INTRODUCTION

 The Bresnan Bike Tour is an ambitious three-day, 200-mile bicycle tour from Patterson, New York to the outskirts of Bennington, Vermont.   Although the main ride is approximately 90 miles on both Friday and Saturday, an abbreviated option of riding 50 miles per day will be available in 2005.   The Tour is comparatively small in scope and participation, but stellar in its stature and impact.   The route is picturesque and demanding.   The accommodations and support are first-class.   And those who participate are an eclectic group who share a common desire to benefit others.

Each rider is obligated to raise a minimum of $2,000 in pledges.   The tax-deductible pledges equally support two non-profit organizations serving children and adults with developmental disabilities:   Westchester Arc and Special Olympics New York-Hudson Valley Region.   The sponsorship provided by Bresnan Communications allows nearly 100 percent of all pledges to directly support the charities.  

HISTORY OF THE TOUR

In 1989, Harold Wagner, a Westchester-based businessman and avid cyclist, wanted to create something that would combine his passion of cycling with his desire to assist others.   So in June of 1989, Harold climbed on his bike and took off by himself, riding over 400 miles from Westchester County to Montreal, Canada.   Braving bad weather and many hills, Harold completed the challenge and successfully raised $10,000 from friends and associates who supported his effort.   Harold dedicated his pledges to the work of Westchester Arc and Westchester-Putnam Special Olympics.

So inspired by his inaugural ride, Harold sought to expand his personal experience into an annual event to be shared by others.   Working with Robby Morris, then Area Coordinator of Westchester-Putnam Special Olympics, and others, a blueprint was designed which ultimately would become the foundation of the Tour de Wagner.

The basic concept was to keep the number of riders at a manageable level while providing a safe and dignified environment.   The Tour was made available to riders of all ages, gender and cycling ability.   Riders were encouraged to ride at their own pace while being supportive of others.   It was hoped new friendships and fond memories would be fostered over the weekend and that each rider would gain a sense of personal satisfaction and accomplishment.   In 1990, sixteen cyclists, accompanied by three support vans, took to the road and headed north 200 miles into the hills of Vermont.   No one could have imagined the impact that day would eventually have on the lives of those who would come to ride in the Tour or the thousands of people who would ultimately benefit from it!

Over the years the Tour continued to grow in popularity and productivity.   Several logistical changes were implemented and the landscape was modified.   The Dannon Company, based in Tarrytown, NY, served as sponsor for ten years.   Veteran riders returned year after year and, complemented by a constant crop of first-time riders, a unique blend was established which kept the Tour fresh and energized.   The basic philosophy of "riders challenging themselves to help others overcome the challenges in their lives" remained constant and paramount.   Several riders developed a special relationship between the riders and the charities, which would transcend the actual Tour.   As a result the Tour has raised nearly 2.5 million dollars and realized invaluable in-kind support since its inception.

In 2003, the Bresnan Group of Companies, headquartered in Purchase, NY, accepted sponsorship of the event.   This philanthropic act provided needed funds to underwrite the Tour, but, more importantly, allowed the Tour to become aligned with a highly respected corporate neighbor.   From its humble beginnings, the Bresnan TdW has evolved not only into one of the most effective, collaborative events of its kind, but a celebration of the human spirit in the purest sense.