The numbers don’t lie—Vermont is in the middle of an addiction crisis. These are not just statistics.  They represent real people: sons, daughters, parents, friends, neighbors, co-workers. There are so many stories.  Everyone knows someone whose life has been impacted.  Every number is a cry for help.

In Middletown Springs and throughout the neighboring Slate Valley, we’ve heard that cry.  We believe there is a better way forward: one filled with freedom, transformation, and joy.  Our story is about riding bikes to raise money for the recovery of these people caught in addiction. The eighth annual Tour de Slate, “riding to end addiction”, will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

“Tour de Slate changes lives,” said event coordinator Stan Achey. “100% of the net proceeds go directly to cover the expenses of men, women and teens ready to turn their lives around and break the chains of addiction at Adult & Teen Challenge Vermont”.  Achey, an avid road cyclist, was inspired to combine his love for cycling with his desire to support Teen Challenge.  Adult and Teen Challenge Vermont (ATC VT), never turns away anyone due to their financial situation. Since they receive no government funding, fundraising is vital. “God put this on my heart, and I thought ‘I’ve gotta do it’,” said Achey.

Travis Morehouse, a graduate of  ATC VT, attests to the program’s success. His life, once plagued by addiction, has been restored due to the program’s skills and training. “Tour de Slate holds such a special place in my heart.  I rode in the first year as a resident in the ATCVT program. I instantly felt like family because not only was the money being raised to support my stay at ATCVT, but they also allowed me to ride in the event with other riders. I felt so included that I fell in love with every aspect of this event, what it was accomplishing, and the people involved. I have been a part of the ride ever since.”

The event will feature six routes to accommodate various cycling levels, including two gravel rides and a family-friendly rails/trails ride. All routes start and end in Middletown Springs and are fully supported with rest stops and SAG (support and gear) vehicles.  In its seven years, the Tour de Slate bicycle ride to “end addiction” has raised an aggregate of almost $250,000.00 to support the care, counseling, and educational services for residents at Adult and Teen Challenge Vermont.

Come ride with us.  Add your story. Register online at www.tourdeslate.org, where donations can be made.
You can also mail your donation to Tour de Slate Inc., P.O. Box 1012, Middletown Springs, VT 05757. For more information, contact Stan Achey at info@tourdeslate.org or call (802) 558-0934.