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Welcome to the inaugural edition of GRIP, a mountain bike (MTB) guide for Rutland County that aims to consolidate regional MTB trail maps into one place in order to showcase the abundance of accessible rides the area has for all levels. Our hope is that riders using this guidebook will be able to maximize their time and enjoyment by choosing areas (and trails within those areas) that best match the experience they’re looking for on trail as well as pre- and post-ride.
Inside:
Additionally, this guidebook highlights 13 top MTB summer events, including the debut of the US Open of MTB at Killington, and draws attention to the exponential growth of regional trail networks and ridership over the past few years across Rutland County and beyond. This project sprang from a need identified by Nate Freund and Phil Black of the Killington Mountain Bike Club (KMBC) and quickly grew to a regional collaboration with Pine Hill Park, Killington and Okemo Resorts, RASTA, Green Mountain Trails and Slate Valley trails. Towns, chambers of commerce and community-minded businesses were eager to support this endeavor and we could not have done it without their support.
Polly Lynn and Jason Mikula, co-publishers
Top 13 MTB events US Open of MTB
Regional area map Trailbuilders MTB Primer Killington Bike Park & Sherburne Trails Pine Hill Park & Redfield Trails Slate Valley Trails Evolution Bike Park at Okemo
7 8 14 15 21 22 30 36 42
Green Mountain Trails & Rochester Valley Trails
48 MTB costs explained 58 Little Rippers 62 Velomont: A statewide trail network 64 Cover photo courtesy Killington Resort
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Top 13 MTB summer events: Saturday-Sunday, June 9-10 Vermont Epic Cycling Weekend at Okemo Mountain Resort, Ludlow
Friday-Sunday, June 15-17
Vermont Bike & Brew at Killington Resort, Killington
Tuesday, June 19
Droopy Pedal MTB Race at Pine Hill Park, Rutland
Saturday, June 23
Long Trail Century Ride, Killington region
Wednesdays, June 27-Aug. 29
KMBC Bike Bum Race Series at Killington Resort, Killington
Tuesday, July 17
Droopy Pedal MTB Race at Pine Hill Park, Rutland
Sunday, July 22
The Endurance Society Glacier Grinder at Killington Resort, Killington
Wednesday-Sunday, Aug. 1-5 Fox U.S. Open of Mountain Biking at Killington Resort, Killington
Thursday, Aug. 16
RASTA & Green Mountain Bikes Pizza Shop Ride, Rochester Peak Woodsplitter 6-Hour MTB Race/Leadville Qualifier on Green Mountain Trails, Pittsfield
Tuesday, Aug. 21
Droopy Pedal MTB Race at Pine Hill Park, Rutland
Saturday, Aug. 25
Evolution Bike Park Demo Day at Okemo Mountain Resort, Ludlow
Monday, Aug. 27 Courtesy Okemo Mountain Resort
Droopy Pedal Downhill MTB Race at Pine Hill Park, Rutland
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Saturday, Aug. 18
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Killington Resort to host 2018 US Open of Mountain Biking By Christopher Vanderyajt
By Polly Lynn Mikula KILLINGTON— After a successful 2017 relaunch, the Fox US Open of Mountain Biking will be hosted at Killington Resort Aug. 1-5, 2018.
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
USO co-founder and event director Clay Harper was attracted to Killington’s bike park because of the growth in mountain biking and enthusiasm the greater community exudes, he said. “I wanted to be involved with the upswing in the mountain bike business here,” he said. “The whole Killington Valley has put a ton of effort and money into mountain biking over the past few years and it shows.”
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Harper said the response to mountain biking events has been very strong in Vermont despite the state’s relatively small population. “The whole state is amped for mountain biking,” he said. “And the people here are great. We just love the people up here. They’ve made us feel very welcomed.” The 2018 Fox US Open will feature downhill and Enduro racing, a best
whip competition, a kids open grom bomb downhill, an adaptive downhill, plus vendors, a Saturday night afterparty with a free concert, food, drinks and more. The bike park is open to public during the event.
Downhill The USO downhill event will take place on a newly built race course from the top of the K-1 gondola, creating top to bottom spectating opportunity. To win, a rider simply must post the fastest time from the top to the bottom of the course. Harper hiked the course with Killington’s trail building professionals and with its steeps, said “It’s built
for fun, but it will also be quite challenging.” Adding, “we’re not looking to create the most difficult race track in the world, that’s not sustainable. This new course will test racers' skill and fitness. It’s a relatively long course, comparable to some classic European tracks,” he said, estimating that it’d probably take the top racers about 4 minutes to get to the bottom.
Enduro This year will be the inaugural Enduro race for the USO of MTB. “Killington has a history of hosting great Enduro races and we are excited to kick off the inaugural US
2018 events • • • • • •
Downhill Enduro Best whip Kids’ open with “grom bomb” downhill Adaptive downhill Plus: vendors, after parties, free concert, food, drinks and more.
Open Enduro here,” said Harper.
on a new set of jumps near the K1 Umbrella Bar and will conclude with a Enduro races are a mix of crossfree concert and after-party at K1. (To country and downhill sections. They “whip” or “whip out” is when a rider feature stages of competition, turns the bike sideways in the air off typically five stages for a one day a large jump.) To win, a rider must race, like Killington will be, or impress the panel of judges eight to ten stages for a two with amplitude, technique and day event, Harper noted. crowd appeal. The whole Each downhill section is Killington timed with “transfers” Grom bomb Valley has put a (uphill sections) where The kids' open with ton of effort and riders must ride or “grom bomb” downhill walk to the next money into mountain gives younger riders a stage (at ski resorts biking over the past chance to shine within lifts are also used). few years and it three age categories (7-9, The event takes about shows. 10-12, and 13-15.) This race three hours. “Some say is designed for kids that have Enduro races are a truer real downhill skills, but aren’t test of riders' skills, because ready for the big track. racers need to climb as well as descend,” Harper explained. Adaptive downhill
Best whip The USO best whip event will be held on Saturday evening immediately following the downhill finals. The best whip competition – always a crowd favorite – will feature big air
The adaptive downhill event will be put on in partnership with Vermont Adaptive. Details on the schedule and course were not released as of publication. The Killington Bike Park will be open
By Christopher Vanderyajt
for riding to the general public during the USO weekend. The USO has attracted an international field of athletes. “Our riders had a great time racing the 2017 US Open and we are looking forward to bringing the whole team to Killington in 2018. The whip comp is a blast and U.S. fans are great. The proximity to Mont Sainte-Anne is also a bonus,” said Mathieu Dupelle, Kona Bikes Gravity team manager. The USO at Killington is the week before the Mont Sainte-Anne World Cup. Past winners of the downhill race include Sam Hill, Steve Smith, Tracey Mosely, Bryn Atkinson, Miranda Miller, Aaron Gwin, Jill Kintner and Neko Mulally, who won the 2017 US Open downhill. Mulally visited Killington to walk the newly proposed race course at Killington Peak after it was announced as the location for 2018, according to a news release. “The terrain and bike park at Killington
Continues on pg 10
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
By Mike Kirtley
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Continued from pg 9:
are incredible and I can’t wait to race there,” said Mulally.
to Fox Racing, the title sponsor for the US Open of Mountain Biking.
