service nonprofits.

The Steeple Chase begins and ends in Willimantic, features five pre-planned routes, and allows remote participants to create their own virtual routes. Online event registration is open through Aug. 16 at 5 p.m., at www.steeplechasebiketour.org and www.bikereg.com.

Participants can choose one of five routes. A 5-mile route offers a walking tour of Willimantic parks. An 18-mile off-road, rail trail route takes participants from Willimantic to Hampton and back. A 20-mile cycling route winds through Windham, Scotland, Chaplin, and Mansfield. A 35-mile cycling route brings riders through Windham, Columbia, Coventry, Mansfield, and Chaplin. And finally, a 62.5-mile bike route winds through Willimantic, Mansfield, Coventry, Columbia, Lebanon, Sprague, Scotland, and Chaplin.

On the morning of the event, in-person participants meet at Windham’s new Community Center, located at One Jillson Square, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., and spend the day riding or walking routes of their choice to benefit three organizations: the Windham No Freeze Project, which shelters and assists people experiencing homelessness; Perception Programs, which offers a path to recovery for people struggling with addiction; and Windham Area Interfaith Ministry, which provides basic needs from clothing to heat for under-resourced individuals and families.

In recent years, the event has raised upwards of $70,000, split between the three nonprofits. Every dollar raised by participants is 100% matched by the event’s title sponsor, the Jeffry P. Ossen Family Foundation. Over the tour’s 31-year history, it has raised more than $1.5 million for the three beneficiaries.

Pre-registration for the event is $25 for individual riders or walkers, and $75 for families or groups of four. Day-of registration is $30 for individuals and $85 for groups. All riders and walkers are asked to raise additional funds beyond the registration fees through sponsorships.

The Home Selling Team (HST) became involved as a sponsor of the Steeple Chase originally approximately 20 years ago, prompted by Ruth Gordon of Perception Programs.

“We’ve always supported community and I had my life directly affected by PPI,” said Brian McCarthy, broker and owner of HST. “Combining the event with No Freeze and WAIM was a perfect match for us in helping a diverse group of the local population.”

Over the years, HST increased sponsorship dollars as a local community business, and 10-15 years ago, “We decided to up our game and participate as riders raising extra dollars,” said McCarthy, noting that HST’s Jack Fulton jumped in with both feet and got friends from his running community to join as bikers, creating a riding team humbly known as HST Homies.

“We got serious about raising money about five years ago when we saw Dr. Mike Babinski raising thousands year after year with an amazing team called Colchester Dental Group,” said McCarthy. “My competitive nature kicked in and my goal became to be standing next to Mike as a top 3 fundraising team.”

HST met that goal for several years.

Sadly, Babinski passed away from cancer earlier this year on his birthday.

“Mike wanted me to have his high-end, handmade bike built by Independent Fabrication, a boutique bike shop in Lynn Massachusetts, shortly before his passing,” said McCarthy. “I’m planning/hope to raise more money through some type of raffle or direct sale.”

McCarthy is involved with the Steeple Chase Planning Committee, filled with, as he puts it, “an amazing group of dedicated people that pull so many moving parts together to put this fundraising event together every year.”

He notes that the bike routes created and tweaked year after year allow for a very diverse group of skill levels, and the routes through northeastern Connecticut are very scenic and beautiful.

“Once again, all manned by smiling faces and helping hands ready with water, fruits, protein bars, hard boiled eggs (my favorite), and more,” said McCarthy.

He notes that the recent addition of the airline rail trail was a great decision, offering an amazing and comfortable ride.

“The planning team is dedicated and brilliant,” said McCarthy.

For more information, visit www.steeplechasebiketour.org, or follow the event on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.