Vermont’s First-Ever CycleNation Brings Hundreds To Waterfront

Hundreds of people gathered at the Burlington Waterfront on August 15 to stop the cycle of heart disease and stroke by cycling! The American Heart Association’s CycleNation event raises awareness for the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers – heart disease and stroke. In its first year in Vermont, 50 bikes were stationed at the Waterfront and riders took turns cycling while others walked along the lake.

REV Indoor Cycling donated the bikes and led the two-hour cycling event, keeping the energy going as cyclers switched on and off with their teammates. Among those cycling were Jamie Heath, stroke survivor, and Don Ross, heart survivor, who both shared their stories and enforced that together, we can be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. While cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are a threat to all Americans, they are largely preventable with a healthy lifestyle. Cycling strengthens heart muscles, lowers your resting pulse and reduces cholesterol. Many people don’t know that what’s good for your heart is also good for your brain. Physical activity like cycling can help maintain strong brain function, processing speeds, and mental sharpness.

This year’s emcees were Lauren Maloney of Local 22 and Local 44 and Mary Cenci of Star 92.2. The event also featured hands-only cpr, a smoothie bike, and awards for those who showed the most spirit.

Thank you to our national sponsor, Amgen Cardiovascular, as well as our local sponsors Hannaford, Blue Cross Blue Shield, NBT Bank, Vermont Information Processing, and Kinney Drug. Thank you to our media sponsors Local 22 and Local 44, Seven Days, and Star 92.9.

To get in touch about next year’s CycleNation, please contact Nancy Luke at Nancy.Luke@heart.org.