The Killington Bike Park is New England’s fastest growing downhill mountain bike park and features three high-speed lifts serving over 30 miles of trails, according to killington.com.
In addition to those attributes, Harper added, “The people in the region are excited for this event, so we anticipate a great crowd.”
But Harper still considers this a “building year,” as it’s only the In the summer of 2017, second year since the event’s Killington Resort reached relaunch and the first year 23,000 mountain bike at a new venue. Given that, The visitors, up from 2,000 event organizers expect in 2013, before its 3,000-5,000 visitors for terrain and mountain bike the USO weekend at bike park at expansions began. Killington. The event can accommodate Killington are This year is the 400-600 racers, but will fifth and final year incredible. have to be capped around of Killington Resort’s that level as single timedfive-year mountain bike run racing only allows for so buildout with Gravity Logic, many to participate in a day. a leader in bike park design.
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
“The US Open of Mountain Biking is an amazing opportunity for Killington to show off the immense progress we’ve made expanding our mountain bike park over the past four seasons,” said Mike Solimano, president and general manager of Killington Resort.
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“We’re excited to have the opportunity to host the Fox US Open of Mountain Biking and showcase the investment Killington has put into the bike park to design and build trails for all levels of riders,” said Justin Pill, events and sponsorships manager at Killington Resort. “This event will attract some of the best mountain bike athletes from all over the country competing in the US Open downhill, US Open Enduro, best whip, grom bomb and adaptive downhill races. Vendors, live music and group laps will create a party like atmosphere for all.” Historically, Killington Resort is known for developing and hosting large events and was chosen as the site for the 2018 event in part because of its new downhill track, onsite campground and extensive lodging options and restaurants, according
“Mountain biking has developed so radically within the last five years,” Harper said. “There used to be only a handful of true bike parks out there. Now so many more have opened... It’s a totally different environment to be in now.”
Harper anticipates that mountain biking will continue to grow in popularity. “This is just the beginning,” he said. Killington and Vermont are ahead of the curve, he added. “People here recognize the sport’s growing popularity and are totally behind it!” As for the growth of the USO of Mountain Biking, Harper hopes to grow the attendance of spectators and partnerships/sponsors, while continuing to attract top racers from around the world to compete. Full schedule and event registration will be released soon. For more information visit usopen.bike or follow the event on Instagram @usopenmtb or Facebook, facebook.com/ usopenofmountainbiking.
History of the US Open MTB
The US Open was first held in 2003, at Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon, N.J. The event was founded by Clay Harper and Shawn Orecchio while the pair were leasing property from Mountain Creek to operate Diablo Freeride Park, a chairlift-serviced bike park at Mountain Creek. “We were just designing a race that we wanted to do,” Harper said. At that time, Harper was pursuing a career in bike racing, humbly calling himself a “back of the pack pro.” “We just wanted to create a fun event with a big prize, no sanctions, open format. We didn’t set out to start the US Open, it was really quite organic!” A few years later, Harper sold his half of the business, but stayed involved. US Open MTB events continued through 2011. In 2012, Mountain Creek Resort was sold and the new ownership chose to operate its own bike park on the property. As a result, the USO was effectively venue-less. “Unfortunately, the end result was a five-year break for the event,” Harper explained. Then, in 2016, Harper reacquired the US Open MTB and relaunched the event in 2017, at Mountain Creek. Harper had considered hosting the inaugural event of the USO at Killington, but it didn’t work out for some technical reasons, he said. “An agreement was reached at the end of last summer to have it here this year,” he explained. “I’ve wanted to produce an event at Killington for a while,” said Harper, adding that he’s come in to help with a few of Killington’s bike events and created a relationship with the resort over the past few years.
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Rutland Area Map
Rochester Valley Trails 99 Ranger Road, Rochester
vermont
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Green Mountain Trails 7
Pine Hill Park
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2 Oak St. Ext., Rutland
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Sherburne Trails 1756 VT-100, Killington
Killington Bike Park 3861 Killington Road, Killington
The Green Mountain Trails were carved out of the logging roads of South Hill in 2007 when Joe DeSena (the primary landowner and Spartan Race founder) needed multi-use trails for the ultra races he started holding on his property. He collaborated with local Jason Hayden and a few other Pittsfield Bike Club members to mark out and build an 11mile network with the assistance of a $20,000 grant from VMBA. Trail steward Matt Baatz arrived in 2009 to expand and enhance the system for a total of 25 trails eclipsing 20 miles. GMT opened a new mile long expert trail in 2018 called Gully Washer. It will also lengthen an existing trail called La Gran Aventura by a half mile.
Killington Bike Park While Killington Resort has had mountain biking trails for the past 20 years, its trails were almost exclusively for advanced riders until the resort partnered with Gravity Logic and began expanding beginner and intermediate trails in 2014. The five-year buildout plan has grown ridership at the resort exponentially. Construction of the first 3 miles of Killington Bike Park began in August 2016 after Killington was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation in April 2015. Pine Hill Park Pine Hill Park’s mountain bike trails began following a public meeting of the Rutland Recreation Department in January 2002 about what to do with the park. The decision was made to build trails for all non-motorized users, including hikers, walkers and trail runners. The park has expanded each summer with volunteers building bit by bit. Shelley Lutz has led much of the expansion.
Slate Valley Trails 975 Endless Brook Road, Poultney
Green Mountain Trails The Green Mountain Trails are a multi-use network of singletrack rides in Pittsfield and Stockbridge.
Sherburne Trails The Sherburne Trails, which include 4.5 miles of beginner and intermediate trails, were designed by Sinuosity, LLC., based in Morristown. The flow trail system was machine built. It is maintained by the Killington Mountain Bike Club on Green Mountain National Forest.
4276 VT-100, Pittsfield
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Rochester Valley Trails The Rochester/Randolph Area Sports Trail Alliance was founded in the winter of 2013 to promote backcountry skiing access on public and private land. It quickly grew to include mountain biking, hiking and running as public interest in the trail system grew.
Evolution Bike Park
77 Okemo Ridge Road, Ludlow
Slate Valley Trails, Inc. Slate Valley Trails, Inc. was founded in 2015 and is run by volunteers. It currently manages more than 20 miles of multi-use trails in Poultney, Wells, Castleton and the surrounding area. It also has mapped 16 different gravel road bike routes, called the Slate Valley Gravel Ride Network. Slate Valley Trails plans to build more than 10 miles of new trails in East Poultney this summer and fall. The trails will be designed specifically for mountain biking, with a family-friendly focus. Evolution Bike Park Okemo’s Evolution Bike Park opened in 2015. Trail designers from Okemo’s sister resort in Colorado, Crested Butte, came to Ludlow to help with the trail design. The trails started conservatively, focusing on beginners and families. Okemo’s first summit mountain bike trail opened in the summer of 2017. Okemo expects to add 3-4 miles of more trails every summer going forward.
Behind the scene h op ist
r Ch By
Matt Baatz, a professional “philosopher trail-builder”
That was about eight years ago.
In the eight years since his arrival, Baatz has nearly doubled the total miles of trails and has earned nearuniversal praise for the quality, variety, and creativity of his work.
