The Kelly Brush Foundation ride helps make ski racing a safer sport and assists groups like NYSEF purchase safety equipment.

Shannon, a first-year U-19 Alpine ski racer at Gore Mountain, hopped on her road bike and rode 50 miles for the event. Shannon is a part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) which focuses on mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States. Like NYSEF, both programs enhance youth development through sport.

In preparation for mountain biking and ski season, Shannon was eager to get in shape and took advantage of the opportunity to ride with the NYSEF team. “I was pleasantly surprised when I heard Shannon wanted to do the KB ride with us, especially in the first weeks of school starting," said Gore Mountain program director, Rich Burnley. On a training ride, Burnley was “was impressed with her level of fitness…riding faster and climbing harder.”

Shannon understands the value of training throughout the year to develop skills across athletic disciplines like mountain biking and skiing. She believes both sports complement one another. "Mountain biking, like skiing, encourage you to look ahead and be forward…you have more control on the bike and on your skis.” This summer, Shannon also had the opportunity to go to ski camp in France. At camp, she noticed an improvement in her training and is motivated to take on the 2017-2018 season.