Vermont Sports 2021 September/October Issue

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Explore VT

AMAZING

CLIMBS

Try these new destinations

2021 Adventure Dog Winners Meet our favorite pups

THE Moosalamoo: VT's UNDISCOVERED PLAYGROUND Lakes, trails, Camping, skiing.

This hidden gem has it all

SOUTHWESTERN VERMONT MEDICAL CENTER ORTHOPEDICS

RESTORING

ACTIVE +

LIFESTYLES

Keeping you on the trail Keld Alstrup resolved his knee pain and returned to hiking with the help of SVMC Orthopedics. They use a team-based approach to provide a full range of surgical and non-surgical services and customized virtual rehabilitation programs that resolve pain and re-expand their patients’ horizons. Their goal is to get you back to “peak performance” as quickly—and painlessly—as possible.

svhealthcare.org/ortho | 802-442-6314 Sports Injuries | Fracture Care | Hand, Wrist, and Reconstructive Surgery Total Hip, Knee, and other Joint Replacements including Same-Day Surgery

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332 Dewey Street | Bennington, VT 375 Main Street | Williamstown , MA

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NEW ENGLAND’S OUTDOOR MAGAZINE ON THE COVER

Flynn Peckham climbing on Mt. Hor with Lake Willoughby as a backdrop.

Photo by Travis Peckham.

PUBLISHER

Angelo Lynn - publisher@vtsports.com

EDITOR/CO-PUBLISHER

Lisa Lynn - editor@vtsports.com

INTERNS

Hannah Laga Abram, John Vaaler

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Shawn Braley

MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD

Dr. Nathan Endres, Dr. David Lisle, Dr. James Slauterbeck —University of Vermont Robert Larner College of Medicine; Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation; Jamie Sheahan, M.S., R.D.

CONTRIBUTORS

Brian Mohr, Phyl Newbeck, Leath Tonino,

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Lisa Lynn | (802) 388-4944 ads@vtsports.com

ADVERTISING SALES Greg Meulemans | (802) 366-0689 greg@vtsports.com Wilkie Bushby | (646) 831-5647 wilkie@vtskiandride.com Dave Honeywell | (802) 583-4653 dave_golfhouse@madriver.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS, PRINTING & DISTRIBUTION Bridget Sullivan, 802-388-4944

Vermont Sports is independently owned and operated by Addison Press Inc., 58 Maple Street, Middlebury, Vt. 05753. It is published 8 times per year. Established in 1990. Vermont Sports subscriptions in the U.S.: one year $25. Canada: (US funds), please add $5 per year postage.

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Some of the best views in the state are from Rattlesnake Cliffs on Mt. Moosalamoo.Here, looking over Lake Dunmore. For more, see “10 Things to do in the Moosalamoo,” p. 22.

5 The Start

10 Feature

22 Feature

Farid Noori was raising money for MTB Afghanistan. Then the Taliban struck.

Travis Peckham, author of Vermont’s climbing guidebook, share his new favorite routes, plus where to go when the climbing is done for the day.

Hike, ski, bike, paddle, plunge, pick blueberries..the options are endless.

Freedom and Bikes

7 News

Can Earmarks Build a Rail Trail?

See what our people in Washington have been up to. Plus, a solar bike light that we love.

8

Featured Athlete The New King of Gravel

What’s next for Peacham’s Ian Boswell, one of the winningest

Beyond Bolton: 10 Great Climbs

18 Feature

The Keepers of the Moosalamoo Fifty years ago the Clark family set about restoring an inn in Goshen. Along the way, they helped create a National Recreation Area.

gravel riders of 2021?

10 Things to do in the Moosalamoo.

24 Feature

The Pups We Love

Meet the winners of our annual Adventure Dog Photo Contest.

30 Calendar

Race & Event Guide

34 Endgame

Hiking with Daisy

Want to make a big deal out of a small hike? Just bring along a toddler.

VERMONT SPORTS IS A PROUD MEMBER OF

ADVERTISERS! The deadline for the November issue of Vermont Sports is October 18. Contact ads@vtsports.com today to reserve your space.

SEPT./OCT. 2021 | VTSPORTS.COM 3

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THE START

FREEDOM AND BIKES

FARID NOORI HAS BEEN CAMPAIGNING TO BRING MOUNTAIN BIKING TO AFGHANISTAN. THIS MONTH, THAT CAMPAIGN TOOK ON NEW MEANING.

Farid Noori, climbing App Gap. Photo by Steve James

W

hen I first learned to ride a bike, it meant two things: freedom and joy. The joy came from going faster than my little 5-year-old legs could ever run. The freedom came from being able to go where I wanted, when I wanted, without an adult. Later, much later, it meant freedom to stop thinking about all the other things in life and just ride. Just ride.

What if that freedom were taken away?

In late July, Farid Noori, a 2019 Middlebury College grad and native of Afghanistan, rode up the Appalachian Gap 21 times in a row, climbing the elevation of Afghanistan’s tallest mountain, Mt. Naw Shakh, some 24,580 feet. He did it to raise money for the Sayed Ul Shuhada girls’ high school. In May, it was bombed by the Taliban killing 90, primarily teenage girls.

The App Gap ride took Noori over 11 grueling hours. He raised $9,000 of his $25,000 goal. “It hurt like hell, but that’s what climbing to the highest point of your country should feel like,” he wrote after the ride on Instagram.

For much of the summer Noori had visited mountain bike clubs around Vermont and elsewhere to raise donations – money, bikes, gear, anything – for MTB Afghanistan, an organization he founded in 2018. He had planned to be at Ranch Camp in Stowe on Aug. 27 to collect bikes.

“We use the bike as a tool to bring joy and hope into the lives of Afghan youth and promote gender equality,” he told Voice of America just before his App Gap ride in July. “We believe the bike is the most effective tool for the emancipation of Afghan women and normalizing their freedom of movement in Afghan society.

We organize events and provide equipment to get more Afghan women on bikes.”

Noori came to the U.S. for high school on a scholarship and discovered mountain biking. He went to Middlebury College and started racing. Vermont Sports profiled Noori and wrote about how he started Afghanistan’s first cross-country mountain bike event, the Hindu Kush Challenge, in 2018. When Noori went home and started training local Afghan riders, four of the eight men he worked with were riding cruisers. Mountain bikes were scarce. The trails they rode were often goat paths.

In August, 2021 as the Taliban took city after city, that freedom to ride disappeared, especially for women.

MTB Afghanistan’s website went dark, and became password protected.

Noori posted the following on his Facebook page: “There are no words to convey our deep sadness about the overnight changes in Afghanistan. It feels unreal to witness the dreams and hard work of our people getting crushed so easily.

We mourn this moment and pray for the safety of our people.

As we wait to find more clarity in the coming days and months, we pause our activities and give our full attention to the safety and well-being of everyone who has been a part of our movement. Mountain Bike Afghanistan has always sought to take our people to higher altitudes, literally, through the peaceful act of pedaling a bike so that we can see our villages and what a beautiful country we inherit from up above.

Now more than ever, our mission to empower young Afghans and promote peace is needed. As such, we are committed as ever to continue our efforts to serve the Afghan youth.

From the onset, we knew this would be a long haul to build a cycling nation, and these events won’t affect our determination to help our people find joy, peace and pride in what serves as our beloved Afghanistan’s foremost backbone: its nature. A sincere thank you for all your support since our beginnings three years ago. We continue.

The fundraising page is still live.

You can contributre or out more at mtbafghanistan.org.

—Lisa Lynn, Editor

SEPT./OCT. 2021 | VTSPORTS.COM 5

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NEWS

CAN EARMARKS BUILD A RAIL TRAIL?

T

he last time we heard about congressional “earmarks,” it was because Ketchikan, a small town in Alaska, was awarded $223 million to build a bridge to an island airport to replace an existing ferry. A national hullaballoo ensued and that earmark – a way for members of congress to designate funding for a specific project — as well as earmarks in general,

disappeared. Now they are back, and with Senator Patrick Leahy chairing the Appropriations Committee, Vermont is in a prime position to see some of what are now known as “Congressional Directed Spending Requests,” fulfilled.

Among the requests Sen. Leahy has put forward that are related to outdoor recreation are: $543,000 to finish the connection between the Lamoille Valley

Rail Trail and downtown St. Johnsbury and $500,000 to the Northern Forest Stewardship Center for outdoor recreation infrastructure projects such as building trails. Among Congressman Welch’s requests is $16.4 million to make necessary repairs and improve the existing Army National Guard Biathlon Facility on Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho VT. These would allow

the facility to earn an International Biathlon Union (IBU) Class B “National Level” competition event license and a current International Ski Federation (FIS) homologation certificate at the national and international level. These are just some of the many requests Vermont’s congressional delegation has made as part of the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bill.

GEAR WE LOVE: LUCI’S SOLAR POWERED BIKE LIGHTS We love Luci lights – the inflatable solar-powered lanterns that have become must-pack items for any overnight camping trip. So, we were excited to hear that MPowrd, which makes them, has a sleek little solar-powered bike light. The Luci Solar Bike Light Set ($54.95) has a brightness of up to 100 lumens and a 15-hour battery life for the headlight and 40 lumens and 3-hour battery life for the tail light. The lights are easily snapped off their mounts and can be charged via a USB or just sunlight. Four light modes (as well as a flashing mode) let you adjust the brightness and can save on battery life. There’s a handy battery charge indicator as well. With both the taillight and the headlight, you will add just over 3.2 oz to your rig. While this may not be the set-up you use to find your way down a Class 4 road at 2 am on the Super8 bikepacking route, these are no-brainers for anyone who might get home a little late from a fall after-work ride and want some added visibility.

The Luci Solar Powered Light Set for bikes.

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SEPT./OCT. 2021 | VTSPORTS.COM 7

I try to stay rested and hydrated. And it sounds strange, but it's very apparent if I'm riding (or if someone's riding behind me) that my body just doesn't want to turn left. I guess maybe it's the fear of the tire sliding out or just not committing to the turn. Sometimes it’s something as simple as not wanting to unclip on my left side.

FEATURED ATHLETE

THE NEW KING OF GRAVEL Name: Ian Boswell Age: 30 Profession: Wahoo Fitness, Athlete Liaison Family: Wife, Gretchen Sports: Road and gravel racing.

Lives in: Peacham, Vt.

How do you stay in race shape now that you are living away from a team and have a full-time job?

In January 2020, I took a full-time position at Wahoo Fitness. I do the Breakfast With Boz podcast and manage all of our athlete relationships. I end up going to a lot of events and because we are in the endurance sports world, Wahoo is fully supportive of my, say doing a 3-hour ride in the middle of the day. My training is pretty random, but I try to get in at least one long ride per week and a couple of times this summer I've been able to do some hard rides with Ted (King) or Ansel (Dickey) or Mike Barton. And during the pandemic, a group of Northeast Kingdom riders got together and we started the weekly St. Johnsbury Creemee Ride – we meet at the Milk House and it's anywhere from 15 miles to 27 miles. I don’t always do it, but it’s fun to see it growing and some days it’s 50/50 men and women.

But often I’m indoors using a Wahoo platform called Sufferfest. It combines cycling workouts with yoga and strength training.

I

an Boswell was a pro cyclist on the WorldTour, racing the Tour de France and living half the year in Nice, France when he a crash in 2019 left him with a traumatic brain injury.

Boswell, who grew up in Oregon, had recently moved to Peacham, Vt. with his wife Gretchen, a Vermonter. While Ian recovered, the couple settled into life in the rural Vermont village and started the Peacham Fall Fondo (happening on Sept. 25). This past summer, Ian jumped back into competition, racing gravel for the first time. In June, Ian won Unbound, the 200-mile gravel classic in Kansas, following a sprint where he beat Laurens Ten Dam, a pro Dutch road racer, and Colin Strickland, the 2019 winner, as well as Vermont’s Ted King. We caught up with Ian just after he won Rooted Vermont and as he was headed to race the Belgian Waffle Ride in Asheville, N.C., a race he also won.

This summer you won the premiere gravel race in the country, Unbound Gravel. Not bad for someone who has allegedly “retired” from pro racing. Was there a moment when you said, “I’m going to get back into racing, but go for gravel?”

I guess it didn't really happen until I was there, you know. I didn’t have any expectations going into Unbound. It was good to be in the lead pack of five or so for much of the race, but I certainly didn’t think I was going to win, even right up until the final sprint. I had a level of fitness from my career of racing bikes in the WorldTour, but Unbound was only my second gravel event. There were a lot of unknowns and I had no idea how I would do against guys like Colin (Strickland), Ted (King) or Pete (Stetina)—all former pros. But I just had a magical day. I really surprised myself there. I wasn’t used to all the other factors that go into a 200-mile gravel race – the flats, the hydration. It’s similar to road racing, but these events are super long and you are looking after all your own stuff. The riding can also be really technical.

8 VTSPORTS.COM | SEPT./OCT. 2021

Ian Boswell racing his custom Specialized

Photo by Wahoo Fitness/Vermont Social

What’s the biggest difference for you between racing on the World Tour level and just going out and riding on your own on the gravel circuit?

I think the biggest difference is that I'm doing this because I love it. I really think the time I spent not riding, post my crash and concussion in 2019, was when I realized just how much I love riding my bike; how much positivity and health it brings to my life in so many ways. And that's kind of why I'm still doing it today. I love the people I meet and riding different areas. But it’s not a job anymore. There's no pressure to perform. I feel incredibly fortunate that I still get to travel to these events and races and make time in the day to ride.

When you were racing road events, you had several concussions including a bad one that left you with a traumatic brain injury and some vision problems. Are you fully recovered?

I would say that I am doing fairly well. I mean I am still racing, obviously. But I am not always comfortable taking turns at high speed. I don’t know whether its physiological or psychological, but I limit the risks I take. There have been numerous gravel races this year from Rooted to Unbound where I found myself off the back because I was just not willing to take on a certain level of risk. I still suffer from some visual effects, especially when I am tired or it’s been a long day on the computer, so

You recently were invited to race Migration Gravel in Kenya. What was that like?