“It's the sense of freedom of riding a bike, multiplied by mastering daunting terrain in beautiful natural setting," Baatz wrote in an article titled “Uncaging the human spirit,” One of his co-workers said of him, published in the Mountain Times. “I think of him like a poet with dirt, "The payoff was nothing short of an artist who has chosen a simple the liberation of mind, body and life, to be close to the woods—in spirit,” he said of what hooked the woods—and build a natural him on mountain biking in the but social environment. A early 90s. I philosopher trail-builder.” His job was to manage think “It’s not about what I want the mountain bike and and how I’m going to get it, of him hiking trails for Green what I have and what Mountain Trails (GMT), like a poet but I can do with it,” Baatz a subset of Riverside with dirt, an told the Mountain and Amee Farm Times in 2016, staring artist who has and a portion of up with a furrowed the utopian rusticchosen a brow, as if recognizing fit empire built by Joe the importance of his own simple DeSena, a man Outside thoughts for the very first magazine once featured in life. time; and appreciating it as an article called “The Most well. Punishing Man in Fitness.” “Here I am, in a position where I The Green Mountain Trails wind love everything I do, and in no way for 25 miles up and down the did I explicitly plan for it,” Baatz said. mountains and forests, flowing around more than 100 bermed But, Baatz clarified, “I did not build
the Green Mountain Trails,” he wrote in an article for the Mountain Times. “As any trailbuilder knows, it would be a John Henryesque task of futility to dig through 25 miles of rugged terrain solo, and probably put me in traction for the rest of my life. Besides, the real story is much more interesting and as quirky as the trail system itself... So what did I do? I worked very hard trying to preserve the spirit of something unique and wonderful. It’s the best job ever,” he said. Baatz’s life seems centered around whim and karma. “I think it’s that freedom…” He paused and looked up at the treetops as if counting the leaves, and then continued: “… That freedom to pick up and go for a bike ride, and to live my life when and how I want, that keeps me here.”
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Five minutes after answering what he called the strangest job posting he’d ever seen, he received an email that read simply, “When can you get here?”
switchbacks, climbing 1,000 feet in elevation to a cleared meadow at the summit where an old stone cabin —"Shrek’s Cabin"— sits. From there, they descend into the valley, and spill out at Amee Farm Inn.
dle Bid
The path that led Matt Baatz to Pittsfield’s Green Mountain Trails was twisty. After bouncing around between the Northeast, Southwest and Northwest, he found a Craigslist ad for an assistant trail manager.
er
By Polly Lynn Mikula and Christopher Biddle
15
So you want to be a
trail builder?
By Katy Savage A small but growing population has made mountain bike trail building a career and summer hobby. They say there is an art form in choosing a terrain and knowing how to map a trail from beginning to end. A trail builder is tasked with satisfying both their clients and the hundreds of people who will be riding the trails they make. From creating a roller-coaster ride feel, to building jumps and advanced features, trail builders do it all.
Q&A with Brooke Scatchard Brooke Scatchard grew up mountain bike racing all over New England in the late 1990s. He went to the University of Vermont to study geography and continued mountain bike racing on their team. Scatchard is starting a new bike park at Suicide Six, scheduled to open in July.
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
GRIP: Trail building isn’t a common profession. How did you become a trail builder?
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Brook Scatchard: I spent a ton of time volunteering with the local VMBA chapter, the Fellowship of the Wheel, in the early 2000s. I studied everything I could find regarding trail design, building and mapping while leading volunteer trail work days. I was hired as the Director of FOTW and led their professional trail crew from 2007 to 2010. Sinuosity was founded in 2010 so that I could focus on new trail building projects. GRIP: How do you begin building a new trail? BS: There’s definitely a creative aspect to trail design and construction. It starts by visualizing the potential trail opportunities on a landscape and then honing in on the specific trail character and features to be
built. We spend a lot of time exploring project areas and envisioning what could be built. We then share this vision with our crew, who are all mountain bikers, so we’re all on the same page. We’re continuing to evolve our style and try to build a variety of features into each trail or trail network. We know that not everyone will like every trail that we build, but we try to keep our construction skills diverse enough to fit a wide range of rider preferences. GRIP: What are some of the mistakes you’ve made when creating a trail? BS: You can never pay enough attention to seeps and drainage patterns. It’s hard to anticipate how the groundwater flows in dry seasons, so we try to get to each project in the spring to get a sense of what we’ll encounter before starting construction. GRIP: What do you like about being a trial builder and what keeps you doing this work? BS: The diversity of landscapes and trail types that we get to build. I definitely enjoy making a forest look better after we’ve finished building a trail.
Submitted
Q&A with Shelley Lutz
This summer, Lutz and other volunteers are expanding Pine Hill Park with an additional yet-to-benamed trail that will be roughly 3,800 feet long. The new trail is a continuation of the trail Jigsaw, which was built last year.
critical that proper trail building techniques are followed. GRIP: What kinds of trails do you like the most? SL: Trails with character. Maybe some rock features, rock bridges, rollers—something to distinguish the trail. For Jigsaw, we moved a ton of rocks to make features. The trail going in this year will be flowy with some side features. GRIP: What, in your experience, makes a mountain bike trail popular? What makes it unpopular?
Trail builders say it costs SL: Riders gravitate towards about $5 a foot to build a trails they like. People that new mountain bike trail. ride the Killington Resort trails The hours it takes to build are into riding the lift up and one varies. Lutz, who seeing how fast, how far works with a team of they can jump going down. volunteers, anticipates People who ride in Pine One thing the new trail will take Hill Park generally are about 2,800 hours to that all trail different type rider complete in total. builders are than who rides at One person can very aware of is Killington. However, generally build 10 that being said I’m a feet of trail a day. sustainability. XC type rider but enjoy GRIP: Can you riding at Killington a few describe the process times a year. It’s like skiing, of mapping out a new some people like bumps, mountain bike trail? others like groomed corduroy. Shelley Lutz: One thing that Unpopular trails are ones that all trail builders are very aware don’t flow —herky jerky. But of is sustainability. You don’t my idea of unpopular is not want to spend tons of hours on the same as someone else’s a trail that washes out, ruts out idea of unpopular. Some folks or becomes un-rideable by not will want everything with perfect making it sustainable. Sustainable trail conditions where they ride. trails follow contours of the ground Some want to get a workout in so versus vertical ups and downs. the more uphill the better. Getting water off the trail is just GRIP: How do you pick the name as important as laying the trail of a trail? out. Water is your enemy on trail SL: This often comes to you as systems. you’re creating the trail. Jigsaw was named because of all the rock You need to build in rolling grade dips, grade reversals to allow water placement that happened on the to drain quickly off the trail tread to trail. We try to have the volunteers prevent the trail from eroding. The come up with names and pick them more trail users you have the more from a hat.
By Tim Vile
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Shelley Lutz of Clarendon is one of the founding members of the Pine Hill Park trails in Rutland. She has been a volunteer trail builder since 2001. Lutz, a former road bike racer, switched to mountain biking when she needed something else to do in her spare time.
