ECHN Bike Connect
Held Sunday, June 14, 2009

Event began at
Visiting Nurse &
Health Services of CT
8 Keynote Drive, Vernon

About the 2009 Event

Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN) held its 7th Annual ECHN Bike Connect on Sunday, June 14. Over 150 participants attended this event, which raised more than $27,000 towards nursing scholarships for ECHN employees wishing to further their nursing education or become a nurse.

The 23-mile bicycle course connects Woodlake at Tolland, Rockville General Hospital, Manchester Memorial Hospital and the Visiting Nurse & Health Services of Connecticut facilities. Cyclists could also choose a 43-mile route which adds the Glastonbury Wellness Center to an already challenging route. This was also the second year offering a Nurses walk, which was a 6-mile course.



This event would not have been possible without the generosity of the lead sponsors, Connecticut Business Systems and Bolles Motors, as well as the other major supporters; Brico, LLC, Eastern Connecticut Medical Association, Eastern Connecticut Pathology Consultants, PC, Iatric Systems, Manchester Road Race, Ann & Kevin Murphy, Rockville Bank Foundation and The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. A special thanks also to founding Bike Connect co-chairs Alan Krupp, MD and Robert Rodner, MD.

Bike Connect was hosted by the Visiting Nurse & Health Services of CT and all participants, volunteers and spectators enjoyed a complimentary lunch donated by Angellino's Restaurant in Vernon. Thanks also goes to Bolles Motors, The Bike Shop in Manchester and Manchester Cycle Shop, who provided SAG Wagon support for the day.

Click here to see a video from the 2009 Bike Connect!

About Bike Connect

Bike Connect is designed to raise money for nursing scholarships which are given to current ECHN employees. The 23-mile bicycle course connects Woodlake at Tolland, Rockville General Hospital, Manchester Memorial Hospital and the Visiting Nurse & Health Services of Connecticut facilities. Cyclists may also choose a 43-mile route which adds the Glastonbury Wellness Center to an already challenging route. Bicycle routes travel through both residential and local business communities with maximum spectator visibility throughout the event. You don't bike? Join us for the 6-mile Nurse's Walk!

Click here to download a brochure about the 2009 event (PDF format).
Click here to download the Consent Waiver Form (Word document).

If you are an ECHN nurse and would like to apply for a scholarship funded by Bike Connect, you may download an application by clicking here (PDF format).

• Download the route for the 6-mile walk (pdf format)
• Download the route for the 23-mile bike ride(pdf format)
• Download the route for the 43-mile bike ride (pdf format)

The Background of Bike Connect

The first Bike Connect was held in 2003, brought to fruition from an idea of Dr. Robert Rodner and Dr. Alan Krupp in support of our health system and our nurses. In an era where nursing shortages are reaching critical levels, this fundraising event has been most successful.

The 23-mile bicycle course connects Woodlake at Tolland, Rockville General Hospital, and Manchester Memorial Hospital. Graciously hosted by the Visiting Nurses & Health Services of Connecticut in Vernon, this site is the kick-off and end destination for this event. Cyclists may also choose a 43-mile route which adds the Glastonbury Wellness Center.

To register for the next Bike Connect, to volunteer to help on the day of the event, or for more information, please call Richard Silvia at the ECHN Community HealthCare Foundation office at 860-647-4750 or rsilvia@echn.org.  




Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

Platinum Sponsor - $7,500

• Company recognition during opening remarks at start of ride
• Company logo on sponsorship board at the event
• Post-event mailing that lists all corporate sponsors by level Company logo on Bike Connect Brochure
• Company logo with hyperlink on ECHN website to sponsor's corporate website
• Company logo on banner displayed at start/finish line
• Company logo on t-shirts
• Inclusion in all pre- and post-event press releases
• Free registration for 10 cyclists