Real West Gravel Grinder - March 16, 2025 - Pendleton OR
United States | Midwest | Ohio >> The Vermont Challenge Teams Up with Bruce Zeman and Hobbes

The Vermont Challenge Teams Up with Bruce Zeman & Hobbes 

Bruce Zeman & Hobbes The team at The Vermont Challenge is proud to announce that we have teamed up with Vermont's most popular radio duo, Bruce & Hobbes!

Bruce Zeman is an award-winning radio host, and has the only radio show in the nation with a canine as a full-fledged, co-host. Hobbes is a small, brown dachshund who has made radio history with his dad (Bruce) after a rough start in life.

Bruce rescued Hobbes from a horrible domestic violence situation in 2009, and since then, the two "Best Buddies" have made it their mission to make the world a better place for children and animals.  Bruce and his wife Tami, have written a ground-breaking children's book - "Hobbes Goes Home" that touches on on bullying, domestic violence, empathy and compassion.  Bruce, Hobbes and Tami are reading their new book in EVERY Vermont school, and in a very exciting development, every multi-day rider of the Vermont Challenge will be given a copy of their book. 

The Vermont Challenge is a truly unique bicycling experience that commences on August 13th and runs until the 17th.  Riders can choose from either a 4, 3 & 1-day Gran Fondo that travels through some of the most picturesque valleys, towns, farm land and mountain passes that Vermont has to offer.

John Sohikian, President of the Vermont Challenge stated, "We are thrilled to help Bruce & Hobbes spread the word against bullying and domestic violence with all our riders".  Bruce & Hobbes will be on hand Friday morning 8/15 in Manchester's Dana Thompson Park along with Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott to speak to our riders before participating in a parade of bikes through Manchester and then on to Ludlow through Poultney and Middletown Springs.

Bruce Zeman noted: "We are thrilled to partner with the Vermont Challenge, and have the opportunity to share our message against bullying and domestic violence, and how important it is we take this step to protect children and animals.  We hope to raise awareness about these issues by sharing our book with as many people as we can."  Zeman pointed out that after receiving his copy of "Hobbes Goes Home" - Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin was so impressed with it, he sent a copy of the book to President Barack Obama.

In addition to providing multi-day riders with a copy of "Hobbes Goes Home," the VT Challenge in 2014 will again donate $25 of each rider's registration fee to four community group recipients that help feed Vermonters in the communities of Stratton, Brattleboro, Manchester, Ludlow & Killington.  Distribution of funds are administered by the Stratton Foundation. As the Vermont Challenge grows in stature, we'll continue to increase the amount donated to support the communities that host our ride.

For sponsorship packets, or more information on The Vermont Challenge, please contact

The Vermont Challenge @ jsohikian@vtchallenge.com, 203.668.0194, OR - visit www.vtchallenge.com  

About Bruce Zeman & Hobbes

The Wake-Up Crew with Bruce & Hobbes" is a ground-breaking, award-winning, radio show - currently the only morning radio show in the nation, with a dog, as a full-fledged co-host. In 2012, Bruce & Hobbes were honored by the Vermont Association of Broadcasters with the prestigious Alan Noyes Award, recognizing their extra-ordinary commitment to community service. The duo was also recognized by the Vermont Legislature, in 2012, for their work on behalf of animals.

Hobbes, Bruce's beloved side-kick, has made history in his short seven years.  Rescued by Bruce from a horrible domestic violence situation in 2009, Bruce & Hobbes have helped over 1,000 animals find homes, and have raised over $50,000 for the Homeward Bound Animal Welfare Center in Middlebury. Arguably the most famous canine the State of Vermont has ever had, Bruce's "Best Buddy" joins him in speaking to thousands of school children about humane education, anti-bullying efforts, & preventing animal cruelty.

In 2010, Hobbes became the first dog in Vermont history to be allowed on the floor of the Vermont House of Representatives, where he was recognized for his work on behalf of Vermont's animals.  Hobbes is also the only canine In Vermont history to serve as a police K-9 in three communities - Middlebury, Bristol and Vergennes.  He is also the "official" Fire Dog of the New Haven Volunteer Fire Department in New Haven, Vermont.

Bruce & Hobbes recently published their first book - "Hobbes Goes Home," - a book that promotes anti-bullying efforts, humane education & tolerance - which was released on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013.  One dollar from the sale of every book will be donated to the Homeward Bound Animal Welfare Center in Middlebury, the organization that rescued Hobbes.

www.bruceandhobbes.com