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Q&A with Tom Lepesqueur Tom Lepesqueur, who owns Lepesqueur & Daughters, LLC, has been building mountain bike trails for the past 10 years. As someone who grew up on a farm, he knew how to drive an excavator and, as an avid mountain biker, building trails seemed more fun than residential excavation work. He has built trails in New Hampshire and all over Vermont.
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
GRIP: You’re in the woods a lot. Can you describe what your day looks like from start to end?
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GRIP: What, in your experience, makes a mountain bike trail popular? What makes it unpopular? TL: Even if people deny it, a good machine built trail is fun. They’re accessible, they can withstand lots of traffic, the berms are fun, going fast is fun and those things add up to popularity.
I think that some of the older stuff that is a little too tight can be less Tom Lepesqueur: Typically, I like to popular just because be on site by 6 a.m. If I’m working it is more difficult for remotely, which is most of the the general population time, I pack my tools, fuel, and of riders, but some of lunch and put it on an old the natural terrain out dirt bike that I’ve fashioned there can definitely be cargo racks to. I get to just as fun. the excavator. I grease GRIP: Everyone has Even if it, check the fluids opinions and start up. While people deny different of mountain bike it’s warming up, I’ll it, a good trails. What usually walk what do you say if machine built I want to build someone doesn’t that day and make a trail is fun. like a trail you’ve game plan. I cut back made? How do you branches or trees in take the criticism? my way. Hopefully most of this type of leg work is TL: My main objective already done via the initial is to make the planning phases. The rest of people I’m working the day is usually a combination for and with happy. machine and hand finish work. I’ll Sometimes criticism typically work until 5 p.m. Then, can be pretty useful, after my kids are asleep at night, especially from someone I’ll get everything I need together that has a different riding for the next day. A trail builder is approach. confined to making the most out of the short building season, so it I try to always keep an open ear. can be a lot of long days. It can be hard to make everyone Many days things don’t go that happy all the time. Ultimately, I smoothly as above, sometimes you make judgment calls based on can’t transport materials or fuel the information I have and the in easily or things break, so a lot past experiences I can draw from. of the day can go toward logistics. Other days, I spend just hiking Hopefully the resulting trail potential projects, flagging and caters to as wide an audience as planning for clients. possible.
Submitted
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MTB Primer Trail features
Talk the trail talk – or at least understand it
Riding style
Miscellaneous terms
Berm, noun, a banked corner that Clean, verb, to complete a section Bonk, verb, to run out of energy. can be ridden faster than a flat corner. of trail without crashing, stopping or A common feature in any mountain taking your feet off the pedals. Dialed, verb, when everything is bike park. working and runs smoothly. Dab, verb, quickly taking a foot off Booter, noun, a large jump that your pedal to prevent a crash. Granny gear, noun, the requires a lot of commitment. lowest (easiest) gear, as in, only your Huck, verb, launching off a big grandmother would need to use it; but Flow, adjective or noun, the way a jump, often without much regard for good for extreme steeps (or for the trail is constructed, much of the time by excavation machines, for a more smooth, predictable surface.
Rake & ride,
adjective or noun, an old-style method of trail building that using the terrain’s natural fall line and exposes roots, rocks and other natural features. Some are so rough they’ll “chatter the fillings out of your teeth.”
Gap, noun, a jump with a hole in
the middle, increasing the risk for the rider. (Table top is a safer variation where there is a flat layer of dirt across the takeoff to landing slopes.)
Gnar(ly), adjective (or noun), an
especially difficult feature.
Kicker, noun, a jump with a steep
the consequences.
profoundly out-of-shape.)
OTB, acronym, Over The bars, as Lunch laps, noun, when you in, a crash.
Pump, verb, a technique where a rider gains speed without pedaling.
Rail,
verb, to ride a corner so well it’s like the rider is on rails.
Scrub, verb, a motocross
technique used to keep low and fast over a jump.
Shred, verb, negotiating trails
have about 40 minutes to get in a quick ride mid-day.
MTB, acronym, for mountain bike. PSI, acronym, pounds per square inch, the measurement use for tire inflation.
Session,
verb, to repeat a section of trail until you have perfected it; or simply, to go out and ride with friends.
with a higher-than-usual level of expertise.
Whip, verb, when the bike is pushed sideways in the air.
takeoff giving the rider a lot of lift.
noun, specific type of loose, dry dirt, which is desirable for it’s driftability.
Step-down, noun, a jump
MTB trail that’s the width of a single bike.
Doubletrack, noun, two trails
that run parallel to each other; also called a Jeep trail.
is to ph er Va
Singletrack, noun, a narrow
nderyajt
where the landing is higher than the take off.
r Ch y B
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Loam,
21
Ride Killington:
In Killington riders have two bike parks to experience. Killington Resort's Bike Park (map p.26) and the Sherburne Cross Country Trails (map p.25).
Killington Bike Park
Sherburne Trails
As New England’s fastest growing downhill mountain bike park, the resort offers three high-speed lifts serving over 30 miles of trails – beginner to expert. The three lift-access areas include: Snowshed (beginner terrain with features to challenge intermediate riders, too), Ramshead (intermediate and advanced terrain for bikers who’ve graduated from Snowshed; start with Blue Magic) and Killington Peak (advanced terrain featuring classic New England single track with plenty of rock and roots that have been exposed since the resort first opened its bike park 25 years ago.) The bike park also offers a pump track, skills park, kids strider park and a designated uphill route. Riders must purchase a pass to ride here. Trail access requires riders to purchase a pass. Visit Killington.com for more info.
Perfect for a couple hours of fun. This short network of three cross-country flow trails, converting 4.5 miles and rising just 300 vertical feet, is a great option for shorter rides. Best for beginner or intermediate riders. All trails are loops and run best counterclockwise (faster climb and longer descent). Trails are machine-made, about three-feet wide, with fun features and bermed turns (not technical). Trails are free and open to the public.
While you're here ... Grab a cold one ... or two
Splash in a pool
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Take your family to the Johnson Co Recreation Center urt esy Pool, a heated pool Kil lin outside. It’s a public pool, gto nR but it’s a bit tucked away off the ec .D beaten path, despite being just three ep t. miles from the Sherburne Trails and five miles from Killington Resort. The pool is located one mile north of Route 4 on River Road. (If the weather takes a turn for the worse, Pico Sports Center has an indoor pool. Take Route 4 west.)
22
Killington Road has over a dozen great local restaurants offering local brews and outdoor seating – from the Umbrella Bars all the way down to Route 4. Many offer live music, too.
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Ice cream and a movie
Mad Hatter's Scoops offers a wide selection of delicious ice cream flavors and toppings for all tastes. Try the Double Maple sundae. It has s op o c maple walnut and 's S r e maple bacon ice creams, att dH salted bourbon caramel, and a M sy Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Also, e t ur o Fridays and Saturdays enjoy your C dessert with an outdoor movie on the Mad Hatter's green.
Picnic at Kent Pond This picturesque pond offers great views and a quiet setting for a picnic on the shoreline. If riding on the Sherburne Trails, take the “Pond View” spur trail off “Ohly Roller.” By car, access the pond via Route 100N or Thundering Brook Road.
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Summit the Peak
Ride up the gondola and hike a very short (10 min. walk) to the top of Killington Mountain (the path begins up metal stairs to the right as you get off the K-1 gondola.) It’s worth the minimal effort; the views are seriously not-to-be-missed!