The Amani Foundation reached out to me and a few other riders and invited us to come race this four-day, 650K gravel ride through the Maasai Mara. It’s a race to help support Kenyan riders and they really wanted us to ride our hardest so their athletes could gain experience and see what it’s like to race internationally.

It was one of the most unique and influential races I've done. It was pointto-point every day and at night we’d set up camp with these different Maasai tribes. The terrain was a mix of ParisRoubaix and mountain biking – some of it was more like an adventure race with dirt tracks or riding through grass.

And the landscape was like nothing I've ever seen before. We were up at 9,000 feet one day and then down in the Masai Mara in open grassland with elephants and giraffes and wildebeest. Just leaving at sunrise and seeing herds of wildebeest running in front of us was amazing. One time we even had to stop because they weren’t going to slow down.

imagine why people would pay money to enter and not stop for pie. We actually want people to slow down and arrive at the finish line at the same time. A couple of years ago Ansel Dickey stopped after the last aid station and went for a swim in the lake. That’s awesome. I’ve raced in so many intense races I wanted this to be about community and a ride where you could just spin and have a conversation.

You ran into someone you knew there, tell us about that?

This was a crazy story. My senior year in high school a friends’ mother was passing away with cancer. She had done a lot of work with the Maasai and a Maasai chief, Salaton, flew over to see her. He held a ceremony where we shaved our heads and he burned some grass in her honor. At Migration Gravel, the first day in camp we were sitting down and I hear the name Salaton and there he was, the same guy I had met 12 years earlier. He was the chief who was helping organize all the stays at different camps. He remembered me and the next night he cooked for us at his camp.

How do you see gravel racing evolve? Will it go the route of road and mountain bike racing and lose its grassroots feel?

To be quite frank, I think that’s inevitable as these big races are becoming more contested and people are making careers out of them. But there are so many different types of events now around the globe that there’s something for everyone, from some of the big races that get a lot of media like the Vermont Overland or Unbound or to local gravel events. But the grassroots participation model is still strong.

How does gravel riding here in Vermont compare to elsewhere?

We're spoiled in Vermont: it is the best gravel riding in the world. The SBT GRVL race in Steamboat, Colo. has this quote “The world's best gravel roads” and they have some great roads and they're very nice, but Vermont’s really are the best. The roads are well graded, the scenery is awesome—and every time I come home, I realize that.

Boswell, with the Unbound champion's belt buckle. His next stop? The Peacham Fall Fondo on Sept. 25.

Photo Wahoo/Fitness/Vermont Social

Speaking of which, your Peacham Fall Fondo is back. What are you planning this year?

We’re super excited to bring it back.

Peacham is still very grassroots and I tried to call it “Vermont’s easiest gravel ride” – which isn’t exactly accurate because there is a lot of climbing. But it’s

not a race. There’s no timing, no finish line and we actually try to slow people down. We’re bringing back the Roam Gnomes – these gnomes that we hide along Rake Factory Road with these little rakes. If you find one, you take a rake and you can bring it back for a prize. And we have the pie station at the library. I can’t

So, what’s next for you?

After Peacham, I’m taking some time off. Gretchen and I are expecting a child in December and we have a lot of stuff to do this fall – cut wood, gather apples, get the gardens put to bed. I’ve joined the volunteer fire department in Peacham, too. I’m looking forward to just staying put and being part of this community.

—L. Lynn

Get out more with

Onion River Outdoors

@onionriveroutdoors Langdon St. Montpelier, VT • (802) 225-6736 • onionriver.com

SEPT./OCT. 2021 | VTSPORTS.COM 9

4 In Smuggler's Notch, Bridget Croke dances up ENT’s classic overhanging arête, Quickbeam (5.11d). Photo by T. Peckham

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Beyond Bolton:

GREAT CLIMBS

BREAK OFF THE BEATEN ROUTES AND EXPLORE SOME OF VERMONT’S LESSER-KNOWN CLIMBING DESTINATIONS. STORY AND PHOTOS BY TRAVIS PECKHAM

10 VTSPORTS.COM | SEPT./OCT. 2021

Newport

Barton

St. Albans

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5

2

3

89

1

91

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Burlington

Stowe

2

Waterbury Montpelier

6

7 Middlebury

St. Johnsbury

8

89

Vershire

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Rutland

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Seth Maciejowski of Jericho climbs one of Black Mountain’s best cracks, Double D (5.7+)

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I

learned to climb on the spraypainted urban granite of Quincy Quarries during my junior year at Boston University. As soon as I graduated in 1993, I was excited to get back home to Vermont and try out my skills. In the Green Mountains, there seemed to be unexplored and unlimited potential for climbing. Vermont is far rockier, wilder, and more mountainous than Massachusetts.

But when I got home the question was, where to go? I had expected to find a comprehensive guidebook like those that cover the many classic areas in New Hampshire and New York. But no such guidebook existed. Vermont climbing was still largely undiscovered.

In the early 1990s the only cliff frequented by Burlington-area climbers was Lower West Bolton. We hardly needed a guidebook to memorize the area’s 30 climbs from the map Bruce Jamison made for his short Climbing article about the area. But Bolton

began to wake up, slowly at first, and many more cliffs were discovered and explored. Bolton evolved into the place to climb in Vermont, a place where everyone seemed to get their start. But I was ready to explore.

As I climbed around the state, I took notes and climbers shared their beta. This eventually turned into the 2012 publication of Vermont’s first rock climbing guidebook, Tough Schist, Rock Climbing in Northern Vermont. As I researched the book, I gained a new perspective on the state’s cliffs and a great appreciation for the wild breadth of geology in the Green Mountains. The guidebook pointed many climbers to areas outside Bolton and provided a jumping-off point for further exploration. In the following decade, hundreds of new routes were discovered, many new areas were explored, and Vermont’s climbing landscape evolved significantly.

With rumors of these new climbs

spreading, my every visit to the climbing gym or the crags would prompt a question about when the next edition of Tough Schist was coming out. I soon ran out of excuses; it was time to get to work.

I realized that I’d settled into a wellworn path of climbing almost entirely in nearby Bolton. It had been years, and in some cases over a decade, since I’d been to some of Vermont’s more remote cliffs, and a few of the newer areas I’d never been to. There was no question I needed to break out of my routine and immerse myself in the less-traveled and further-afield. The experience could not have been more rewarding.

With the Covid-19 pandemic running white hot through the country and nearly everything locked down, our lives were transformed in many challenging ways. But despite the upheaval, I was surprised to find a few silver linings.

My wife, Nancy, and our teenage kids, Flynn and Phoebe, were eager to get out of the house and join me for fieldwork and adventures within our state’s closed borders. With the kids soon off to college, exploring and documenting Vermont rock, socially-distanced in our “bubble”, was an amazing opportunity for which Nancy and I are very grateful.

We visited more areas, explored more terrain, and climbed more vertical miles than in any season I can remember—and we had a blast!

Even after climbing here for nearly 30 years, I continue to be overwhelmed by the breadth and diversity of Vermont rock. Every cliff and region is unique

Photo T . Peckham

and beautiful in its own way. When I’m asked which is my favorite, I can’t say I have one. I love them all the same— equally but in different ways. From the impeccable granite of the Northeast Kingdom to the lakeside limestone of the Champlain Valley and the wild swirling variations of schist along the Green Mountains, every crag has its own special, endearing qualities, natural beauty and compelling challenges.

So, jump off your well-worn path, get out of Bolton, and try something new.

It’s time to gain a fresh perspective on Vermont rock. These ten outstanding climbing areas, in order from north to south, are a great place to start.

1. BLACK MOUNTAIN, AVERILL Hidden in one of the most remote corners of the state, just off Route 114 and only a few miles from Norton and the Canadian border, lies Black Mountain, a shrine to the god of granite. This cliff’s surreal architecture makes it unlike any other in the Northeast. Its splitter cracks, razor-cut corners, towering arêtes, and long, technical faces are so remarkably perfect at times that they look like they were created by ancient stonemasons as some sort of a mysterious astrological monument.

Simply walking the base of the cliff will be enough to make most climbers struggle to fight off the overwhelming urge to quit their day jobs and live in a van parked here. Nowhere else in the state can this concentration of otherworldly cracks in perfect granite

SEPT./OCT. 2021 | VTSPORTS.COM 11

2

The author, climbing Wheeler's 3/8ths My Ass

But be forewarned, the first ascensionists who established many of the climbs here were forged from the bold traditional ethics of their era, and more than a few of Wheeler Mountain’s climbs feature harrowingly long runouts and dubious protection.

The perfect 90-degree arête of 3/8ths My Ass (5.10c), showcases the impeccable rock found virtually everywhere on the mountain. This classic stunner has awesome moves requiring body-English and finesse.

First-time visitors probably won’t be able to complete the half-hour approach hike to the climb without being tempted to stop for one of over a hundred other spectacular climbs passed along the way. Classics pitches like Moosehead Crack (5.7), The Right Stuff (5.9), Kingdom Crack (5.10b) and Thunder and Lightning (5.11a) will almost certainly have those new to the area throwing down their packs and breaking out their racks. Those looking for bigger adventures can step up to one of the cliff’s multi-pitch challenges like VJ’s (5.6), Whine and Cheese (5.11a), and the legendary The Great Corner (5.11a).

With one of Vermont’s largest climbing areas at your fingertips, it might be hard to break away from Wheeler, but make time to take a refreshing dip in the chilly waters of Lake Willoughby, unquestionably one

of Vermont’s most beautiful lakes. If you prefer warmer water, try the public beach at the state park at nearby Crystal Lake. Round out the day with artisan pizza at an outdoor picnic table at Parker Pie in Glover, paired with one of the elusive Hill Farmstead beers served here.

3. PROSPECT ROCK, JOHNSON The patchwork of fields and farms seen from high on Prospect Rock, off Route 15, is the perfect backdrop to a cliff with a great variety of moderate climbs.

Unlike Smugglers’ Notch, its intimidating and rugged alpine neighbor to the south, the rolling farmland of the Lamoille River valley is a tranquil pastoral setting for this laid-back schist playground. Its short scenic approach, mix of sun and shade, and variety of climbs on the easier end of the spectrum makes Prospect a perfect choice for families and those looking to learn more about climbing outdoors.

Charge the Farm (5.7) is one of the best sport climbs for the grade in northern Vermont and a mustdo when visiting the area—but don’t miss Prospector (5.8), Noeyed Deer (5.4), Bee’s Crack (5.9), Chipmunks on Espresso (5.8), and two-dozen other great routes that are sure to delight those looking for quality rock and relatively low commitment. While there aren’t many

Photo by Nancy Koenig Peckham

come close to being matched.

Cracks like Double D (5.7+), are among the area’s collection of brilliant moderates that includes Black Dreams (5.8), Traffic Jam (5.9), and Crows Fly Black (5.8+).

Those looking to step up to stout, gear-eating 5.10s will find 20 of the best pitches in New England, including perfect fingers on Wild Black (5.10c), perfect hands on The Absence of Light (5.10b), and the gruesome characterbuilding 5” offwidth, Black Plague (5.10c). But don’t make the power-line utility road’s rough 6-mile drive looking for sport climbs. Black Mountain is paradise, but almost entirely trad.

Given the time and effort needed to reach this remote crag, most climbers will want to plan on staying a few days.

Quimby Country, Vermont’s oldest sporting camp, founded in 1894, offers excellent cabins by Forest Lake and Great Averill Pond. Gene and Lilly Devlin, Quimby’s owners, are former climbers themselves, so be sure to mention that you’re there to visit Black Mountain.

Those new to climbing outdoors

12 VTSPORTS.COM | SEPT./OCT. 2021

might consider hiring Sterling Mountain Guides. Food options in the area are limited, but Chez Pidgeon in Norton is a popular spot with locals for brews and pub fare, and more options can be had in nearby Island Pond, including a local favorite, Jesse’s Little Kitchen.

2. WHEELER MOUNTAIN, WESTMORE Wheeler Mountain, just off Route 5, is the Northeast Kingdom’s crown jewel of old-school Vermont trad climbing. The amazing fine-grained granite dome has some of the state’s best—and boldest— friction climbs. With its stunning views of the deep, cold waters of Lake Willoughby and the massive, streaked walls of Mount Pisgah in the distance, the region offers a beautiful setting for some of the best climbing adventures in New England, as you will see from the photo of Mt. Hor on the cover of this magazine.

Best yet, in the fall when humidity is low, temperatures are perfect, and friction is at its best, the vast forests below the cliff offer a splendor that is beyond breathtaking.

3 Phoebe Peckham on Charge the Farm at Prospect Rock in Johnson.

Photo by T. Peckham

5

climbs harder than 5.9 at Prospect Rock, the nearby Butchers’ Crags are home to the savagely steep Under the Cleaver (5.12a), arguably the valley’s best pitch of sport climbing. Beginners and those not interested in lead climbing will find it reasonable to set up topropes on many of the area’s climbs, using mature trees and bolted anchors.

Located just a few miles from Johnson, off the Long Trail trailhead on Hog Back Road, Prospect Rock is popular with Northern Vermont University Outdoor Leadership program students, outing clubs, and the handful of climbers of Lamoille County.

While it’s common to see other climbers on mid-summer weekends, the cliff has plenty of room to spread out and is rarely crowded.

After climbing, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Lamoille River just a stone’s throw from the base, or take a short drive for a proper swim in the beautiful water of Metcalf Pond. Great beer, pizza, and pub grub can be found at Johnson’s Downtown Pizzeria and Pub a 5-minute drive from the cliff.

4. SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH, JEFFERSONVILLE/STOWE Renowned for its ice climbing and bouldering, Smugglers’ Notch has been largely overlooked by technical

rock climbers. Daunting exposure, a reputation for loose rock, steep approaches, and alpine weather all conspire to keep Smuggs off the climbing map.

But the adventurous few who’ve explored its long scree gullies have found dozens of huge buttresses with some of the wildest and most exposed climbing Vermont has to offer. Among the many cliffs in the Notch, ENT Gully is one of the best introductions to climbing in the area, with its high concentration of excellent sport climbs, short approach, and some of the steepest rock in Vermont.

