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Rasputitsa and Specialized partner to raise more than $18,000 for Little Bellas

  • Ron 

On April 21, more than 1,300 riders came together in Northern Vermont to ride the Rasputitsa Spring Classic. Riders rode 40 miles over the muddiest, coldest and most rural section of the state. Through the sale of Rasputitsa event tees, water bottles, and raffle tickets for a custom-painted Specialized Diverge frameset, the combined forces of the gravel bicycle event and Specialized Bicycles raised more than $18,000 for the nonprofit organization Little Bellas.

Rasputitsa, a Russian word for the mud season when roads become difficult to traverse, is a five-year-old race that was launched by Anthony Moccia and Heidi Myers. The event has been a successful effort to unite cyclists, bring economic opportunity to a remote area of Vermont, and give back to growing the sport of cycling with every dollar they profit.

“From the moment we experienced the event last year, we knew there was something special,” says Stephanie Kaplan, road product manager at Specialized. “The energy of the riders and the organizers is infectious, and we’re so glad to be a partner and to help support the race, and to help raise money for a cause that Specialized is so passionate about. Anthony and Heidi have built something incredible, and it’s no surprise that the race, the participation and the money raised keeps getting better and better every year. We look forward to the continued partnership.”

The money raised goes to help a nonprofit that has a huge impact. Founded in 2007 in Jericho, Vermont, Little Bellas is a mountain bike organization whose goal is to help young women realize their potential through cycling. Since its inception, Little Bellas has worked to get more than 2,700 girls on bikes. Centered around cycling, the organization aims to instill confidence in young girls and teach them to navigate challenges and believe in themselves.

Sabra Davison, co-founder and executive director of Little Bellas, adds, “This partnership with Rasputitsa is built on an incredible synergy and Vermont community values. This years’ fundraising effort will make a lasting impact on girls for years to come. The funds will be used to help girls in need and start new chapters to get more girls on bikes. We are thrilled to increase our impact.”

To learn more about Rasputitsa, their impact on cycling, register for next year’s race, or purchase raffle tickets for the custom-painted Specialized Diverge frameset , visit rasputitsagravel.com. Raffle ends May 1, 2018.

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