Play at the Adventure Center
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| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Half a day riding the bike park and a half a day at Killington’s Adventure Center will certainly fulfill anyone’s need for thrills, speed and adrenaline. Highlights include: Woodward Wrecktangle (ninja obstacle challenge), Beast Mountain Coaster, Zip Line Racer, Jump Tower, Skye Ropes Course, Trampoline Jump, Alpine Tubing and ATV tours.
By Paul Holmes
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PLAYGROUND Three high speed lifts to get you to the top. 29 trails for sending it back down, including ďŹ ve Gravity Logic designed trails to help you graduate from the Skills Garden to the Black Magic Jump Line in record time. Full service downhill bike shop open daily.
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Our playground has MORE.
24
Home of the Fox US Open of Mountain Biking. August 1-5, 2018. killington.com
#beast365
Sherburne Trails
Green Mountain National Forest
1756 VT-100, Killington
Feel it
Ohly Roller is an intermediate ride with features including jumps and a rock spine. It's not too difficult for advanced beginners, but is also a lot of fun for advanced riders looking for a shorter ride.
Ohly Roller
Paca’s Path
P
100
Easy
Interm
Trailhe Points
Alpine Bike Works 2326 US-4, Killington 802-773-0000
Alran Rd.
Lakewood Dr.
Legend Roadway
P Parking
S
Easy
Kent Pond
Intermediate
Feet
1,000
Trailhead
2,000 0.25
0.50
Pond View
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
First Stop Ski & Bike Shop 8474 US-4, Killington 802-422-9050
E
Gifford Woods State Park
P Parking
True Wheels Bike Shop 2886 Killington Rd, Killington 802-422-3234
Pond View
Miles
Roadw
Killington Bike Park Shop 4264 Killington Rd, Killington 802-422-6224
vermont
Distance
Legen
Rent a bike:
Ohly Roller
N
S
Start it Mind Eraser and Paca’s Path are great for beginners, including first time riders. The wide machine-made trails offer relatively easy pedalling and the pitch is minimal.
Mind Eraser
W
Best ride to:
25
W
D
F
M
Killington Peak
Off The Top Peak Lodge
Solitude
The Light
Scarecrow
Off The Top Cable Trail Bear Mountain
Off The Top
Bear Run
Skye Peak
Off The Top
Foxy Roxy
Funny Bone
Yo Vinny The Beast
Gambler
K-1
The Lodge Stinky Beast
Off The Top Snake Bite
la do on sG es pr Ex K-1
Shreddie Snakebite
The Light
Roller Easy St.
Jump Rabbit Start Hole Easy St.
Step It Up
P
Wiggle Easy St.
Roller Sn ow sh ed Step It Roller Ex pr Up es Coaster Jump sQ Trail ua Start d
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Grab a cup of joe and a bite
26
East Mtn. Rd.
Start it
3861 Killington Road, Killington
Snowdon Mountain
Scarecrow Steel Panther
Side Show Bob
Ramshead Mountain
Feel it
Black Magic Side Show Bob
Low Rider
Steel Panther
Goat Skull
Escape Artist
Black Magic
Side Show Bob
d ea sh m Ra
Krusty Blue Magic
Steel Panther d ua Q ss re p Ex
Krusty
Blue Magic
Vale
Easy Rd. St. Ramshead
Snowshed Lodge Lodge
P
P
P
East Mtn. Rd.
Start with Easy Street. It’s "what we call a sidewalk in the woods,” said a former trail crew machine operator at Killington Resort. Terrain Park Supervisor Jay “Rosey” Rosenbaum recommend first timers start with Easy Street, then try Wiggle and Swiggle, then Step It Up.
Note: Jump Start, Blue Magic and Black Magic are jump trails.
Killington Rd.
Take a ride down the Rabbit Hole, an intermediate run on Snowshed, It’s a little technical and not flowy. Alternatively, venture over to Ramshead to challenge yourself on Blue Magic, a serious jumps trail where it’s fairly common for riders to hit speeds of 20 mph at points.
Send it
Rosenbaum recommends the Cable Trail, calling it a “must ride,” and a “classic Killington trail.” While the riding is technical and sure to challenge even the best, it’s “not going to eat you,” Rosenbaum said. “We don’t build them with mandatory gaps so you’re not going to air off something and smack into a wall on the other side.” Alternatively, try Scarecrow, a much longer trail from the Peak.
Legend Roadway
Rent a bike:
P Parking
Killington Bike Park Shop 4264 Killington Rd, Killington 802-422-6224
Alpine Bike Works 2326 US-4, Killington 802-773-0000
True Wheels Bike Shop 2886 Killington Rd, Killington 802-422-3234
First Stop Ski & Bike Shop 8474 US-4, Killington 802-422-9050
Easy Intermediate Advanced Expert Trailhead Terrain Parks
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
r
Best ride to:
27
full service bike shop OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK IN SEASON SALES | SERVICE | PARTS | ACCESSORIES APPAREL | CUSTOM WHEEL BUILDING
downhill & trail bike rentals
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
FREE LIFETIME ADJUSTMENTS WITH BIKE PURCHASE
28
2326 US ROUTE 4 KILLINGTON, VT 05751 802-773-0000 | ALPINEBIKEWORKS.COM
JAX MB Guide 2018.pdf
3
5/28/18
5:10 PM
KILLINGTON’S HOMETOWN BAR local beer
great food
live music
C
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open daily 3pm » serving food until last call 1667 KILLINGTON ROAD NEED A RIDE? CALL THE
»
802.422.5334
»
WWW
. J A X F O O D A N D G A M E S . COM
(802) 422-RIDE
FREE RIDES WITHIN A SIX-MILE RADIUS
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
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Ride Rutland:
Carved out of rolling hills in the woods of Rutland City (map p.32), these trails are accessible for all levels.
Pine Hill Park & Redfield Trails
Pine Hill Park offers 16 miles of single-track trail riding. Plus, the Carriage Trail and Redfield Trails add another nine miles of longer-distance cross-county routes primarily built on old logging roads. With dozens of trails in just 325 acres, it’s relatively easy to get a lot of miles in a small area and not
While you're here ...
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take the same trail twice! One unique feature in this park is the seven bridges. You can hit them on all the “Bridges Loop,” which takes about 1.5 hours to complete at an easy pace (see icons on map.) Trails are free and open to the public.
Drop in!
The Flip Side Skate Park, located at the Giorgetti Arena (same parking lot as Pine Hill Park) is perfect for kids looking for more adventures or if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Open Saturday from 1-8 p.m. during the summer.
Visit the Farmers' Market Stop by the Farmers' Market in Depot Park in downtown Rutland before or after your ride to fuel up on a variety of local foods. It’s open from 9 a.m.2 p.m. Saturdays. Packing a picnic? There are many great sandwich shops downtown, too.
Cast a line
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East Creek, located just east of the Pine Hill Park parking lot, is also a great place to fish! Stocked in the spring, anglers frequently pull out 16-20” rainbow trout!
Suspend fears!