ENT’s classic overhanging arête, Quickbeam (5.11d), (shown on page 10), is a jaw-dropping line that begins at the mouth of the gully, below the outrageously steep wall that forms the left side of this deep slot canyon. Stickclip the first bolt and boulder up to a huge triangular jug notched out of the arête, a perfect place to look straight up the line and contemplate the battle to come. Charge up incut holds, and as the pump builds, unlock an unlikely kneebar to catch a quick shake before the final crux.

After cruising Quickbeam, continue the savage forearm workout with Bark of the Bull (5.10d), Joel’s Bolts (5.11a), Fangorn (5.12a), and Massing up Vermont (5.12b), some of the Notch’s

best sport climbs. Don’t forget to bring a third person to take epic photos of your sends from high in the gully.

When your tired forearms have nothing left to give, drop down Route 108 toward Jeffersonville and relax in the cool pools of the Brewster River gorge on Canyon Road before enjoying fresh brewed beer and excellent pub fare at Brewster River Pub and Brewery.

On the Stowe side of the Notch, plunge into the gorgeous emerald pools below Bingham Falls, before winding down at von Trapp Bierhall, Idletyme Brewing, Stowe Cider, or Alchemist Brewery, home of the double-IPA, Heady Topper.

5. LONE ROCK POINT, BURLINGTON If you thought Vermont was nothing but schist and granite—guess again.

Lone Rock Point’s steep lakeside limestone stands apart from other area crags. Its Dunham dolomite rock offers a climbing experience unlike any other this side of Rifle, Colo.

Just minutes from downtown Burlington just past North Beach on the shores of Lake Champlain, Lone Rock is home to many of Vermont’s hardest, most powerful and beta-intensive sport climbs. Bring a long stick clip and sticky rubber knee pads, and get ready to try very, very hard.

Peter Clark, shown above working through the challenging upper cruxes

Lone Rock Point, in Burlington, is for strong climbers like Peter Clark, shown here crushing The Swordsman (5.13d). Photo by T. Peckham

of The Swordsman (5.13d), has been a regular at the cliff and has established many of the cliff’s routes and variations.

His efforts as a representative of CRAGVT have also been essential to forming a lasting access partnership between climbers and the Episcopal Diocese, the cliff’s landowner. Clark’s other routes at Lone Rock are some of its finest and include Liquid Swords (5.13b), Proto Sloth (5.13b), and the future classic (and possibly the longest-named route in Vermont) Terror Wolf: The Howling Undead Warrior (5.13c).

Don’t come to this savagely overhanging bluff looking for moderates, the area only has two routes easier than 5.12. But if you’re prepared to climb some of Vermont’s most powerful lines, you won’t go wrong with a visit to the lake.

When the sun swings onto the cliff in the mid-afternoon, and temperatures become less than ideal for hard sending, cool off in the lake and bask in the sun on the boulders below the cliff, or take a short walk over to the south side of the point to North Beach.

When it’s time for dinner, ride your bike back into town on the nearby Burlington bike path, where freshly tapped beers can be found at Foam Brewing. Pedal a few minutes further for waterfront views, live music, and crepes at the Skinny Pancake.

SEPT./OCT. 2021 | VTSPORTS.COM 13

(5.11a), and other classic lines offer options to round out a very full day.

Those looking to challenge themselves with some of the region’s hardest sport climbs will want to find their way to High Grade Ledge.

Spectacularly perched hundreds of feet above the forest, this fierce overhanging face hosts nearly a dozen legendary routes and variations that are 5.13 and harder. Don’t miss Vounilla (5.13b), reputed to be one of the most truly unique climbing experiences in New England.

Camping in nearby Stillwater State Park on Lake Groton is one of the best ways to enjoy the area. Wonderful swimming and paddling in the 422acre lake provide a great way to cool down if your feet get a little too hot on Marshfield’s slabs. Big Deer Mountain has excellent trail running and the Cross Vermont Trail puts one of the state’s longest bike routes right at your campsite. While peregrine falcons and oppressive heat close most of this south-facing cliff until August, the climbing at nearby Owl’s Head and Spice Mountain is also good fun and provides more options for those visiting the park in mid-summer.

6

7. APP GAP, WAITSFIELD

Flynn Peckham flies up The Swarm (5.10a) at Marshfield Ledge.

6. MARSHFIELD LEDGE, GROTON STATE FOREST Groton State Forest hosts some of the state’s most amazing and least-visited climbing areas, and of these Marshfield Ledge is the best. Rising 400 feet from the beautiful forests below, this half-mile-wide granite dome offers trad and sport climbing with grades from 5.6 to 5.14. Unlike many areas in the Northeast which sit perched over highways and towns, Marshfield Ledge

14 VTSPORTS.COM | SEPT./OCT. 2021

Photo by T. Peckham

has almost no human development within sight. The expansive views from high on the cliff showcase a vast expanse of unbroken forests, wetlands, and mountains. If you’re looking for great multi-pitch routes, bullet-hard granite, and transcendent tranquility, Marshfield Ledge is for you.

The Swarm (5.10a), climbed in the photo above by Flynn Peckham, is a perfect introduction to over 60 other climbs at Marshfield Ledge. With

technical friction, cracks, corners, and edgy vertical faces, this route has it all. Intensity builds over the route’s three-pitches (5.8, 5.9, and 5.10a) and culminates in a cruxy pull over a steep roof at the very top of the cliff Most climbers won’t complain about the comfortable belays and good protection, and after rappelling down, they’ll be hungry for more. Nearby Nip Tuck (5.9+ PG), Marshfield Corners (5.10b), Bidin’ Time (5.10c), Parula

Route 17’s beautiful high-mountain pass between Mount Ellen and Camel’s Hump links the Mad River Valley and Huntington, Bristol and Hinesburg on the western side of the Greens. At the top of the pass, rocky outcroppings emerge temptingly from the steep slopes, hinting at the potential that might be hidden in these hills. Dropping down the west side of the pass, the striking buttress of Road Wall is enough to make passing drivers crane their necks and struggle to keep their cars on the road as they wonder. “Is there any climbing up here?” The answer is “yes”.

Appalachian Gap, or “App Gap” as it is more commonly known, has tempted climbers for decades, but it has only recently gathered any momentum as a summertime cragging area. Here Derek Doucet recently did a first ascent of a new unnamed 5.11d route wedged in a unique cleft behind a prominent outcropping north of the parking area.

Doucet’s new route is but one of the 25 great climbs scattered about on the numerous small crags in the area.

The gap’s shade and high elevation makes it one of Vermont’s best warm-weather destinations, and its concentration of 5.10s, a balanced blend of trad and sport, appeal to experienced climbers.

When visiting App Gap, don’t miss some of my favorites, Two Hoots for You (5.9), On the Road (5.10d), The Homeless’ Guide to Phoenix (5.10d),

7

8

Derek Doucet, above left, on the first ascent of an unnamed 5.11d route on App Gap, just north of the parking area. Right, local Matt Severson on home turf at Eagle Hollow's Turkey Shoot (5.7+ PG).

Severance Crack (5.11a), Swole Gibbon (5.11c), and Vespa (5.12a).

When your forearms can’t hold onto the vertical walls of the gap anymore, jump on the Long Trail, north or south, and enjoy a classic stretch of Vermont’s famous footpath in the wilderness.

After the sun sets over the Adirondacks, drop down to Waitsfield to the east for a brew at Lawson’s Finest Liquids, a meal at The Mad Taco orStoke Ramen in Waitsfield. Or head west to Bristol to refuel and unwind, at The Bobcat Café and Brewery.

8. EAGLE HOLLOW, VERSHIRE How the proud cliffs of Vershire’s Eagle Hollow, on Route 113 about 30 miles northwest of Norwich, were all-butforgotten by most climbers remains a mystery.

While much of the cliff’s early history is lost to the mists of time, climbing here dates back to at least the 1960s, and its use as a training ground for the Dartmouth Mountaineering Club (DMC) may bring its history back even further. It seems likely that mountaineering legend Jack Durrance,

who founded the DMC in 1936, made the half-hour drive from Hanover to hone his skills here before his 1938 first ascent of Devil’s Tower in Wyoming Ancient pitons scattered around the wall, some clearly homemade and experimental, offer evidence of a long and mysterious past filled with thrills, spills, and good times. With the emergence of sport climbing in the 1990s, Bolton and Rumney became ascendant and Eagle Hollow, an old bastion of schist trad climbing, fell into the shadows. But this excellent cliff is

Photos by T. Peckham

long overdue for a renaissance.

Matt Severson of Vershire, shown above climbing the classic 200’ corner, Turkey Shoot (5.7+ PG), began exploring and rediscovering Eagle Hollow in 2018. While it was obvious that many of the climbs here hadn’t been led in years, Severson was inspired by the area’s potential. He quickly repeated many of the area’s old trad classics, then moved on to establish a flurry of new sport routes, destined to become future classics. Two of his best routes— Left Back, Let Down

SEPT./OCT. 2021 | VTSPORTS.COM 15

(5.10a) and Alt-Right-Delete (5.9) — have ample protection and sustained climbing up the tallest part of the cliff.

Severson was soon joined by Morgan Patterson of Hanover, NH, and they and their partners inspired the quality lines of Eagle Horns (5.10b), Eaglet (5.10b), Shoo-B-Doop (5.5), and Trash Talking Turkeys (5.10a). Severson also discovered Lasso Ledge, a second cliff nearby, that is now stacked with terrific 5.7 to 5.11 sport climbing. This new crag will certainly reinvigorate interest in this long-lost area.

While the immediate area around Eagle Hollow doesn’t offer many amenities for the visiting climber, Montpelier is about a half-hour away.

Pho Capital, Pho Thai Express, The Hippy Chickpea, Positive Pie, and The Mad Taco, are all great options sure to satisfy hungry climbers after a long day at the crag.

The author making his way to the summit of Finger Rock at Brandon Gap, one of the few freestanding spires in the East. Photo by Flynn Peckham

9

9. BRANDON GAP, GOSHEN Along the winding curves of Route 73, between Brandon and Rochester, impressive cliffs and boulders decorate the southern slopes of Mount Horrid near the top of Brandon Gap. The Great Cliff, with its huge overhangs, looms above and invites climbers to explore its steep faces. Below, the wild spires of Finger Rock and the Crow’s Nest stand out proudly from the surrounding jumble, begging to be climbed. These massive, detached spikes are some of the East’s few free-standing spires and offer a rare opportunity to bag a technical summit.

The spire’s eponymous route, Finger Rock (5.10d) (shown at right), is a steep bold line first established on aid by Stanley Rydjeski and Ed Clark in 1982. A shallow groove on smooth rock leads straight up through a series of difficult cruxes before a tough pull onto the right shoulder of the spire leads to an easy romp to the narrow summit.

Enjoy the well-earned views from the top, then catch up on the history of Finger Rock ascents in the tattered summit register. After rappelling off, run a lap on the spire’s other route, Buzzard Bait (5.11a) before warming down on Birds of Prey (5.7+ PG) and West Face (5.6) on the Crow’s Nest.

Like Smuggler’s Notch and several cliffs in the Northeast Kingdom, Brandon Gap is home to nesting peregrine falcons, and the cliffs are typically closed until the beginning of August when the birds fledge.

Many rare and sensitive plants can also be found in the Gap, and visitors should be careful to minimize their impact on the ecology. Respecting these unique ecosystems is not only important to preserving the natural world, but also helps ensure that climbers will continue

16 VTSPORTS.COM | SEPT./OCT. 2021

to be welcome on these and other state lands in the future. When visiting the area, please tread lightly and respect the wild things that live here.

After you put the ropes away, explore

the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, camp at Silver Lake or head to Brandon for the deliciously strong ales at Foley Brothers Brewing or a meal on the terrace at Café Provence.

10. DEER LEAP, KILLINGTON Perched above The Inn at the Long Trail at the very top of Sherburne Pass on Route 4 in Killington, the proud crest of Deer Leap has tempted climbers for over

10

Travis Peckham taking in the scenery on The Perfect Pint (5.7 PG) at Deer Leap, just a short hike from Route 4 near Killington. Photo by Flynn Peckham

65 years. The cliff’s first known pioneers were Arni Kirbach and Carl Acker with their ascent of Center Crack in 1946.

Their ascent drew a crowd of spectators from the inn below the cliff who came out to watch the drama unfold. The audience was given quite a show as Kirbach reportedly took a ten-footer onto a softiron piton and then, after gathering his wits, continued to the top of the cliff with cheers and car horns tooting from below.

Over the years, many more parties explored the area, but while its history is certainly as rich and colorful as any

Vermont crag, very few stories survive other than this classic anecdote.

Today, Deer Leap continues to entertain with its excellent variety of trad, sport, and toprope climbs on some of Vermont’s best schist. Its excellent views of Pico Mountain and the Adirondacks provide a airy alpine atmosphere just a few steps from the road.

While there are a few good sport climbs at Deer Leap, like The Far Side (5.8) and Darkside (5.9), the best thing about this cliff is its trad climbing. Long, outstanding lines like The Tree (5.4),

Center Crack (5.7), The Monkey (5.8), and Celibacy (5.9+) are some of the best pitches on Vermont schist and should not be missed.

The Perfect Pint (5.7 PG), another excellent line (see photo), follows a steep path of positive incut edges up the right side of Deer Leap’s main cliff. The protection on this route isn’t everything one might want, but the climbing feels secure and gear-eating cracks and slots seem to magically appear when needed.

After a full day of sampling some of the cliff’s 48 routes, grab a pint of Guinness

at McGrath’s Irish Pub at the Inn at the Long Trail below the cliff. Follow up beers with bangers and other Irish pub fare. If stouts and sausages aren’t to your liking, drop down Route 4 on the west side of Sherburne Pass and visit Rutland Beer Works or Hop’n Moose in Rutland.

