While we’re sad that the Cycling Center is currently closed, we’re using the time we have wisely. We’re taking this opportunity to make some major repairs on our 150+ bicycles so they’ll be in tip-top shape when we reopen!

We’re making a plan for facility maintenance and upkeep that we can complete during the closure. Additionally, we’re in close contact with our neighbors, Waterside Workshops, and are working together to keep an eye on the shared property. 

We’re also looking for ways to help participants keep active and connected. If you want to reach us, call 510-848-2930 or email Cycling@borp.org. 

Through its Active Fund, the Kelly Brush Foundation provides grants for individuals with spinal cord injury to purchase adaptive sports equipment. Past awardees have purchased handcycles, monoskis, sport chairs, racing chairs, hockey sleds, and much more. Next deadline, March 31, 2020.

On January 25, the staff and students of Miramonte High School held a wheelchair basketball tournament to benefit BORP. Together, they raised over $8,000 to support BORP’s youth programs!

Big thanks to all of them, in particular Chris Lavdiotis, Skip Tague and Nicole Meredith! All of us here at BORP appreciate your hard work!

Every year, 400+ youth and adults with disabilities use BORP’s Adaptive Cycling Center. To keep this amazing resource running, we need to raise $235,000 this year.

That’s why we’re launching the 2020 BORP Cycling Center membership drive. If you use the Center, or believe it’s a valuable place for our community, become a member today. Suggested annual membership is $100.

Everyone giving at the $100 level and above will receive a BORP Water Bottle when you next visit the Cycling Center.

Memberships are optional donations and we never turn away anyone for lack of funds.

The Center had limited winter opening hours, but starting March 3, it’ll be open Tuesdays, Thursdays (12-7) and Saturdays (9-4).

Many national parks are quite accessible and make for a great vacation destination, but you need to plan early to stay in the parks.

Great resources to help you get started are the newly released guidebook, Barrier-Free Travel: National Park Lodges for Wheelers and Slow Walkers, by Candy Harrington and an online Outside Magazine article about the best 25 accessible trails in the U.S.

And don’t forget to apply for your National Parks America the Beautiful Access Pass that offers discounts to qualified persons with disabilities.

For accessible N. CA travel ideas & info, check out Access Northern California.

The REV brings together adaptive and non-adaptive cyclists in a fabulous, fun event that raises about $200K to support all BORP’s programs. This year’s ride will be held on Saturday, September 21 at the Hyatt Regency in Santa Rosa. Riders can choose between four rides in beautiful Wine Country:

• A family-friendly ride along a scenic paved bike path (riders can go up to 10 miles, but less if they wish along this out-and-back route).

• A 30-mile, relatively flat but lovely ride past vineyards and orchards.

• A 45-mile ride that includes almost 3,000 feet of elevation gain.

• A 70-mile ride that includes vineyards, redwoods, ocean views, and challenging climbs. 

The Festival following the rides takes place in a lovely garden at the Hyatt Regency. There’ll be music, delicious food, wine & beer, and free professional massages for riders.

Riders are required to raise $400. But don’t worry, we make that easy with lots of wonderful tips and tools.

Use the code EARLYBIRD and register by June 30 to get 50% off your registration fee!

REGISTER NOW.

For more information, email elaine@borp.org

On Tuesday April 9, an amazing group of volunteers helped clean up BORP’s Cycling Center and get all the bikes ready for new cycling season. Recruited by Steve Graham, the volunteers included his co-workers at SAP as well as their friends and guests. This busy crew did a stellar job of getting all the bikes, trikes and tandems in tip-top shape. Here at BORP we are deeply grateful for their hard work. Come to the Cycling Center and take one of these lovingly cleaned and lubricated machines for a spin! 

All photos by Steve Graham. 

Katherine Russell was a big winner at the 2018 Poker Night Fundraiser. After taking first place in this annual fundraiser for BORP’s Power Soccer program, Katherine found herself loaded down with prizes, including tickets to the SF Giants and the Curran Theater, as well as several bottles of wine.

“I was amazed at the generosity of the companies that donated the prizes,” says Katherine. “But, like me, they understand what a great organization BORP is and how it really does transform people’s lives.”

Katherine first learned about BORP in 2010 when she was making a documentary about power soccer. That experience turned her into a longtime BORP supporter. “The staff are amazing and BORP is such an incredibly well-run organization,” she says.

Katherine went to her first BORP Poker Slam several years ago. “I was a complete beginner that first year,” she says. “But that didn’t matter. It’s not so much a competition as a really friendly and fun event.”

For newbies, there’s a poker tutorial at the beginning of the evening. Katherine also points out that novices often receive tips from more experienced players during the games. “I’ve seen people who have no idea what they’re doing go on to win big pots,” says Katherine.

In fact, most years, complete beginners walk away with at least one of the prizes—and there are plenty to go around. This year, prizes include a private winery tour and tasting, tickets to the Giants and the A’s, Cal Shakes tickets, and an array of gift certificates. Still, even if you don’t leave with one of the prizes, after such a fun-filled event, everyone walks away a winner.

Click here to register.