The Wellness Revolution Connects People Through Cycling

Berlin, VT – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (Blue Cross VT) and Terry Bicycles are welcoming the return of spring with the Wellness Revolution Cycling Program in St. Johnsbury, Burlington, and Vergennes. The free program serves those who identify as women to help them break through the barriers that keep them off their bikes and enjoy the riding opportunities in our state. Be it on our bike paths, around town, on mountain trails, or on rural gravel roads – cycling provides accessible transportation, wellness, and connection to our environment. 
 
“If you have a body, you can be a cyclist,” says Jennifer Grant, a volunteer coordinator with the Wellness Revolution in St. Johnsbury, who also works as the Vermont Blueprint Regional Coordinator for Self-Management Programs with Northern Counties Health Care.

No matter what skill level, type of bike you have, or how long it's been since you've ridden, Wellness Revolution is helping build cycling into Vermonters’ lives. Together, the group takes participants through all aspects of cycling, from how to handle basic bike maintenance and repairs, to conditioning and mindfulness, and getting out on a bike with confidence. Registration for the spring Wellness Revolution programs is now open. 

“It’s inspiring to see women come in as individuals on the first day of the program, and then take their graduation ride as a community,” says Megan Peek, director of Community Relations and Health Promotion at Blue Cross Vermont. “I hear phenomenal stories about how participants found their tribe through biking. This program gives women an opportunity to connect in a supportive way that builds life-long confidence in themselves and their bodies.”  

Each of the three spring Wellness Revolution programs start in May 2023 in St. Johnsbury, Vergennes and Burlington, and programs in other towns will be announced later this year. 

“This program was created around women, helping to reconnect them with what they loved about biking as a child by overcome obstacles and finding confidence on their bike,” says Terry CEO, Liz Robert. “By taking a mind and body approach to cycling, adding fun prizes and celebrating participants on their journey makes this a unique and fun program that keeps people cycling long after the program is over.”

These programs often fill up fast and are completely free to participants. Once registered, participants will receive detailed information about the program schedule.

• Wellness Revolution St. Johnsbury: May 16, 2023 – June 17, 2023
• Wellness Revolution Vergennes: (4 weeks) May 17, 2023 – June 7, 2023
• Wellness Revolution Burlington: May 18, 2023 – June 17, 2023

Beyond great exercise and comradery, the Wellness Revolution will also include sessions on bike maintenance, preparation, mindfulness, techniques for safe riding with traffic, route planning, cross training and more. Incentives for the participants to reach their goals include a free helmet, a $75 Terry Bicycle gift card, cycling socks and the chance to take home the grand prize – a $500 gift certificate for Terry Bicycle gear! 

For questions email Blue Cross Vermont’s community events team at events@bcbsvt.com.