Bike Vermont

[makbike]

Hey Guys and Gals we need your help! My finance and I would like to "bike Vermont" in October. Have any of you used any of the travel/bike groups that offer packages in Vermont? Any recommendations for areas to see or specific trips to take?

Thanks for your help!

[tulip]

A couple of years ago a friend and I spent a week with Bike Vermont on their Inn-to-Inn trip. It was great fun, although it rained alot.

[Pedal Wench]

I have a group of friends heading there next week on a self-supported trip. I'll try to find out their itinerary and when they get back get a report for you.

[Veronica]

We're headed to Vermont next week to do an in law supported trip.

We're cycling the six gaps. We come up with routes for four days using a tour guide itinerary and a website that tells you how to do the gaps in one day.

http://www.northeastcycling.com/six_gaps.html

I have no desire to work hard enough to do them all in one day. I want to get up late, enjoy breakfast and sight see. But it was nice to have the routes all laid out.

Veronica

[Crankin]

We did the Trek Travel long weekend trip to Vermont in October 2004. Basically, we did it to check out the quality of the company in a place we could drive to and bring our own bikes, before we booked a trip to Europe. The trip was the weekend after Columbus Day.
Trek Travel is awesome. Great food, experienced leaders who know how to work with people. Keep in mind that it will be cold in October and if you book during the first 2 weeks, lots of leaf peepers. Scenery is awesome. It was 30-45 in the mornings when we started. Unless you are riding around Lake Champlain, expect steep climbs. Our tour did the climb up Mt. Mansfield, which very few in the group actually did; I was not as experienced then and opted out, although I am sure I could have done it. Most of the people on our trip were triathletes and were astounded by the climbs! And, they made fun of us for having winter gear... well, I didn't see anything funny about riding in shorts and no-wool socks in a drizzle when it's 40-55 out.
The next weekend, it snowed in Stowe... so go early in the month! We did choose to go with Trek for our trip to the Czech Republic; they are pricey, but I think worth it. I like luxury after working hard. VBT (Vermont Bicycle Tours) is another good company; I know one of the leaders and she is very down to earth. They are a bit more moderately priced.

[firestar]

Most of the people on our trip were triathletes and were astounded by the climbs! And, they made fun of us for having winter gear... well, I didn't see anything funny about riding in shorts and no-wool socks in a drizzle when it's 40-55 out.
.

Aww, now, the locals get a giggle outta those in shorts!

[Murphy3201]

I've done a number of trips with BikeVermont & have been very pleased - the B & B's were lovely, good food, great riding & the trip leaders were always very accomodating as to cyclists mileage requests - there was always a daily route planned but people who only wanted to ride a short way could be picked up in a van - I like long miles & they were always willing to plot out a different course - it was also nice knowing that someone knew where I was & would come looking for me if I hadn't returned by a certain time - the trips are a bit more civilized than what I really like but at this stage I'm no longer comfortable doing a self-supported tour alone so this type of touring seems to work

[firestar]

Hey there - Bike Vermont is certainly the best known company here. ( I live in Ludlow VT) The route 100 to 131 scenic route is very pretty with the lakes and black river - if you get the chance to ride there it is worth it. So is Quechee/Woodstock. The Gaps are beautiful, but brutal, and some of the passes around Rochester are breathtaking (like Bethel Mountain Road over the top, about 10 miles). Bring layers if you are coming in Oct. We can have indian summer one day and a frost & bitter cold the next!

[cattygrrl]

When's the big day, anyway, Makbike?

[makbike]

The big day is just days away. We are getting married on Saturday (August 8). A small and simple ceremony. We will be surrounded by family and a few close friends. My parents have been kind enough to offer their back yard so we will hold the ceremony in their backyard with the Cumberland River in the background. Lots to do in the next two days, both of us a little stressed but very excited about the new chapter in our lives we will write together. Love is grand!