Travis Peckham’s guidebook, Vermont Climber’s Guide, is publication in spring vermontrock802 for book’s release.

second edition Rock: A Rock scheduled for 2022. Follow @ updates on the

SEPT./OCT. 2021 | VTSPORTS.COM 17

The Keepers of The

MOOSALAMOO IN 1971, THE CLARK FAMILY OPENED A SMALL INN AND OUTDOOR CENTER IN GOSHEN, VT. IN THE 50 YEARS SINCE, THEY’VE HELPED MAKE THE MOOSALAMOO NATIONAL RECREATION AREA THE PLAYGROUND THAT IT IS.

O

n a warm evening Britta Clark assembles pizzas at a folding table near the pond at Goshen’s Blueberry Hill Inn. Her brother Oliver slides them into the outdoor pizza oven.

Their parents, innkeepers Tony and Shari, wander around chatting with guests.

Near the pond, a firepit smolders.

Children chase each other through rows of blueberry bushes popping ripe berries in their mouths as they go. The boughs of the apple trees are already hanging low with ripening fruit.

The setting sun glints through the leaves. The sounds of a fiddle come from a grove where the bluegrass band

BY LISA LYNN Bloodroot Gap has set up beneath a tent. The audience – largely locals —sits around in folding chairs, tapping feet and munching on pizza, all you can eat for $20.

The house salad is locally grown, and the ice cream is from lu.lu. of Vergennes.

Surrounded by open fields and a big western sky, the gardens and grounds of the Blueberry Hill Inn are about as idyllic as Vermont gets.

But Blueberry Hill Inn could be any inn, on any dirt road in Vermont. What sets it apart are the trails that lead around and away from the inn’s own 60 acres.

Some meander down to the quiet waters of Silver Lake and its 15 campsites. Other trails continue on to the thundering Falls

An eagle-eye view of some of the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area: Silver Lake with Mt. Moosalamoo to the north, Chandler Ridge to the west and a glimpse of Lake Dunmore. Photo by Caleb Kenna

18 VTSPORTS.COM | SEPT./OCT. 2021

of Lana, or to Branbury State Park and its beach on Lake Dunmore. Some trek up Mt. Moosalamoo, named by the Abenaki “Mozalamo” or “call of the moose,” and Rattlesnake Cliffs.

Other trails around the inn are mowed clean of nettles. Wide enough for two to run side by side, they wind through the forest and across wild blueberry fields or up the steeps of Romance Mountain.

These trails, maintained by the inn, have hosted some of the toughest endurance events in the East, including the nowdefunct 60K American Ski Marathon, the Moosalamoo Marathon, the current 888k Infinitus and its shorter races that span a week of events, and the local

favorite — the Goshen Gallop 10K and 5K trail runs which have gone on for four decades.

These trails have also produced some of the most accomplished endurance athletes in the state. Chris “Flash” Clark grew up skiing here and nearly made the 1994 Olympic cross-country team.

Now Britta Clark, his half-sister, is one of the country’s top trail runners.

In August, the 27-year-old placed second in the USATF Trail Running Championships, running the Ragged Mountain (N.H.) 50K in 5:47. Earlier this season, she also finished second at the

Catamount Ultra and won the marathon distance of Infinitus on her home turf, placing 3rd overall for men and women.

“I think I got into trail running when I moved back here after college,” she says.

“Now, I’ve run every trail around here.”

Which is saying something as there are over 70 miles of trails that crisscross the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, a playground of 16,000 acres made up of Green Mountain National Forest and pockets of private land. The Moosalamoo comprises a rectangle formed by the Long Trail to the east, Lake Dunmore to the west and bordered by Route 125 to the north and Route 73 to the south. To the north, it sidles up to the Breadloaf Wilderness. Most of it sits within the 400,000-acre Green Mountain National Forest.

And what sets Blueberry Hill apart is that the Clark family has helped to preserve the trails and the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, one of just 44 such areas in the country, as a relatively undiscovered playground.

It is a playground that Britta is now looking to share with a new generation.

REBUILDING A SKI AREA In 2004, Britta’s father, Tony Clark, was instrumental in getting the Moosalamoo region nominated for a World Legacy Award. Then, in 2006, he helped get the Moosalamoo designated a National Recreation Area, one of two in the state (White Rocks NRA, near Bennington, is the other) and just 44 in the U.S. Peter Miller, the Colbyville, Vt, photographer and author once described Tony as “Not as big as he is strapping, a ruddy-cheeked outdoorsy type who looks like he was brought up on Yorkshire Pudding, bubble and squeak, Harris Tweed jackets and hikes in the mountains.”

That description still apt though Tony is now a fit 77. But the image of the affable British innkeeper with a cultured Old World demeanor undercuts the quiet intensity with which he pursues just about anything that catches his interest: from innkeeping to cross-country skiing, from cutting trails to preserving a piece of

Vermont for future generations.

A Welshman and son of a wine exporter, Tony grew up in Bordeaux, France. He came to the U.S. in 1964 to visit his brother who was studying at Harvard. He ended up staying to teach French at Eaglebrook School in Deerfield, Ma. There, he met his wife, Martha, a fellow teacher. “She was the one who found the farm in Vermont and brought me here,” he says. That was in 1968.

“Back then, Vermont was attracting all sorts of back-to-the-landers and farmers – sort of like it is today,” he recalls.

Blueberry Hill was in shambles at the time. It had been the site of an old inn and small ski area with two rope tows: one on a beginner slope and another running up the steeps of Hogback Mountain. The carcass of an old truck that once powered a tow still sits in a clearing. “There were abandoned cars everywhere, the inn’s pipes were frozen. The sewage pipes

actually ran through the hulk of an old buried car,” Tony recalls.

The couple had a vision to restore the place and to be a part of the local community. “We had every animal you could imagine… chickens, donkey, you name it,” Tony remembers. There were three working dairy farms in the area.

Bingo night in the tiny town of Goshen (current population 160) was the monthly gathering spot for the neighbors.

The Clarks went to work renovating the 1813 clapboard farmhouse and former inn and reopened it for business, along with the Outdoor Center, in 1971.

A conversation with Johannes von Trapp of the Trapp Family Lodge inspired Tony to ski more himself and to start cutting cross country trails. “I remember some nights being out there grooming trails at 2 a.m. and looking back at the tracks and thinking they were too beautiful to be skied on,” he says.

Pretty soon the U.S. Forest Service paid a visit to inform the Clarks that some

SEPT./OCT. 2021 | VTSPORTS.COM 19

of the trails were actually on public land.

“We hadn’t a clue,” Tony remembers.

That resulted in a friendly discussion, the first special-use permit by the USFS in Vermont, and an ongoing partnership to bring recreation to the area.

At the time Nordic skiing was growing and other than the Trapp Family Lodge, Viking Nordic Center and Woodstock Inn, there were no other cross-country ski areas in Vermont. “Pretty soon we were packed with skiers. We had 300 pairs of rentals,” Tony recalls.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Blueberry Hill saw 8,000 to 10,000 skier days a season. Blueberry Hill’s ski touring teaching program catered to more than 1,500 local schoolkids. As an offering to the neighbors, all Goshen residents and all school children who lived within a 20mile radius, skied for free.

The Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center, a large barn-like structure across the dirt road, began hosting races. They ranged from the down-home invitational Pig Race (ending with a pig roast at the Inn), to the highly competitive Dannon Series, to the 60K American Marathon, sponsored by Hennessy Cognac. That race, one of the longest in the U.S. at the time, drew over 1,000 competitors in its heyday, thanks to the fact that you could opt to ski just 20K (to the Breadloaf Campus) and earn a bronze medal, or go 40K for a silver, or ski 60K all the way back to the Otter Valley High School in Brandon for a gold.

Participants in the first event in 1978 boarded 22 buses at the Otter Valley High School in Brandon and headed to the start in South Lincoln, where John Caldwell presided as race director and then-Lt. Gov. Madeline Kunin was slated to ring the start bell. The course followed the VAST trails, parts of the Catamount Trail, the Rikert Nordic trails and the Blueberry Hill trails. The race became part of The Great American Chase series and continued for more than 10 years. By 1986, Tony had inspired local volunteers to bake goods and serve them at aid stations along the way.

“Back then there were plenty of volunteers and sponsorship money for that sort of race,” Tony remembered, “and we had snow!” But soon more ski areas began to come online. Sponsorship money became scarce. Volunteers grew tired. Winter snow cover began to dwindle. Tony and Martha parted ways.

PRESERVING THE REGION Shari Brown was 24 and on an inn-toinn hiking tour with her aunt when she first came to Blueberry Hill Inn. “Tony offered me a job then – he offered everyone a job, back then. And still does,” she adds with a laugh. She took it and started in 1987. Shari had a degree in tourism and recreation management

20 VTSPORTS.COM | SEPT./OCT. 2021

Built in 1813 and later the home of an inn and a small ski area, Blueberry Hill Inn was in shambles when the Clarks bought it in 1968.

On a Pizza by the Pond night (Sept. 9, 17 and 23), you will find Tony, Britta, Shari and Oliver, all helping out as a band plays in the blueberry patch. Photo by L. Lynn

and an interest in gardening. She became Tony’s partner in all senses and began planting the sunflowers, the phlox and the profuse garden beds that cocoon the inn all summer. Soon daughter Britta and then son Oliver arrived.

While the winter ski business began to dwindle, the inn’s visitors continued to come and raved about the inn, the grounds and the surrounding forests and lakes of the Moosalamoo.

It was a region that Tony was already setting out to preserve. In 1989, he gathered representatives from Branbury State Park, the U.S Forest Service, the local utility (then CVPS, now GMP), chambers of commerce and other inns to create a single map of the region, showing all the trails. They also formed the Moosalamoo Partnership. Soon the organization was applying for grants, building trail signs and interpretive

panels and promoting the region.

“It must have been one of our guests who nominated us for the award,” Tony, a subtle master of promotion, says demurely referring to the World Legacy Award.

The World Legacy Awards were put on by Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler, and presided over by Queen Noor, of Jordan.

In 2004, the Moosalamoo region was one of 12 finalists worldwide for the awards, which recognize the sustainable stewardship of exceptional destinations.

The ultimate winner was a volcano in Lombok, Indonesia.

With that award nomination, Tony brought the Moosalamoo to the attention of Sen. Patrick Leahy and Sen. Jim Jeffords, pointing out the immense recreation opportunities the area offered, all within a 5 hour drive of 80 million

Photo by Lisa Lynn

people. “One day I get this call: Meet the Senator at the airport,” Tony says.

Soon, he, Sen. Jeffords and his aide were flying over the Green Mountains. “It was spectacular: Imagine me, an innkeeper, flying in a private plane with a U.S. Senator,” he says modestly. “When we landed, Jeffords says, ‘Tony, you got your National Recreation Area.’”

In 2006, George W. Bush signed the New England Wilderness Act, which designated the Moosalamoo as a National Recreation Area.

With that designation came federal funds. Maps were produced. Signs went up. More than 40 bluebird houses were installed and a birding guide to the area was produced. Apple trees were planted and the wild blueberry fields maintained.

The trail network was expanded.

But then, in 2008, heavy rains demolished many of the bridges that were key to the cross country ski network and to the Robert Frost Trail and they also flooded the popular Leicester Hollow area washing out the trail. Three years later, Hurricane Irene destroyed more trails and even tiny Dutton Brook, which flows near the inn, rose 8 feet, washing out the road.

“It was just too expensive to rebuild the bridges,” Tony recalls. Without the bridges, they couldn’t groom the ski trails.

The area became more of a backcountry touring destination. “It’s funny how things come full-circle,” Tony muses.

But other trails in the Moosalamoo continued to be developed. Patrick Kell, then executive director of Vermont Mountain Biking Association (VMBA), led a $150,000 effort, fueled by

Racers stop at an aid station on the trails at Blueberry Hill during one of the 60K American Ski Marathons, that went from Lincoln to Brandon in the early 1980s. Photo by Dennis Yeandle 500

VT 1 16

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2500

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Long Trail

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2,625 ft

Sugar Hill Reservoir

Sugar Hill

500

Mtn. WorthMtn. Worth

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150

Branbury State Park Falls of Lana Silver Lake

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Romance Mtn. Romance Mtn.

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1500

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Cape Mtn. Lookoff Mtn. CapeLookoff

Mt. Horrid

2500

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500

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Summer Parking

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2500

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“I do feel some regret for what we built,” Tony Clark admits, as he sits in the nowquiet dining room of the inn, facing a massive stone fireplace, a plate of the Blueberry Hill’s famous cookies and lemon squares before him on the table.

“The sense of town spirit we first saw here no longer exists. If you look up and down the road now you see second homes. They belong to perfectly nice people — many who stayed at our inn— but they don’t live here year-round, they are not part of the community,” he laments. “There are no more dilapidated cars in the fields. It’s become all rather twee,” he says with wry chagrin. This from the innkeeper whose grandfather made a business out of selling marzipanstuffed prunes.

But then he brightens. “But farms are coming back – we now have a goat dairy farm here,” he says, referring to Ice House Farm just down the GoshenRipton Road, which produces yogurts.

Republic of Vermont, which produces local honey and maple syrup is also right down the road.

Still, Tony recognizes the successes that the Moosalamoo Association and its supporters have accomplished. RJ Thompson, of Vermont Huts Association, sits on the Moosalamoo Association board and sees the opportunity for a backcountry hut in the Moosalamoo, a location that’s close to the Brandon Gap ski trails and the proposed Velomont Trail. Moosalamoo Association board president Angelo Lynn has been working with Middlebury College to see if the area

Ripton

00

manual labor from the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, to build a 10-mile singletrack loop starting at Silver Lake, following the ridgeline of Chandler Ridge overlooking Lake Dunmore. And in 2014, crews finished work on a 7.6mile section of the Oak Ridge Trail, off of Route 125.

That Oak Ridge trail has since been extended as a mountain biking trail all the way to the Moosalamoo campground with new flowy sections and a one-mile loop around the campground.