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
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Attend a street party
Walk across a 30-foot long swinging suspension la ku i bridge and cool off in the river n M pools. The sturdy public-use bridge n Ly lly crosses above an 8-foot waterfall within o P By Clarendon Gorge, a popular swimming hole with deep yellow/green pools and plenty of large rocks to sit on. Then take Route 7 south from Rutland, then Route 103 South for 2.3 miles. The large Appalachian/Long Trail parking is on the right.
Attend the weekly street party. If you can swing it, plan your trip so that you can join the weekly street party “Friday Night Live.” During July, Center Street closes to vehicles, vendors set up booths and a stage is set up in the “Pit” (parking lot) transforming it into a unique, amphitheater-like concert venue, with great acoustics.
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| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
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31
F Single Stitch
22
B
34
35
42
Powerline Drive
22 A
Redfield Trails
Pond Parkway
Pond Parkway
25
28
Bobcat Ridge
Main Street
Ridge Runner
L
Make your way to the overlook to enjoy views of Rocky Pond and the mountains beyond. Here’s a 5.2 mile loop: Escalator, Svelte Tiger, Droopy Muffin, Underdog, Shimmer, Overlook, PA4J, Strong Angel, Jersey Turnpike, Annex, Sore Elbow, Rembrandt’s, Evergreen Fall, Furlough, Exit Strategy.
Ledges Lane
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VT ROUTE 3
25
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28
A
29
36
E
Don’t miss Voldemort, local rider Connor McGrath advises. “It has the smoothest berms and is non-technical.” Here’s a 2.4 mile loop: Escalator, Svelte Tiger, Sisyphus, Watkins Wood ,Voldemort, Birches, Trillium, Svelte Tiger, Escalator.
30 A
Ridge Runner
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Best ride to: Start it
30
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Meadow Way
2
27
Drive
Viewpoint Spur
To RT 4 & Center Rutland
Powerline Drive Meadow Way
Send it
Get to the Half Pipe for a technical experience down the one-way single track. Here’s a 5.9 mile loop: Escalator, Svelte Tiger, Trillium, Birches, Vista, Upper Ledges, Droopy Muffin, Overlook, Shimmer, Underdog, Salamander, PA4J, Lonely Rock, Rembrandt’s, Watkins, Halfpipe, Furlough, Exit Strategy.
Pond Parkway
Single Stitch
Legend
Pond Parkway
Pine Hill Park Roadway
N
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
P Parking
32 32
Pedestrian only Easy Intermediate
W
Expert Suggested direction Trailhead Bridges
Distance
Bobcat Ridge
E
Ledges Lane
Viewpoint Spur
S
Feet
Miles
1,000
2,000 0.25
0.50
Redfield Trails Three Sisters
Pine Hill Park 2 Oak St. Ext., Rutland
Rocky Pond
Shimmer
Stegosaurus
Pond Rd.
Split Tree 999
Rent a bike:
W
Col Cycling
140 N. Main St., Rutland
Overlook
Dewey Wood Rd.
Broken Handlebar (North)
Jersey Turnpike
Southern Cross
Strong Angel
Jersey Turnpike
PA4J
Casey’s Cross
Lonely Rock
Santa’s Little Helper
Lonely Rock
Jigsaw Sore Elbow
Crusher Rd.
Pond Rd.
Birches
Svelte Tiger
Watkins Wood Rd.
East Creek
Trillium
Trillium
Annex
Rembrandt’s Brush
Quartzite
Voldemort
Freefall
Sore Elbow
E
Lower Ledges
Droopy Muffin
Santa’s Little Helper
Back Stairs
Vista
Upper Ledges
Broken Droopy Handlebar Muffin (South)
PA4J
Dewey Wood Rd.
Salamander Droopy Muffin
East Creek
Escalator
Aaron’s Svelte Air Tiger
Exit Strategy
Halfpipe Rembrandt’s Brush Watkins Wood Rd.
Giorgetti Arena
P
Oak St. Ext. Geno Ave.
Sisyphus Halfpipe Pond Rd.
Fairview Ave. Crescent St. to Rt. 7
Furlough Evergreen Fall
Earl St. Pierpoint Ave.
Evergreen Ave.
Preville Ave.
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Stegosaurus
Ridge Runner
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Overlook
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You can be a rock star too! Go to pinehillpartnership.org/ rock-star-membership/ to sign up and support our trails.
Pierpoint Ave
19
Evergreen Ave
Hazel St
Watkins Ave
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39
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PA4J
28 A
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| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
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Viewpoint Spur
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We are working on a major trail expansion project as well as winter grooming for fatbikes. Your donation can make a huge impact! State St
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We are a volunteer organization dedicated to envisioning, building, maintaining, and promoting a non-motorized, multi-use, community trail system. 0 80 We believe that it’s important to build and preserve these trail networks so that the residents of the Rutland area have access to healthy outdoor activities and adventures. 0
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80
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| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
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Ride Poultney:
This community trail system (map p.39) is diverse in its variety of offerings to bikers, hikers and other non-motorized users.
Redfield Trails
Slate Valley Trails
Slate Valley Trails has an extensive network of 16 routes starting in Poultney on gravel, paved, and class four mountain roads with good climbs, little traffic and scenic views. Slate Valley Trails, Inc. (SVT) is relatively new organization, founded in 2015. It continues to expand rapidly. Of the trail systems, Endless Brook Trails offers the most with 6 miles of singletrack and trails for all levels. Riders should be sure to make it to the highest point on Hardy’s Hill for spectacular views of Lake Saint Catherine. Farm Road (0.2 miles) is a short woods road that connects the trailhead to Franz’s Falls Trail, which then connects to all the other trails in the network. While listed as a green/beginner trail, expect technical steep side-hills after the long bridge over a beautiful gorge, according to slatevalleytrails.org. Trails are free and open to the public.
While you're here ... Rent a boat
Lake St. Catherine is a 852-acre lake in of Wells and Poultney. The State Park is on 117-acres on the lake eastern shore and features picnicking areas, 50 tent/RV sites and 11 lean-to y sites, swimming areas, two beaches and rowboats, iet oc S canoes, kayaks and pedal boat rentals. al
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| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
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Sample farm fresh foods
Stop by the Lakes Region Farmers Market held every Thursday from 9 a.m.2 p.m. for fresh foods from local farmers, as well as baked goods and crafts. It’s held on Main Street in Poultney.
Stop by the Original Vermont Store in the Mears house dating to 1829. You’ll find many unique Vermont products and gifts befitting of a truly Vermont country store. It’s located at 163 Main Street, in Poultney.
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Martinis & Tapas
Much More Thank a Snack, Tapas are a Way of Life! Happy Hour Daily with “2 for 1” Tapas until 7PM
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
The Garlic is a casually sophisticated upstyle Italian roadhouse with an ambiance and menu reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside.Cozy booths, harvest tables, and warm lighting create a setting for both a romantic and memorable dining experience. The Garlic features a comprehensive wine selection, innovative daily specials, and if you wish, “lots of garlic”.
