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Going fast and breaking barriers - The Best Day Ever
https://vtdigger.org/2026/05/13/vermont-conversation-going-fast-and-breaking-barriers/David Goodman
The documentary "Best Day Ever" features the world's first adaptive mountain bike trail network and the athletes who are changing lives.
In 2022, Allie Bianchi, a 23-year-old outdoor enthusiast and special educator from Richmond, broke her neck while mountain biking. She is now paralyzed below her chest.
In 2025, Bianchi was rolling again, this time on a specially adapted mountain bike. Now, she is the star of a new film.
"Best Day Ever" follows the story of several adaptive mountain bikers -- including Bianchi, Greg Durso and Ryan Manning -- as they rediscover a sport they love. Central to their return to biking is the story of the world's first adaptive mountain bike trail network, which was built with the help of volunteers from Richmond Mountain Trails. The Driving Range opened in Bolton in 2024.
Last week, the Vermont Land Trust signed an agreement with the DesLauriers family, the owners of Bolton Valley resort, to conserve the land where the Driving Range is located. Richmond Mountain Trails and the Catamount Trail Association will hold recreation easements.
Berne Broudy, a veteran Vermont outdoor journalist who is also president of Richmond Mountain Trails, produced and co-directed "Best Day Ever" with filmmaker Ben Knight. The 48-minute film has been winning awards at film festivals around North America since its release last fall.
. . .
In 2025, Bianchi was rolling again, this time on a specially adapted mountain bike. Now, she is the star of a new film.
"Best Day Ever" follows the story of several adaptive mountain bikers -- including Bianchi, Greg Durso and Ryan Manning -- as they rediscover a sport they love. Central to their return to biking is the story of the world's first adaptive mountain bike trail network, which was built with the help of volunteers from Richmond Mountain Trails. The Driving Range opened in Bolton in 2024.
Last week, the Vermont Land Trust signed an agreement with the DesLauriers family, the owners of Bolton Valley resort, to conserve the land where the Driving Range is located. Richmond Mountain Trails and the Catamount Trail Association will hold recreation easements.
Five people outdoors help guide a person using an adaptive all-terrain wheelchair down a grassy trail surrounded by greenery.Allie Bianchi, Photo by Ben Knight
Berne Broudy, a veteran Vermont outdoor journalist who is also president of Richmond Mountain Trails, produced and co-directed "Best Day Ever" with filmmaker Ben Knight. The 48-minute film has been winning awards at film festivals around North America since its release last fall.
. . .