“Our goal is to eventually connect the Oak Ridge Trail to Chandler Ridge,” says Sue Hoxie, the executive director of the Moosalamoo Association. Just two miles remain. The challenge is finding a way to cross either a deep ravine or wetlands, and a small chunk of land owned by Green Mountain Power. But a solution appears to be at hand. Once connected, the Moosalamoo would have one of the longest continuous point-to-point singletrack trails in the state, running close to 20 miles from Route 125 to Route 73. There are plans in place as well to map a Grand Tour of 25 miles of trails and Class 4 roads that would be a pointto-point.

Gap Brandon BrandonGap 1/2

1 mile

CONTOUR INTERVAL 100 FEET

2500

To Brandon 3000

Sunrise Shelter

Map by Dan Barnes & Anna Cerf, Middlebury College, and Elsie Lynn Parini, The Addison Independent for the Moosalamoo Association, 2019. Source Data: GMNF, 2014.

The 16,000 acre Moosalamoo NRA defined by Lake Dunmore to the west, the Long Trail to the east and the land between Routes 125 (Middlebury Gap) and Route 73 (Brandon Gap) Courtesy Moosalamoo Association

can qualify for a nationally recognized Dark Sky designation. Ashar Nelson, another board member and president of the Addison County Bike Club, has been working on plans to connect the Chandler Ridge and Oak Ridge trails. The new North Country Trail, which starts in North Dakota, is slated to run 4,700 miles with its last section crossing the Moosalamoo to connect to the Long Trail.

In 2017, Senator Leahy wrangled a clause into the appropriations bill designed to provide annual funding to all NRAs established since 1997. That amounted to three: the Moosamaloo National Recreation Area, the Mt.

Hood National Recreation Area and the Land Between the Lakes, in Kentucky and Tennessee. It was one thing that Sen. Leahy and Kentucky’s Sen. Mitch McConnell, could agree on. Since then, it has funneled more than $1.5 million to the U.S. Forest Service to maintain and upgrade parts of the Moosalamoo.

In spring of 2021, Sen. Leahy presided over the reopening of the Robert Frost Trail, now the state’s second-longest universally accessible trail. The trail, with more than a quarter-mile of raised boardwalk made of durable materials, cost nearly $650,000 to build.

“The Frost Trail is just one of a large

number of superb and widely diverse recreational opportunities available within the area, at an accessible ‘Vermont scale’ that can be enjoyed by all,” Sen. Leahy said at time.

And Britta Clark has a vision for the Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center to become the visitor center to access the region — an educational outpost and entry point.

In 2020, the Center became a non-profit.

Trail fees no longer exist, but donations are encouraged.

Britta is both a product of the Moosalamoo and, to an extent, the future of it. After graduating from Bates, she has been working on her Ph.D. at Harvard in political philosophy with a narrower focus on what she says is “intergenerational justice with a specific focus on climate-change related questions.” It’s a field of study she says, “is pertinent to our present environmental moment and to this space and making sure it’s around for future generations and accessible to them.”

Britta returned to Vermont in 2018 after spending two years completing a Fulbright scholarship in New Zealand.

Her master’s thesis focused on New Zealand Parliament’s 2017 passage of the Whanganui River Settlement Bill.

The bill granted legal personhood to the Whanganui River and in doing so gave the river all the rights, powers, duties and liabilities of a legal person. It’s a field of study that’s impacted her way of thinking.

“A lot of contemporary political philosophy doesn’t take quite take seriously the idea that there are particular places where justice demands that those places are kept around continuously.

It can’t quite accommodate the idea that ‘this place’ – be it Blueberry Hill or a people’s ancestral homeland, or say the Arctic Wildlife Refuge – that these particular places, ought to stick around,” she says.

She sees herself staying involved, perhaps finding a teaching job in Vermont, and making sure that Blueberry Hill and the Moosalamoo are there for future generations. She’s seen trail use double during the Covid pandemic and more gravel riders and bikepackers come through than ever before. She’s in talks with groups about establishing a bikepacking event or a gravel race.

But there’s a higher calling, as well.

“These days I’m more concerned about the economic and social impacts of climate change. These impacts, along with changes in weather patterns, will result in less snow, making accessing nature more difficult,” she says.

“There are a lot of local kids who have never skied. I think those are the people whom I would like to see here,” she adds.

SEPT./OCT. 2021 | VTSPORTS.COM 21

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3. CLIMB A SPIRE Just below the Long Trail and Mt. Horrid, Brandon Gap is home to the East’s few free-standing spires. You’ll need to know how to climb, but if you do, it’s a challenging route with stunning views to reward you. See Travis Peckham’s description of the routes on page 18.

4. CAMP LAKESIDE OR ON A FLOW TRAIL

Things to do In the moosalamoo Designated for outdoor recreation and home to lakes, waterfalls, mountains and trails, the 16,000-acre Moosalamoo National Recreation Area is a gem that many Vermonters have yet to discover. Here are 10 ways to enjoy it.

Looking out over Lake Dunmore toward the Adirondacks from Lenny's Overlook.

Photo by Caleb Kenna

1. HIKE TO A VIEW With its western-facing slopes and cliff bands, the Moosalamoo has some of the most spectacular hike-to views in the state. An easy, three-mile round trip hike from the Silver Lake/Falls of Lana parking area on Route 53 takes you past the 40-foot cascades and puts you at Lenny’s Overlook. From the cleared cliff, look west across Lake Dunmore to the Adirondacks. An even better version of this view is from Rattlesnake Cliffs, off the Aunt Jenny Trail, though it’s a mile or so longer. For southwestern views of Brandon Gap (and the backcountry ski

glades just across Route 73), hike the Long Trail up to Mt. Horrid. And head up Hogback, a three-mile round trip from Blueberry Hill, for an overlook of the whole National Recreation Area.

2. TAKE A MEANINGFUL WALK This past spring, Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy helped dedicate the new boardwalk and renovated section of the Robert Frost Trail, the second-longest universally accessible trail in the state. The trail sits just off Route 125, near the cabin where Frost lived and wrote while he

was teaching at Middlebury College. The nearly one-mile trail traverses marshlands, rivers and bits of forest. Along the way, some of Frost’s best-known poems are posted at key lookouts. Farther up 125, make a right on the Goshen-Ripton Road and you will come to the Spirit of Nature Trails, inspired by the Dalai Lama’s 1997 visit to Middlebury. The paths are short (0.7 to 1.5 miles long) and include posted sayings “to remind you how deeply connected faith tradition is to nature.”

At the center is a large 60-foot diameter circle surrounded by towering white pines.

Within the Moosalamoo are two campsites, plus one just across Route 53 at Branbury State Park. That state park sits on the shores of Lake Dunmore, has a long stretch of beach, campsites and cabins. The Green Mountain National Forest manages two campgrounds within the MNRA (pay $10 and reserve at recreation.gov). Silver Lake, just a 1.5- mile hike from the Falls of Lana parking area, or 0.6 miles down from the Goshen trailhead, boasts some of the prettiest and least-crowded waterfront campsites in the state—but be forewarned there is no drinking water or showers. Set on the shores of the lake in pine groves, the 15 campsites have picnic tables, grills or fire rings, and privies nearby. Families with young mountain bikers should head to the drive-in Moosalamoo Campground, which has a pump track and a mile-long flow trail that circles the campsite. It connects to the Oak Ridge Trail up Mount Moosalamoo, a challenging ride for those with experience. In the midst of the woods is a clearing at Voter Brook Overlook for a view southwest. You can also camp anywhere in the Green Mountain National Forest, but stay at least 200 feet from roads, trails, and bodies of water.

5. MOUNTAIN BIKE POINT TO POINT Unlike most of Vermont’s loop-ridden trail networks, the Moosalamoo is geared for point-to-point travel featuring old-school style trails with a few newer flow trails mixed in. The technical Chandler Ridge Trail runs the ridgeline just west of Silver Lake and overlooks Lake Dunmore. You can ride Chandler Ridge from Silver Lake 4.8 miles and then return by the Leicester Hollow Trail for about a 10-mile loop. The other distance trail that has recently been

Senator Leahy (in blue) at the reopening of the Robert Frost Trail; one of 15 waterfront campsites at Silver Lake; and mountain biking the Chandler Ridge Trail. Photos by L. Lynn, U.S. Forest Service, Brian Mohr/EmberPhoto

22 VTSPORTS.COM | SEPT./OCT. 2021

The Moosalamoo is home to some of the state's best trail runs and races, as well as the only maintained wild blueberry management areas. Yes, the picking is free. Photos by William Haig

by every type of skiing. Within it, you can ski tour the Catamount Trail, the quiet ungroomed trails of Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center or explore the backside of Mt. Moosalamoo, an area that David Goodman includes in his new edition of

upgraded, the Oak Ridge Trail, starts at Route 125 in Ripton and climbs more than 7 miles around Mt. Moosalamoo ending at the Moosalamoo Campground (or vice-versa). The campground also boasts a new flowy 1-mile loop trail that encircles the campground and is a good warm-up and a small pump track for kids. The Moosalamoo Association is also currently mapping a Grand Tour route of 25 miles that connects singletrack and dirt roads.

Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast: 50 Classic Ski Tours.

9. FORAGE & BIRD

6. RUN, RACE OR DO A TRI There are more than 70 miles of trails throughout the Moosamaloo, but the ones most often used by runners are around Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center. These are generally well maintained, mowed, free of nettles and have good surfaces. Some of the popular races are held out of the Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center each July.

These include the annual Goshen Gallop 10K or 5k, the Moosalamoo Ultra 36- or 14-mile races, and Infinitus – a weeklong series of races from 8K to 888K. Throughout the summer, the Vermont Sun Triathlon Series hosts races out of Branbury State Park. Vermont Sun events kick off with a half marathon in May on roads around Lake Dunmore.

Sugar Hill Reservoir in Goshen will be refilled in November and ready to paddle. Photo by Caleb Kenna

8. SKI, XC OR BACKCOUNTRY SKI With lift-served skiing at the Middlebury College Snow Bowl, the groomed crosscountry tracks of Rikert Nordic Center, just north of the MNRA, and the backcountry glades of Brandon Gap across Route 73 to the south, the Moosalamoo is bordered

With its wide variety of ecosystems, the Moosalamoo has an unmatched natural bounty. In the fall, hunters use the network of trails to look for deer. Mushrooms have been prolific in the woody areas, inspiring local forager Meg Madden to document them on her Instagram page, @ megmaddendesign. The Green Mountain National Forest even maintains two wild blueberry picking areas in Goshen. In late summer these are a favorite for bears and humans alike. Come spring, ramps are pop up throughout the area. The Moosalamoo Association also publishes a birding checklist with more than 150 species that make the area home including loons, eagles and peregrine falcons. Download it at moosalamoo.org.

10. HIKE OR BIKE INN TO INN Inn-to-inn hiking (or biking) through the Moosalamoo has been popular and organizations such as the locally-owned InntoInn.com can create custom routes.

To do your own tour, stay in one of the 12 rooms at the 1813 Blueberry Hill Inn ($199 to $279). The double occupancy rate includes a bottomless jar of the inn’s delicious cookies, and use of the pond, sauna, ski, snowshoe and hiking trails. You can also set up a tent at the Outdoor Center across the road ($42 a night, shower use included) or book the canvas glamping tent or the “Bed in the Shed”—literally a double bed in a shed ($70). Pizza by the Pond and live music are scheduled in the summer and fall at the Inn, with remaining dates this year on Sept. 9, 17 and 23. Travel 7 miles or so down the road or on trails to the classic Chipman Inn in Ripton, just outside the MNRA, where the 9 rooms (some with four-poster beds) start at $189. From there, you can also take backroads or the VAST trail to the Robert Frost Cabins where you can stay in one of 7 cabins (complete with kitchens and gas fireplaces) starting at $237 a night.

7. PADDLE & FISH THE LAKES Bring a SUP or rent a kayak at nearby Branbury State Park and you can explore the 3-mile long Lake Dunmore, home of the state’s record lake trout, Northern pike, bass and more. The Sugar Hill Reservoir is another favorite paddling spot with an easy put-in. It has been drained and closed this past year as work was done on the Goshen Dam, but plans are to refill it in November. There’s great icefishing on Lake Dunmore in winter as well.

It's a steep rocky scramble if you want to take a plunge in the pools below the Falls of Lana, but so worth it on a hot day. Photo by William Haig

SEPT./OCT. 2021 | VTSPORTS.COM 23

2021'S ADVENTURE DOGS!

THE PUPS WE LOVE

MEET THE WINNERS OF OUR ANNUAL CONTEST, THE DOGS WHO CLIMB, HIKE, BIKE, SKI AND PLAY WITH US.

VTSPORTS.COM| |SEPT./OCT. SEPT./OCT.2020 2021 2824VTSPORTS.COM

I

f there is one thing we know about the folks who read Vermont Sports, it's this: your dogs are your best adventure buddies. Each year we get a huge outpouring of stories and photos for our annual Adventure Dog Contest. And each year, your images get better and better.

We look for great action, cool settings, dramatic lighting. But also for images that showcase a dog's personality and stories that tell us how your dog makes some of your outdoor adventures — be it hiking, camping, skiing or biking — that much better.

Our long-time partner Pet Food Warehouse of Burlington has again offered prizes ($75 gift certificates) for each of the category winners and Reader's Choice winners.

It wasn’t easy choosing the semifinalists from so many incredible entries (and if you didn’t get chosen this year, we encourage you to submit again next year.) We winnowed it down to semifinalists in three categories (Action, Adventure and Face Shots) and then had you, our readers, vote for the Readers’ Choice awards on social media.

However, it’s not just a popularity contest. The ultimate decision was made by our editors and art director and we show the five top finalists in each category here.

BEST ACTION

Action dogs are the ones that get us out of the house.

These dogs give their owners a run for their money.

2

2. MAZIE, JERICHO

3

It's not easy to throw the ball, grab your camera and get your dog to run toward you. But Svieta Beliveau-Gale did that to get this incredible shot of Mazie, her 2-yearold Golden Doodle running right her.

3. FRYAR, CHARLOTTE Fryar, a 13-year-old Standard Schnauzer from Charlotte is a frequent contender in this contest and this year, his owner Matt Byrne caught him leaping tall logs like a superdog.