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Open Daily 5-10 p.m. 1724 Killington Rd | thegarlicvermont.net | 802.422.5055
Endless Brook Trails 975 Endless Brook Road, Poultney
Rent a bike:
Johnson & Son Bikeworks 41Greenfield Lane Hampton, N.Y. 518-282-9089 Rocky Ridge Hardy’s Hill Shale Shifter (Double Track)
Hi Roller Rusty Bucket (N)
Rusty Bucket (S)
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Other Slate Valley Trails: Delaney Woods 3.5 miles Hiking & Biking
W Distance
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Poultney River & Rail 3.4 miles Hiking & Biking
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Castleton U. 1.6 miles Hiking & Biking slatevalleytrails.org
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Feel it
Head for the Rusty Bucket Loop (1.4 miles). This narrow singletrack trail loop climbs and descends through open forest, featuring many tight turns and a beautiful overlook from the summit ledge.
Challenge yourself on Rocky Ridge (1.1 miles). This hand built singletrack trail is technical, with some exposed sections. It is recommended for expert riders.
Legend Roadway
P Parking Access Road Easy Intermediate Trailhead
Feet
Miles
Head to Hardy’s Hill (1.9 miles). Once you reach the highest point, the views of Lake St. Catherine are amazing, and so are the fast berms on the long descent. This can be ridden as an out-and-back or as a loop.
1,000
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| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Dayton Hill Rd.
Farm Road
Start it
Send it
Endless Brook Rd.
Franz’s Falls
Best ride to:
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| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide 40
At Rutland Economic Development Corporation, our job is to support businesses of all sizes and from all sectors to ensure that our region is a prosperous and welcoming place. We are 100% focused on making the Killington Valley region the most collaborative, innovative, and friendly place in Vermont to live, work, and – most importantly – PLAY.
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
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Ride Ludlow:
Okemo's new bike park (map p.44) offers a lift-service experience for beginner and intermediate riders.
Evolution Bike Park at Okemo
Evolution Bike Park offers flowy trails accessible from the South Ridge Quad A as well as longer, steeper, and more challenging terrain from the summit via the Sunburst Six summit lift. The trails descend through pockets of forest, while rolling across the naturally undulating terrain, allowing novice riders an
introduction to mountain biking and advanced riders fun descents and a taste of things to come. Okemo’s bike park debuted in 2015 with the trails off Quad A; it opened the summit for intermediate and expert riders in 2017. Trail access requires riders to purchase a pass. Visit Okemo.com for more info.
While you're here ... Swim in waterfalls
Buttermilk Falls features a series of three main waterfalls on the Branch Brook — lower falls is 8 feet; middle falls is 20 feet; upper falls is 15 feet. All have excellent pools to swim in and depending on the flow, it’s possible to swim ntz e r under the falls! Buttermilk Falls o n L Road is located just Northwest of the e r Ka intersection of Routes 100 and 103. By
Go on a date
If you're in the mood for a date, treat your partner to a meal at The Downtown Grocery, which bills itself as casual fine dining, and features a menu of local, ery farm raised foods prepared c ro nG with precision. Reservations w nto are a must for this small popular w Do sy establishment. It’s located at 41 Depot e t ur o Street in Ludlow. C
Indulge with a maple creemee
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Green Mountain Sugarhouse has one of the best By Pa maple creemees ul Re around and there’s simply yn old nothing better after a ride sP ho on a hot day. Get your creemee tog rap inside then enjoy by the lake in hy Adirondack chairs. 820 Route 100 North, Ludlow.
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Grab a cup of joe and a bite
Java Baba’s, a “slow food café” serving “food with all the love cooked in” offers great coffee, pastries and sandwiches. It’s a great place to fuel up pre- or post-ride, or to pick up a picnic for lunch mid-ride. Located at 57 Pond Street in Ludlow.
Visit this one-stop shop
One stop shop! Singleton's General Store sells red meat, beer, guns, and flannel shirts, in addition to high-end active wear, salads, terrific sandwiches, and ice cream (and much much more!) “If they don’t have it, you don’t need it,” wrote one customer in a review. It’s located at 356 Main Street Route 131, Proctorsville.
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Summit Lodge
77 Okemo Ridge Road, Ludlow
Shake And Bake
Work Road
Scrambler
Sun bur st S ix
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Scrambler Shake And Bake
Work Road
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Bring It Home
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Bike Shop Bail BlackEyed Katy SugarOut House
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The Spur dA Qua
The Green Mile
Catamount
Rooster’s Rally Flow Rider
Rent a bike:
Evolution Bike Shop at Okemo Sugar House Lodge 77 Okemo Ridge Road, Ludlow 802-228-1893 Tygart Mountain Sports 57 Pond St., Suite 1, Ludlow 802-228-5440
Best ride to: Start it
Head to Catamount for a twisty, turny, fun ride. For never-evers, the best progression is “Green Mile,” then “Catamount,” then “Roosters Rally” and then “Flow Rider” off Quad A.
Feel it
Scrambler is a long fairly challenging ride descending 2,000 vertical feet from the summit over 3.2 miles. But it’s a flow trail, so there are few truly technical elements. Just be sure you’re comfortable on all the trails off Quad A before descending from the summit.
Send it
Challenge yourself on Shake And Bake, an expert trail off the summit of the Sunburst Six chair.
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Roadway
P Parking Easy Intermediate Expert Trailhead Scenic overlook Courtesy Okemo Mountain Resort
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New Summit Trails for 2018! Mountain bike access on the Sunburst Six summit lift, with a full service demo center at the Evolution Bike Shop.
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
okemo.com / evo
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802-228-1548
The Clear River Inn and Tavern is the perfect base camp for your mountain biking adventures in Central Vermont. Centrally located near all of Killington Valley's best riding, we're an old school, small town restaurant and hotel on 10 beautiful acres where locals rub elbows with visitors in the know. The tavern has a laid back vibe, an epic Vermont beer menu and friendly attentive service while the inn offers clean comfortable rooms and suites at amazingly affordable prices.
Inn - 802.746.7916 Tavern - 802.746.8999 open 7 days a week at 3pm
Clear River Inn and Tavern 2640 Route 100 Pittsfield, VT 05762
clearrivertavern.com for reservations and information or email us at info@clearrivertavern.com
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Our motto says it all, 'When you're here, you're in The Clear'
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Ride Pittsfield & Rochester:
Rochester Valley Trails (map p.51) and The Green Mountain Trails (map p.52) offer singletrack rides through the Green Mountains.
Rochester ValleyTrails
Green Mountain Trails
Rochester/Randolph Area Sport Trail Alliance (RASTA) creates sustainable trail and glade networks for nonmotorized activities including mountain biking, and also hiking, running, snowshoeing, cross-country and backcountry skiing. The Rochester Valley mountain bike trail Sap Boiler off Ranger Road is a fairly easy singletrack ride. Another slightly more challenging intermediate loop ride called Old Gent’s is in the works to the north. RASTA also maintains a pump track at Rochester Elementary/High School and Randolph recreation fields, as well as a network of five trails including beginner, intermediate and advanced rides in Randolph. Trails are free and open to the public.
This multi-use network of flowy singletrack covers about 25 miles of trails and 1,000-foot vertical in Pittsfield and Stockbridge. While there are some easier routes, intermediate and advanced riders will enjoy these trails most. Though a majority of the trails are relatively smooth and flowy, there are several miles of rooty, rocky, technical singletrack, and over 100 bermed switchbacks. Descents can be as long as 6 miles. Park at Amee Farm or at the top of Tweed River Road only. (Parking is prohibited at Riverside and along Route 100 during the summer months.) Trails are free and open to the public.
