A blind Northeast Kingdom resident will ride the entire length of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

A blind Northeast Kingdom resident will ride the entire length of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail next weekend to raise awareness of how people with disabilities can enjoy Vermont’s outdoor offerings and to highlight the need for volunteers at organizations that provide guides and assistance.  Martha Steele, 71, of Westmore, who is totally blind, will complete the two-day journey as the stoker on a tandem bicycle with a sighted steersman. The ride is made possible by New England Ski For Light, an all-volunteer nonprofit that matches sighted guides with blind or visually impaired participants to break down the barriers that can discourage individuals from enjoying the outdoors.  Steele lost her vision in her 50s due to Usher syndrome, but while growing up in Burlington, she was an avid athlete and enjoyed hiking, skiing and cycling. She now lives in Westmore near Lake Willoughby and it was only five or six years ago that she discovered the possibilities of adaptive sports through organizations such as NESFL. Steele intends to start the 93-mile journey next Saturday morning, June 10, in Swanton and ride to Hyde Park. She will complete the trip the next day, arriving in St. Johnsbury sometime midafternoon on Sunday.