4. BODI, WARREN Amanda Houser writes of her Viszla, Bodi: "He hikes in search of other friends/dogs (and bears). He sprints around the banked turns on the mountain bike trails and he spends hours jumping into the rivers. When he hears, “Time to go back home!” he runs over to join another family and their dogs. If Bodi doesn’t get his adventure “fix” every day, he’ll create his own adventures at home. Toilet paper rivers, counter surfing, and the all important “steal someone’s favorite shoe and RUN” are some favorites! " Bodi wins a Readers' Choice award.

5. BOGART, QUECHEE

1

BEST ACTION DOG SHOT

1: TIMMY, WATERBURY

Mary Giapponi's Bogart is a 4-year-old Chocolate Lab who is quite social.

4

5

Noreen Karcher managed to capture the joy dogs have in not only chasing a tennis ball, but catching it. Her shot of her son and daughter-in-law's Timmy is a winner.

"Timmy, a 3 1/2 year old rescue Golden Doodle, is happiest when he’s running as fast as he can or camping with his parents!" she writes. "An incredibly sweet dog, the only thing he loves more than chewing on his bone or some scrap wood in the woodshop is being petted and cuddled."

SEPT./OCT. 2021 | VTSPORTS.COM 25

1

BEST ADVENTURE DOG SHOT

1: MOOSE, DUXBURY Dogs don't pose so Evan Lloyd Johnson was lucky that Moose, a.k.a. Maynard, walked into this scene just as the camera clicked. Johnson, who once worked for this magazine writes: "We took this shot at Blueberry Lake. in Warren. Mountain bikers will recognize the exact spot. Moose and I have a routine on Wednesdays where we go and pick up the CSA in Warren and then continue on to Blueberry Lake for a rip around the trails."

26 VTSPORTS.COM | SEPT./OCT. 2021

BEST ADVENTURE

Adventure dogs are the ones you never have to leave home when you head out on the trail, or the water or a camping trip.

2

2. MAPLE, RUTLAND

3

The clear Reader's Choice Award goes to Cristin Craft's Maple, age 4. "Whenever she sees us packing up she waits patiently for any sign that indicates she gets to join.

Her favorite activities are swimming, paddleboarding and chasing us down the mountain bike or ski trails. This photo was taken at Killington Mountain Resort where we downhill mountain bike," Craft writes.

3. MELLY, VERMONT, ILLINOIS Cindy Olszewski's Melly is a mixed breed 1-year-old rescue originally from Memphis, Tenn. Olszewski writes: "Melly is always up for new adventures. We never go camping without her. Her most recent adventure was a trip to Grand Mesa, Colo. where she did lots of high altitude hiking."

4

4. KAIA & GUNNER, JEFFERSONVILLE Abby Schaible's two pups are Kaia and Gunner. Kaia is a 7-year-old Husky mix and Gunner, a 9-year-old Beagle, Boxer, Husky mix. "This photo is from when they completed the Presidential Traverse in a day," Schaible writes.

5. BRUNO, BURLINGTON

5

Marion Cundari with Bruno, a Whoodle (Wheaten terrier and Standard Poodle) who is just 5 months but already loves hiking, swimming and even paddleboarding.

SEPT./OCT. 2021 | VTSPORTS.COM 27

BEST FACE 1

Dogs have their own language and often just by looking in their eyes you can see what they are saying. These face shots communicate everything.

BEST FACE SHOT WINNER

2. COOPER, STOWE Jennifer Jones writes: "Having mobility issues and living with chronic pain is a daily struggle but having Cooper (my adventure service dog) by my side allows me to get out and enjoy my life! Cooper has a very serious face when he’s working but every once in a while, he’ll flash you that big old grin that makes your heart melt. Due to Cooper helping me with my balance issues, my balance and stability have improved." Cooper wins a Reader's Choice Award.

3. ZIGGY, LANDGROVE Ron Jager and his family recently adopted Ziggy as a 6-month old pup. "He’s supposedly a Great Pyrenees mix but not sure," Jager writes. "He’s definitely a mountain climber and the photo is from us camping in Acadia National Park (Me.) in June. Ziggy is resting between two rocks at one of the vistas on the south summit trail of Cadillac Mountain on our way to Long Pond."

4. MOOSE, COLCHESTER Danielle DelDotto's Moose, a Husky/Rottweiler mix, is just 8 months old but already loves his waterfall hikes.

5. LUNA, ESSEX JUNCTION 1. JASPER, NORTHFIELD Amanda Brigham's Jasper, a two-year old mixed breed "is living his best life when treeking in the woods. His favorite day of the week is when he rides the dog school bus to Green Mountain Dog Camp in Roxbury. He was born deaf but his deafness has never been a barrier for an enriched and adventurous life, and he has no trouble making friends. This guy likes a good nap too."

3

2

4

28 VTSPORTS.COM | SEPT./OCT. 2021

Angela Elcan's Luna, a spunky 1.5 year old mixed breed, has summited Camels Hump and Mt. Mansfield countless times and has done both in the same weekend (Mansfield for sunset followed by Camels for sunrise). Elcan writes: "She loves trucking up ski resorts (Smugglers Notch is her favorite) because she has more freedom to explore on the wide open trails."

5

www.earlsbikes.com

[ S P O R TS M E D I C I N E AT CO P L E Y H O S P I TA L ]

Just like you –

we’re enjoying the Green Mountain trails!

Just like you, members of our team enjoy the great outdoors too!

Don’t let injuries like hand or wrist, or chronic knee, hip, shoulder, or ankle pain keep you from getting out on the trails. The experts at Mansfield Orthopaedics can help with state-of-the-art treatments designed specifically for you.

Using leading-edge technologies and procedures, we work with you and your physician to provide comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation geared just for you. Top medical care close to home – that’s why we’re here.

Our Physicians:

Nicholas Antell, MD; Brian Aros, MD; Ciara Hollister, DPM; John Macy, MD; Joseph McLaughlin, MD and Bryan Monier, MD

To make an appointment with a Mansfield Orthopaedic Specialist, call 802.888.8405

Copley’s Infection Preventionist Jodie Legacy, RN on Perry Hill in Waterbury.

Clinic sites: 555 Washington Highway, Morrisville, VT 6 North Main Street, Waterbury, VT

www.mansfieldorthopaedics.com SEPT./OCT. 2021 | VTSPORTS.COM 29

VERMONT

SPORTS

LISTING YOUR EVENT IN THIS CALENDAR IS FREE AND EASY. VISIT VTSPORTS.COM/SUBMIT-AN-EVENT OR E-MAIL EDITOR@VTSPORTS. COM. ALL AREA CODES ARE 802.

ALL LOCATIONS ARE IN VERMONT, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. FEATURED EVENTS, IN YELLOW, PAY A NOMINAL FEE.

RUNNING SEPTEMBER 1-10/31 | VT Corporate Cup Challenge & State Agency Race, Montpelier A 5 k team running/walking event open to businesses, government and non-profit organizations. This race has gone virtual -to be completed any time between 9/1 and 10/31. Entry fee is $30. 1st 500 to register will receive: Race Bib, Buff, VT State Flag (3’ x 5’), & Athleta Drawstring Bag/Prizes Include: Gift cards from Athleta on Church.

VCCCSAR.org 4 | Run For Rotary, Walk for Life 5K, Fair Haven Join us this Labor Day Weekend in the Fair Haven Park at 10:00 AM for a 5K run and walk to benefit Fair Haven Rotary Club Charities. active.com 4-5 | Jay Peak Trail Running Festival, Jay Peak Choose from 7 races ranging from a 5K to a 11 or 22-miler to a 53.1K ultra. There’s even a kid’s trail race..jaypeak.com 11 | Groton Forest Trail Run, Groton Offering three technical, beautiful race distances on the trails of the Groton State

RACE & EVENT GUIDE

Forest. Join us on September 11th, 2021 at the Boulder Beach State Park in the Groton State Forest, Groton, VT. The 26.5 mile run starts at 7AM, the 15 mile run starts at 9AM and the 6.2 mile run starts at 10AM. ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=79687

12 | Vermont Remembers Run, Colchester A 5k and 11k walk/run and 11k Ruck to support the Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund.

Held at National Guard Road. runsignup. com/Race/VT/Colchester/VermontRemem bers?raceRefCode=l4Ocwft 12 | Mad Marathon, Mad Half and Relays, Waitsfield The Mad River Valley is the site of a weekend of races on dirt roads with tough climbs, and great views of the Green Mountains. madmarathon.com 19 | Trapp Cabin Trail Races, Stowe Join us for this idyllic event! All races begin and end in the Trapp Family Lodge Meadow. The 5K follows Lodge Spur to Luce Hill Loop, following the single track trail back to the finish. Walkers welcome! The 10K continues on to Tap Line, follows Chris’s Run to the cabin and returns on Growler and Tap Line to the finish. The half-marathon is by far our most popular race and attracts over 60+ racers from all over New England. The course does a double-loop of the 10.5K. greenmtnadaptive.org/events/ trapp-cabin-5k-10k-and-half-marathontrail-races-2021/ 19 | Fall Equinox Trail Race, Shelburne Return to the fields of Charlotte for a new season. Run a 5k or 10k on trails. gmaa.run

34th Annual

Ripton Ridge Run Sunday - October 10th - 2021

12:30 pm Race start

A 10.4 K & 5K Footrace 5K Fun -Walk!!!

On scenic country roads T-shirts, Prizes, Lunch & Raffle Race day registration from 11-12 Please check website for COVID information

Ripton Elementary School www.riptonridgerun.org - 802-388-2208 A Benefit for the Friends of Ripton School

30 VTSPORTS.COM | SEPT./OCT. 2021

19 | TAM Trek, Middlebury There is a race for everyone at TAM Trek.

Our 19-mile Trail Around Middlebury attracts serious trail runners from, around the state, and outside of Vermont. We also offer a challenging 10K course for runners looking for a shorter and equally scenic race.

Our 2-mile family fun run attracts families and run/walkers from around Addison County. Starts and finishes in Wright Park and celebrates at the finish line with live music, local raffle prizes, and a post-race buffet. maltvt.org/tam19 | Island Vines 5K, 5 Miler, South Hero A race with 5-mile and 5K options, all on South Hero’s scenic West Shore Road. Field sizes are limited. runvermont.com 25 | Miles for Migraine, Walk/Run/ Relax, Burlington Options for a 2-mile walk, 5K run, Volunteering or just come Relax. All donations benefit the University of Vermont Medical Center’s Headache Clinic to support the headache fellowship program & migraine research. raceroster.com/40044 26 | 28th Vermont 50 Ultra Run & MTB, West Windsor This 50 mile trail race lets mountain bikers and ultra runners enjoy a challenging and scenic course that is like no other. Net proceeds go to Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports. Vermont50.com

OCTOBER 1 | New Hampshire Marathon, Briston, NH A small, friendly and community-oriented event that doubles

as Boston qualifier. The course moves around Newfound Lake during peak foliage.

Offering a full, half, 10K and Kids race events. nhmarathon.com 2 | VT State 5K Championship, Burlington The course claims bragging rights for the fastest 5K in Vermont!

Compete in either the Recreational or Competitive category. runvermont.com 2 | Fly to Pie Kingdom Marathon, Newport One of the most challenging marathons runs in the East at the height of Fall Foliage in the Northeast Kingdom. With a 26.2 mile gravel bike race option; Run, bike, or hike, 6, 13.5, 17, and 26.2 mile options with a great pizza party at Parker Pie, West Glover at the finish. kingdomgames.co 10| Shelburne Farms 5K, Shelburne A 5K on the beautiful grounds of Shelburne Farms. Limited to only 200 racers, this race sells out each year. The course is on dirt roads, and paths through woods and fields. Run past dairy barns, Shelburne Inn, and gorgeous views of Lake Champlain. racevermont.com 10| Ripton Ridge Run, Ripton The Friends of the Ripton School invites runners and walkers of all levels to participate in the 34th annual Ripton Ridge Run!! This is a 10.4K loop run, a 5K run or a 5K Fun Walk through Ripton during peak foliage season. Check our website for detail, links to on-line and mail-in registration, and COVID information. riptonridgerun. org

11| Devil’s Den 24H & 12H Ultra, Bradford See how many laps you can do on the 5-mile course in 24 or 12 hours. Spots are limited and 24 hour runners must complete 30 miles and 12-hour runners, run for 7 hours. diem.life/get-tickets/965/66463 11| North Face Race to the Summit, Stratton The gondola isn’t the only way to reach the summit for views of Vermont’s fall foliage. Runners to challenge themselves in a 2.18 mile race climbing 2,003 vertical feet up southern Vermont’s highest peak for pride, prize money and awards. stratton.com 16 | Trapp Mountain Marathon, Stowe The Trapp Family Lodge has some of the smoothest, most runnable trail around, but also boasts incredible single track. This half or full marathon features steep climbs and descents and a newly updated climb to the highest point; Round Top Mountain. The 13.1 mile loop course is approximately 2/3 double track wide trails and dirt roads, and 1/3 serpentine, rugged single track. Full marathon racers will traverse this loop twice. This is a challenging trail race with significant elevation gain and loss.

Trappmountainmarathon.com 17 | Green Mountain Marathon & Half Marathon, South Hero A Boston marathon qualifier, these South Hero these South Hero races begin and end near the house where Clarence H. DeMar, seven-time Boston Marathon Winner, once lived.

