Bike Vermont

[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!

[jobob]

Whatever you do, try to make it to the Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury, near Stowe. Happiest place on earth.

PS - I like your jersey, firestar

[firestar]

Whatever you do, try to make it to the Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury, near Stowe. Happiest place on earth.

PS - I like your jersey, firestar

Thanks, jobob - I had to have it when I saw it! Yep - B&J in Waterbury is sensational!! My uncle used to run the Springfield, VT B&J plant - I grew up with PINTS in the freezer... chunky monkey, anyone?

So many riders out up here this weekend! Great to see!

[Crankin]

Our tour started at the Ben and Jerry's plant! The tour was nothing astonishing in my book, but, hey, that's just me.
Firestar, we were the only New Englanders on the tour... so while not locals, definitely closer than the others. I remember having to muzzle my mouth while some of these people were espousing their political and religious ideas .
I actually like Vermont better in the winter!