The half-marathon course is out and back on the west shore of South Hero and Grand Isle; a land of farms, orchards, and cottages. The terrain is flat to rolling and about 75% paved. New this year: the full marathon course is two laps of the half marathon course. gmaa.run 17 | Heady Trotter 4-Miler, StoweThe Alchemist hosts this road race, which starts and ends at the brewery and is followed by live music, lawn games, food and beer. headytrotter.com 24 | Vermont City Marathon & Relay, Burlington Marathoners and relay runners can safely conquer 26.2 miles in a new, two-looped course that includes many of the highlights runners have loved about the course for over 30 years. runvermont.org 26 | Vermont 50 Ultra Run & MTB, West Windsor This 50-mile trail race lets mountain bikers and ultra runners enjoy a challenging and scenic landscape that is like no other. Net proceeds go to Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports. vermont50.com 31 | The Hills Are Alive, Milton A 5k run on trails at the Arrowhead Golf Course in Milton. The course is on trails surrounding the golf course, and is not especially hilly, but definitely scenic and fun! gmaa.run

BIKING SEPTEMBER 3-6 | 20th Green Mountain Stage Race, Burlington GMSR comes back with 4 days of racing with stages similar to what was raced on in 2019, including the Burlington Crit. There are 10 fields including for women a P/1/2/3 and a 3/4/5. For men: a P/1, Cat 2, Cat 3, Cat 4/5 (open and masters), 40+, 50+ and Junior fields. Gmsr.info

4 | Vermont Youth Cycling League, Poultney The first of four races in a fall youth mountain biking series for riders in Grades 5-12. Independent racers and teams are welcome. vtyouthcycling.org 6 | The RTF Kids’ Crit, Burlingtona A FREE non-competitive opportunity for youngsters (ages 7-11) to ride a portion of the Green Mountain Stage Race (GMSR) Burlington Criterium circuit. Cyclists ride up to 4 laps on a short course on roads closed to traffic. There are two fields with separate start times. Awards for all riders at the finish of the event! richardtomfoundation.com/events-programs 11 | Kelly Brush Ride, Middlebury The 15th annual edition of this fundraising ride takes riders through various courses from 25 miles to 100 miles in scenic Addison County. Kellybrushfoundation.org 12 | Cabot Ride the Ridges , Cabot The 100K and 60K are challenging gravel grinders, fully supported and the 30K and 10K are family friendly.

Enjoy local cheeses from Cabot, Jasper Hill and Vermont Creamery, cider donuts and great views. ridetheridge.net 18 | Tour de Farms, Vergennes A 30-mile route and a more relaxed, family-friendly 10-mile distance , pass through the pastoral landscape of the Champlain Valley.

Visit three to seven farms depending on your distance. Each farm stop will host additional food and beverage producers. Riders sample everything from maple iced coffee and salads to maple-glazed ham and Vermont’s famous cheeses! acornvt.org/tourdefarms 18 | Meeting of the Grinds, Poultney Slate Valley Trails and MTBVT host the first annual Meeting of the Grinds, an all-day cycling festival to benefit Slate Valley Trails. Regardless of your suspension status, tire size, or how tight your shorts are, this festival is for you with guided rides for all bikes and all abilities. Presented by Zero Gravity and Halyard. Slatevalleytrails.org 18 | Vermont Youth Cycling League, Rochester/ Randolph (TBD) The second of four races in a fall youth mountain biking series for riders in Grades 5-12. Independent racers and teams welcome. vtyouthcycling.org 24 | Super8 Grand Depart, Montpelier Get ready to ride a self-supported bikepacking adventure on 280-, 360 -or 640- mile loops. Start where you want or join the group start in Montpelier. vermontbikepackers.org 25 | Peacham Fall Fondo, Peacham Join Wahoo cyclist and Unbound winner Ian Boswell at his Peacham Fall Fondo, a 50-mile ride through the gravel roads of the Northeast Kingdom supported by the local community. Pie stop, prizes and post-ride party.

Peachamfallfondo.com 26 |West Hill Gravel Grinder, Putney A gravel road adventure exploration of Putney, Dummerston, Brookline, Athens, Westminster and Brattleboro. Windham county offers some of the finest gravel riding in the East and raises funds for local trails. westhillshop.com

OCTOBER 2 | Vermont Rare Gravel Ride, Peru Ride40.6 miles, 4000 ft of climbing, 5 sections of Challenging VT Pave’, 88% gravel, all for a good cause to support those living with a rare disease. vermontrare.org

24 |Richard’s Ride, Cochran’s Richmond Celebrate Richard Tom’s life as well as his enthusiasm for cycling.

Everything from short family rides, to mountain bike trail rides, to road rides from 15 to 70 miles. richardtomfoundation.com/events-programs 24 | Dam Wrightsville Cyclocross, Middlesex Join Onion River Outdoors for the sixth annual race at the Wrightsville Reservoir Beach. Bunny-hop-able barriers, water, sand, singletrack, gravel, and a Spiral of Death: yeah, we’ll have it all. enjoy a unique Vermont CX experience in an idyllic location. onionriver.com

MULTI-SPORT /WATERSPORT ADVENTURE/OBSTACLE RACES SEPTEMBER 4 | Alpha Win Lake George Triathlon, Lake George, Breathtaking views all throughout the courses for these Sprint, Olympic, and Half distances triathlons. alpha.win/ event/lake-george-ny/ 19 | Josh Billings Triathlon, Great Barrington, MA A 27-mile bike / 5-mile canoe/kayak/SUP / 6-mile run in the beautiful Berkshires of western Ma. 44 Categories for Teams & Ironpersons-separate divisions for canoes, kayaks & SUPs. Bikers race 27 miles on backcountry rolling hills thru 5 towns in the Berkshires, paddle 5 miles around Stockbridge Bowl, finish with a 6 mile run around the lake to Tanglewood then celebrate at the Josh ‘Bash’ with awards, food, live band, vendors and a Kid’s Fun Run. Josh ‘matchmaker’ will help find teammates. joshbillings.com 11-12 | Spartan Ultra & Beast Races, Killington A 50 km, 60 obstacle race built to break your limits over the world’s most difficult terrain There will also be a shorter Beast 21K, a sprint and a kid’s race.” killington.com 23-26 | Obstacle Course Racing World Championships, Stratton Drawing more than 5,000 athletes from 70 nations, the OCR World Championships features both professional and amateur age-group competitions. The three-day event offers five different races to accommodate all types of athletes.

The flagship 3K and 15K distance races are only open to qualifiers. stratton.com

DAM RELEASES West River Dam Release, Jamaica, Vt. Sept. 24-26 Seasonal dam releases at the Ball Mountain Dam at Jamaica State Park. Shuttle service is provided for those who run the Class II-Class IV stretches of West River. Vtstateparks.com Fife Brook | North Adams, Mass.

The Deerfield’s Fife Book section ranges from 700 cfs to 2000 cfs, at which point it becomes class III-IV. Releases are: Sept. 1-5, 8-12, 15-19; Oct. 1-3, 6-10, 13-17. They start between 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m and are a minimum of 3 hours. hamcbostonpaddlers.org/documents/river-releases/ Deerfield River | #5 Station Dam, Monroe, Mass.

Releases are scheduled Sept. 4-5, 11-12, 19; Oct. 2, 10. amcbostonpaddlers.org/documents/river-releases/

SEPT./OCT. 2021 | VTSPORTS.COM 31

IKE SHOPS

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BATTENKILL BICYCLES

99 Bonnet St., Manchester Ctr, VT 802-362-2734 | battenkillbicycles. com Manchester's bicycle shop since 1972, Battenkill Bicycles is a Trek and Specialized Bicycle dealer offering advice and sales to meet all your cycling needs. The service department offers tune-ups and repairs for all brands of bikes. Come to the shop to rent a bike or get information about local group rides or advice on where to ride your bike in the Northshire. Battenkill Bicycles is the number one e-bike seller in Southern Vermont and is an authorized Bosch e-bike systems service center.

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BERKSHIRE OUTFITTERS

RR 8, 169 Grove St., Adams, MA 413-743-5900 | berkout@bcn.net We are a full-service bike shop at the base of the Mt. Greylock State Reservation. We also border a beautiful 12-mile paved rail trail. We carry Jamis, Rocky Mountain and G.T. We offer sales, repairs and hybrid bike rentals for the rail trail.

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BOOTLEGGER BIKES

60 Main Street Jeffersonnville, VT 802-644-8370 | bootleggerbikes.com A full-service shop near Smugglers' Notch. We offer new, used and custom bikes as well as custom-built wheel builds for mountain, road, gravel, fat bikes, bikepacking and touring. Rentals offered at our Cambridge Junction shop on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. Bikes are a passion here.

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CHUCK’S BIKES

45 Bridge St. Morrisville, VT 802-888-7642 | chucksbikes802. com Putting smiles on people's faces for over 35 years. Bikes by Jamis, Transition, Norco, KHS, Davinci, Raleigh, Marin and Diamondback. Hours: Mon - Wed & Fri 10-5, Sat & Thurs 10-2. Be well by being smart.

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EARL’S CYCLERY & FITNESS

2069 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 802-864-9197 | earlsbikes.com Earl’s Cyclery has been serving Vermont's cycling and fitness needs for more than 65 years. With over 12,000 square feet at the new location, Earl’s has the largest selection of bikes from Trek, Giant, Scott, Bianchi, Electra, Haro, and more. The service center at Earl’s has professionally trained technicians who are certified to work on all makes and models of bicycles, not just the ones we sell. Whether you need a flat tire fix or a suspension rebuild, the service staff is ready to help.

Estimates are always free! Stop by our new location at 2069 Williston Rd, South Burlington, or call us.

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2012 Depot St. Manchester Center, VT 05255 802-367-3118 | bradleysproski.com

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BRADLEY’S PRO SHOP SKI & SPORT

The premier bike shop in Southern Vermont, located in Manchester Center.

Known as your go-to ski shop we are now your go-to bike shop. We have one of the best bike mechanics in Vermont on staff, Dan Rhodes — many of you know of his reputation as a master bike mechanic. We carry the full lineup of Cannondale and GT bikes—mountain bikes, gravel, e-bikes, BMX and hybrids. We are a full-service operation with sales, service, accessories and rentals including e-bikes. We always offer a great bike tune-up price so be sure to bring your ride in. As always: THINK DIRT!

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EAST BURKE SPORTS

439 Route 114 East Burke VT 802-626-3215 eastburkesports.com We are the original home to Kingdom Trails, located in the heart of East Burke.

We pride ourselves in expert knowledge and friendly customer service to help get you outside to have fun! Come get your bike fixed at our full-service repair shop, rent from our fleet of Santa Cruz, Juliana and Trek mountain bikes (with direct access to Kingdom Trails), and shop for clothing, parts and accessories in our retail shop. Open 9-6 every day.

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AROUND THE REGION advertising section

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FROG HOLLOW

74 Main St., Middlebury, VT 802-388-6666 | froghollow bikes.com Take advantage of the most advanced and courteous service in our region, with quick turn-around time in our service shop downstairs. Upstairs in the sales room, we offer the best in new and used road, mountain, lifestyle, and children’s bikes and new gear. We carry brands that offer superior products that balance innovation and performance with reliability and value. Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9:30 - 5:30, Sun. 11 – 4.

THE GEAR HOUSE

16 Pleasant St., Randolph, VT 802-565-8139 gearhouse.com The Gear House brings fresh energy and excitement to the state's cycling scene.

Located in the center of Vermont, we offer Rocky Mountain, Bianchi, Yamaha e-bikes, a rotating inventory of consigned bikes and gear, and a full service repair shop. Randolph has newly revived mtb trails that combine classic old-school singletrack with machine built zones. Start the 12/12a loop from the shop for 38 miles of well maintained road miles, or map out a day ride entirely on the gravel. The shop is also home to RASTA's outdoor trail hub which features topographical and printed maps. Stop by and plan your next adventure!

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GREEN MOUNTAIN BIKES

105 N. Main St. Rochester VT 800-767-7882 | greenmountainbikes. com

Located in the center of Vermont, in the heart of the Green Mountains, we are surrounded by terrain that calls to mountain and road bikers alike. Whether you ride twisting trails or back to back gaps, we service, sell, and rent all styles of bicycles, featuring Kona, Jamis, Juliana, Raleigh, Santa Cruz, Transition, and Hinderyckx bikes hand crafted by our own Rochester boy Zak Hinderyckx. So STOP READING and RIDE YOUR BIKE! Hours: 7 days a week, 10 – 6.

HANOVER

11 ADVENTURE TOURS 713 US 5 N., Norwich, VT | 802-359-2921 | hanoveradventuretours.com

More than a full-service bike store, we are a full-service adventure center. With an expertise in electric bicycles, we live and breathe outdoor exploration through our offering of e-bike rentals, sales, and tours including doorstep delivery and a full-service shop (all bikes welcome). Over 100 electric bicycle rentals, demos, and tours available for individuals and large groups, short and long-term. Open year round with seasonal options. Explore one of the largest selections of e-bikes with Yamaha, iZip, and Magnum.

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HITCHHIKER

331 North Winooski Ave., Burlington, VT 802-863-4475 | oldspokeshome.com

394 Mountain Road Ste. 6, Stowe, VT | 802-585-3344 hitchhikerbikes.com

Hitchhiker Bike Shop is Stowe's newest shop.

We carry bikes from Rocky Mountain, Cervelo, Otso Cycles, Chromag, Open Cycle, and Gazelle E-bikes. If you are looking for a tuneup we offer service for just about every type of bike and budget.

Service appointments are encouraged, but not necessary. You'll also find great clothing, parts, and accessories in our shop that is pedaling distance from the Cady Hill trails. See our website for more up to date information on the shop, services, and pricing or stop by and check us out next time you're in Stowe!

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HIGH PEAKS CYCLERY

2733 Main St., Lake Placid, NY 518-523-3764 | highpeaks cyclery.com The Adirondacks' source for bicycling and outdoor gear since 1983! Sales, service, rentals and tours. Bikes by Salsa, Giant and Yeti. Your advenutre center for mountain biking, gravel and road riding adventures.

Dirt, gravel, road and e-bike tours, Basecamp Lodge and dirt camps.. Hours: Mon – Fri 9 – 6, Sun 9 – 5.

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MALLETTS BAY BICYCLE & SKI

794 W. Lakeshore Dr. Colchester, VT 802-863-2453 | Malletts Bay mbbicyle.com es�� ����

Bicycle & Ski Service, rentals and sales. Located on the shores of beautiful Malletts Bay, our shop offers expert repairs, top quality rentals, a fine complement of accessories and new bicycles from KHS, SWIX, Free Agent and Manhattan.

Rent a bike and ride from the shop via the town rec path to the famed Colchester Causeway, the "Jewel of the Island Line Trail".

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OLD SPOKES HOME

MOUNTAINOPS

4081 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 802-253-4531 mountainopsvt. com

We offer bike sales along with fast, friendly service. Dealers of Niner, Scott, Devinci and Jamis, we carry a large assortment of mountain and gravel bikes including a 60 bike Demo Fleet. Our techs have years of experience and our local trail knowledge is second to none. Our converted 1893 barnturned-bike-shop houses a huge selection of bike and lifestyle clothing along with parts and accessories. Looking for a more mellow ride? Rent one of our cruisers for a trip down the legendary Stowe Rec Path right from our parking lot!

Vermont’s best selection of professionally refurbished used bikes and new bikes for touring, bike packing, commuting, fat biking, and simply getting around town. Named one of the country’s best bike shops for it’s “plain-talk advice and no-nonsense service.” A nonprofit as of January 2015, Old Spokes Home uses 100% of its revenue to run programs creating access to bikes in the community.

And don’t miss their famous antique bicycle museum! Hours: Mon. – Sat. 10 - 6, Sun.

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OMER & BOB’S

20 Hanover St. Lebanon, NH 603-448-3522 | omerandbobs.com The Upper Valley's bike shop since 1964.

Offering mountain bikes, gravel and road bikes, hybrid bikes, e-bikes, and kids bikes from Specialized, Trek, and Electra.

Featuring a full service department, bike fitting, mountain and e-bike demos, and a kids trade-in, trade-up program. Hours: Mon.-Friday, 9am-5:30pm, Sat., 9am-5pm

ONION RIVER OUTDOORS

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20 Langdon St. Montpelier, VT 802-225-6736 | onionriver.com ORO is Central Vermont's premier bike, car rack, and outdoor gear shop. Friendly and knowledgeable sales and service. We carry Specialized, Niner, Rocky Mountain, Salsa, Surly, and Yuba, and a large variety of clothing and accessories, including Giro, Smith, Club Ride, Patagonia, and more.

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OUTDOOR GEAR EXCHANGE

37 Church St., Burlington, VT 802-860-0190 | gearx.com Voted this year's MTBVT Best Bike Shop, OGE is a premier bike shop with knowledgeable, friendly and honest staff. We have affordable commuters from Batch Bicycles, gravel grinders from Marin, BMC and Niner, mountain bikes from Marin, Niner, Pivot, Rocky Mountain, Transition and Yeti. We also offer a wide consignment selection as well as a demo fleet so you can try it before you buy it. Our service department is capable of everything from tuning your vintage road bike to servicing your new mountain bike, and offers full Fox shock service. Come see us on Church St! Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-8, Fri-Sat 10-9, Sun 10-6

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POWERPLAY SPORTS

35 Portland St. Morrisville, VT 802-888-6557 powerplaysports.com North Central Vermont's Trek and Giant Dealer nestled in the heart of bike country.

Selling new and used bikes for every budget and every type of rider from beginner to expert. We service all manner of bike and sell tons of accessories and apparel. Bike rentals for the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail just 200 yards down the road.

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RANCH CAMP

311 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 802-253-2753 | ranchcampvt.com Ranch Camp is Stowe’s mountain bike base lodge and your hub for bikes, gear, and culture! Ranch Camp offers a full-service mountain bike shop, tap room, and fresh-casual eatery, featuring sales and demo bike from Specialized, Ibis, Yeti, Evil, Revel, and Fatback. Looking for top of the line mountain bikes and components? Got ‘em. How about local brews from new England’s finest purveyors of craft libations? You bet. And if you need a thoughtfully crafted grab-and-go meal for your ride, or a place to sit down and refuel afterwards, Ranch Camp has you covered. Best of all, Ranch Camp is situation trailside with its very own public access entrance into Stowe’s iconic Cady Hill trail network.

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SKIRACK

85 Main St. Burlington 802-6583313 skirack.com Locally owned since 1969, Skirack provides gear, clothing, expert fitting and accessories for all cyclists, with full service tuning and repairs...plus complete bike suspension service on most forks and rear shocks.

Designated one of America’s Best Bike Shops, Skirack is blocks from Lake Champlain. Open 10-6, Mon.- Sat. and 10-5 on Sun., for service, racks and rentals.

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STARK MOUNTAIN

9 RTE 17, unit b Waitsfield, VT 802-496-4800 Find us on Facebook

Located at the lowest spot in the Mad River Valley so you can coast in when you break your bike on a ride! 21 years of advise,directions and fixing anything that pedals. Thinking about a Yeti? Come ride one of ours,we have been selling Yeti since 2006! Hours: Tues-Fri 9-6*, Sat 9-4, and Sunday 10-2. *Close at 5 on Thursdays for the Shop Ride.

24 TYGART

57 Pond St. STE 1, Ludlow, VT (802) 228-5440 Info@tygartmountainsports.com, Tygartmountainsports.com

We are a full service bicycle sales and service center. We carry a wide selection of Scott and Kona bikes and a variety of accessories from Scott, Giro, Louis Garneau, Blackburn, Park Tools and others. We offer service and repairs on all makes and models including in-house suspension service, wheel building, and full bike build-outs.

VILLAGE SPORT

25 SHOP

511 Broad St. Lyndonville, VT 802-626-8448| villagesport shop.com

Family owned and passion driven since 1978 we are a 4 season shop with 2 convenient locations. Focused on making everyday your best day with full service bike shops, rentals from Specialized, Transition, Pivot, LIV, Salsa and Giant, and bikes for every type of rider,. Looking for a new ride, new gear, replacement parts or a quick snack we got you there too. Ride in and out of our Trailside shop (2099 Darling Hill Rd) or stop in to our town store (511 Broad Street) on your way through we look forward to seeing you! We are #CovidConscious

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WATERBURY SPORTS

46 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT

802-882-8595 | waterburysportsvt.com A full service bike shop selling Trek and Giant bikes in one of Vermont's most convenient locations. Nestled in downtown Waterbury a short distance from the Perry Hill MTB trails, WBS services all bikes and can handle any repair you might have. We also have a fleet of demo bikes and and an excellent selection of parts and accessories.

Open 7 days a week!

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WEST HILL SHOP

49 Brickyard Lane, Putney, 802-387-5718

westhillshop com West Hill Shop turns 50 this season, and welcomes Amy and Zach Caldwell as the third round of owners since the shop was founded in 1971. Some things are changing.

Most things are staying the same. And Covid makes the rules for this year, like last year. Visit us to see what's happening and check out our lines of all types of bikes from Cannondale, Giant, Mondraker and more.

We have e-bikes in stock.

SEPT./OCT. 2021 | VTSPORTS.COM 33

ENDGAME

HIKING WITH DAISY

FOR A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON HIKING, TAKE A TODDLER ALONG.

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olden is cliffy. Algonquin is steep.

Marcy is the biggest of big girls.

Gothics is the gnarliest of gnarly boys. And then, south of the High Peaks, in the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest, between the towns of Minerva and North Creek, there’s Moxham, which is—well, to be totally frank about it, a forested lump shy of 2,500 feet tall that I probably wouldn’t bother visiting if it weren’t for my niece, Daisy.

The issue isn’t specifically Moxham, which boasts a pleasant ridgeline, exposed slabs plunging from the summit, and a sweeping vista of the Hudson River, the garnet mine on Ruby Mountain, the fire tower on Snowy Mountain, and a whole bunch of sky. As the saying goes: It’s not you, honey, it’s me. Typically, I’ve set my sights on the most grueling Adirondack objectives, such as multi-mountain link-ups in the middle of winter, gonzo adventures that can’t be found in the gentler Green Mountains of home. I like to serve myself raw to the raw wilderness, like to feel the teeth and digestive juices of the terrain working me over, breaking me down.

But then there’s Daisy: she of the puffy diaper and pink Velcro sneakers.

Under my tutelage, I have no doubt that the tyke will grow to be a supremely capable backcountry partner, a gung-ho endurance-freak only too happy to lug the extra weight when her uncle is achy and tired. At present, however, she’s 13 months young and brand spanking new to the advanced art of ambulation.

It’s obvious that you’ve got to start them early, so I pitched Moxham to Molly, my sister, describing it as mellow, relaxed, perfect for families. Molly is the exact opposite of a worried, overbearing mother. Accordingly she responded as though the outing’s strenuousness or lack thereof was utterly beside the point.

“You think there might be a bear?” she asked, excited. “Because I’d be psyched for Daisy to have her first Adirondack bear encounter. She’s less a human at this age than some sort of growly feral cublet. It’d be like meeting her true momma.”

I offered that climbing her first mountain seemed like goal enough, but conceded that we could slather her in honey to attract ursus americanus, if need be.“She would love that,” Molly replied, without skipping a beat.

The former me, the guy obsessed with engaging the rugged, rowdy side of the Adirondacks, would have scoffed at Moxham’s “dinky” numbers. Four and a half miles from the trailhead to the summit and back. One thousand feet of

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BY LEATH TONINO

Daisy’s brain expanding in response to so much sensory stimulation. Lichensplotched boulders and drumming woodpeckers. Slanting sunshine and pooled shadows. Moxham was everywhere at once, teaching from all angles. It was beautiful to behold.

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"Our casual stroll became a full-blown expedition, loaded with the traditional questions: Will somebody get hurt? Will we need to retreat? Do we have plenty of baby wipes?" Photo Adobe Stock elevation gain, nothing particularly steep or sustained. Five hours roundtrip, max, and that allows for copious lollygagging.

The story behind the toponym would have drawn my attention—a surveyor, Robert Moxham, supposedly fell to his death from the mountain in the late 1700s—but still, dinky is as dinky does.

The new me, though, the avuncular me, has a radically different viewpoint.

Let us not ask of a place, What are you?

Let us ask instead, What can you be? It’s a hoary cliché that through the innocent eyes of youth our taken-for-granted world is rendered fresh and weird and sparkly, and that we dreary, uninspired adults would do well to avail ourselves of such a perspective whenever possible.

A cliché, indeed, but only because it’s so dang accurate. Who better than a child to lead the inquiry into the nature of nature, the possibilities of Moxham?

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ut to a dirt parking area in the woods on a Tuesday morning at the beginning of autumn, five vacationers from Detroit watching as our intrepid (and naked) leader wobbled on pale, pudgy legs, attempting to heft a scavenged stick—a staff!—sized for a pro basketball player. Daisy lurched, stumbled. Daisy toppled, wailed.

Commented one of the Michiganders: “If you breeze past us on the trail, man, we’re gonna feel really slow.”

Into the green tunnel we plunged, Daisy riding Molly’s shoulders in an elaborate Baby Carrier Thing with approximately 37 straps and buckles.

By the time we’d crested a hill and descended to a twisty brook and beaver meadow on the other side, my niece

was wriggling madly, desperate to be released. Molly set her down amid a confusion of roots—hardly the easiest footing for a newbie, but apparently a fine jungle gym. Ten minutes passed and we made zero inches of forward progress.

Hiking with Daisy, it turns out, is akin to hiking with an entire troupe of diverse and distinct characters.

There’s Crazy Daisy, who yips and yaps and throws back her head, laughing.

There’s Hungry Daisy, who yips and yaps and throws back her head, crying.

There’s Doody Daisy, who—er, use your imagination. And my personal favorite, there’s Fascinated Daisy, who pauses for ants, scrutinizes black mud, and presses an ear to emerald moss in order to hear its whispered secrets.

It would be easy—too easy—to rush Moxham, either on purpose or by accident. From that twisty brook and beaver meadow, you gain a saddle, cruise the ridge for about a mile and then, presto—there’s nowhere left to go. Thankfully, Daisy served as a kind of brake, slowing us to a sometimes literal crawl, thereby inviting us dreary, uninspired adults to journey into the micro-wilds of duff-texture and spiderweb-shape.

“You can touch anything you want in these woods,” Molly said at one point.

“Ferns. Rotten logs. You can touch— anything!” Her daughter interpreted the mandate broadly, using hands, certainly, but also mouth to investigate a beech leaf.

Though I haven’t the slightest scientific evidence to substantiate the claim, I’m positive that I witnessed

hat I cherish about mountains more than anything else is, in a word, uncertainty—how with iffy weather or a sketchy route there’s simply no telling what will unfold. While I was genuinely excited to introduce Daisy to the Adirondacks, I had assumed that Moxham would lack this edgy quality. Au contraire. Our casual stroll became a full-blown expedition, loaded with the traditional questions: Will somebody get hurt? Will we need to retreat? Do we have plenty of baby wipes?

Reaching the summit around two in the afternoon, I felt both relief and accomplishment, not to mention a tiredness in mind and body alike. The tiredness—a byproduct of sustained focus, of keeping your guard raised—recalled slippery scrambles in the High Peaks that had tested my footwork and diligence. I took a seat beside the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey marker (1942), glad to trade the rigors of toddler spotting for the easier task of feeding Daisy smooshed avocado with my fingertip.

We snacked. We gazed. We giggled at a cricket. An hour later, as Molly prepared the Baby Carrier Thing to receive its avocado-smeared cargo, I peeled off, wanting to gauge the drop that did in the mountain’s namesake surveyor. Dimpled and cracked, overlapped and airy, the slabs were impressive—the antithesis of dinky.

Ah, but when I returned to our picnic spot, I saw something better. It was the angle: Daisy on a rocky bulge above me, backdropped by 50 miles of rumpled country, humps and hollows to last a dozen lifetimes. I’d brought no map, so it was impossible to tell—in terms of landscape features, in terms of the horizon—what was what.

No problem. I joined my niece on the bulge and together we enjoyed the sprawling anonymity. The earth just is, and it’s wild, and it goes and goes and goes. Let us ask instead, What can you be? Moxham Mountain can be the center of all creation, I realized. At least for a little girl. At least, momentarily, for her uncle.

Vermont writer Leath Tonino is the author of two essay collections, most recently The West Will Swallow You (Trinity University Press, 2019). A version of this essay appeared in Adirondack Liferidroes the dog school bus to Green Mountain Dog Camp in

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