While you're here ... Treat yourself
Stop at Sandy’s Books and Bakery in downtown Rochester for a special treat or meal made daily using organic and local ingredients. Or, go there before your ride and pack a picnic!
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Doc’s Tavern on the green in Rochester is a great place to stop for an apres beer and/or burger. With its “Cheers” like conviviality, this Tavern is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
Antiques with a surprise of bluegrass Enjoy spontaneous music! The Wildwood Flower is a country store/ antique store located just south of downtown Rochester, on Route 100. In addition to an eclectic selection of Vermont-y antiques and handmade wooden furniture, the store hosts a jam session every first and third Saturday at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome, as players or audience.
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Ski Country
REAL ESTATE Call us for: Sales & Seasonal Rentals 335 Killington Road, Killington VT 05751 Office: (802) 775-5111
#1 in the Killington Region
www.SkiCountryRealEstate.com
R I DE
TODABY Y!
Come to our sugarhouse for the best breakfast around! After breakfast check out our giftshop for all your souvenier, gift, and maple syrup needs.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR VISIT! Serving Breakfast & lunch 7am-2pm daily Breakfast all day, lunch after 11am
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Sugar & Spice Restaurant & Gift Shop | Rt. 4 Mendon, VT | 802.773.7832 | vtsugarandspice.com
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ON THE EDGE OF THIS MAP...
GREEN MOUNTAIN BIKES 800-767-7882 greenmountainbikes.com
RIDE. BREAK. FIX. OPEN 7 DAYS 10 - 6pm
NEW & USED BIKES
HAIBIKE, HINDERYCKX, SANTA CRUZ, KONA, JAMIS, TRANSITION, JULIANA
...BUT IN THE MIDDLE OF R.A.S.T.A. LAND!
Rochester Valley Trails 99 Ranger Road, Rochester
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Rent a bike:
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Green Mountain Bikes 105 N. Main St., Rochester 802-767-4464
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Sap Boiler is a beginner trail that takes off from the USFS Rochester Ranger Station Visitor Center on Route 100 North of the village. The dirt track is machine-built with wide berms and bridges to make for an easy, fairly smooth ride through the woods. The section, 0.7 miles, connects with a 1.3 mile loop trail. Phase 2 will see the build out of a new trail called Old Gent’s that will connect with the northern portion of the Sap Boiler loop.
Legend Roadway
P Parking Easy Intermediate
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| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Old Gent’s (proposed summit loop)
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Fusters
Swiss Farm Market
Amee Farm access bridge is temporarily out.
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Ancient Fighting
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Casa Bella Green Mountain Bikes 105 N. Main St., Rochester 802-767-4464 Bikram Yoga Th
Note: Wedding Crasher is a new connector trail (opened in June 2018) to bypass Riverside events. It starts from the bottom of Riverside Run and leads to Noodles Revenge. Riverside There’s also a new advanced trail Farm that starts from the overlook called Gully Washer that involves a short portage across Fuster’s Ravine until a bridge is built.
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Alpine Bike Works 2326 US-4, Killington Pittsfield Pitt Stop General Store 802-773-0000
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| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Labyrinth
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Devil’s Throat
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4276 VT-100, Pittsfield
Pittsfield, Vermont
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Tube down the river!
Start it
Fusters
Advanced beginners should try Zebedee, a turny ride with some technical elements, which is why it’s marked as a blue/ intermediate ride. Riverside Run (which connects Amee Farm and Riverside Farm) and the Green Trail (which leads you to the summit) are marked green and are easier rides.
Feel it Luvin It features bedrock so close to the surface that much of the trail is exposed ledge. This trail is a vital link to Shrek’s Cabin, a stone hut at the top of the mountain with gorgeous views. It’s a must-see destination and a great spot for a short break or a picnic.
Send it
On Fusters you will feel the burn. Waterfall attraction on black (expert). Crosses many small ravines and a couple of larger ones which lends the trail its natural swoopiness. It’s some rugged terrain to build in.
Legend Roadway
P Parking VAST Trail Easy Intermediate Expert Trailhead Stone Steps Muddy's Shrek's Cabin
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Tweed River Tubing and Vermont River Tubing (both on Route 100 in nearby Stockbridge) offer tubing tours la ku i down the White River. n M Tubes and shuttle service n Ly lly provided. o P
Go Swimming
Take Route 107 off Route 100 toward Bethel. In about three miles, take a sharp left onto Blackmer Boulevard. Almost immediately, the road crosses the White River, swim beneath the bridge.
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Walk the stone steps
Explore the stone steps from the the top of Tweed River Drive just off the GMT loop trail. Towards le d the bottom you id rB will stumble across e ph o t Muddy's, an outdoor pizza ris Ch venue, with spontaneous/ y B random hours of operation. Challenge yourself along the way to Spartan obstacles including ropes to climb, walls to scale and heavy objects to hoist off the ground with pulleys.
Fuel up
Pittsfield's two stores, The General Store and the Swiss Farm Market, which are across the street from each other on Route 100, offer some By Eri unique snacking options. ca Ha At the General Store, find rri ng Kombucha and cold brewed coffee ton on tap. At the Swiss Farm Market, serve your own maple creemee!
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Best ride to:
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| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
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Overnight & Day
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STAY TWO MIDWEEK NIGHTS GET THE THIRD NIGHT HALF PRICE SUNDAY - THURSDAY EXCLUDES HOLIDAYS SSS FFFFSFF SFSSFS
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-ORSTAY TWO MIDWEEK NIGHTS, GET THE THIRD NIGHT HALF PRICE SUNDAY-THURSDAY (Excludes Holidays and Foliage Season) 802-457-5000 • OnTheRiverWoodstock.com
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
www.Farmandwilderness.org PLYMOUTH, VT
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Ride hard... Eat well... Sleep sound... Lodging - Dining - Beverages www.birchridge.com 800.435.8566 - 802.422.4293
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Full Service bicycle shop in Rutland, VT
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FEATURING:
SALES | RENTALS | REPAIRS Used and consignment bikes and other outdoor gear! 140 N. Main St, Rutland, Vermont
JOIN THE CLUB... BECOME A MEMBER
ON FACEBOOK
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
VISIT killingtonmountainbikeclub.org/membership
CHECK OUT KMBC
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Why are mountain bikes so expensive? | GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
By Katy Savage Jean Pierre’s mountain bike is worth more than than his car. Pierre, who works at Basin Sports in Killington, said a good mountain bike is worth the expense. While most spend about $2,200 on a mountain bike, they can cost anywhere from $800 to $10,500. Those who work at bike shops say
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there’s a difference between the bikes Bikes at most local bike shops can be they sell and bikes from large retailers. customized to fit the rider precisely, and will always meet industry Pierre compared a good bike to a standard. good knife. “I can cut sushi without my sushi knife, but a properly shaped knife will cut the sushi smoother,” he said. “You need the proper tool for what you’re doing.”
“The investment of a bicycle is the most efficient form of transportation on earth. It’s twice as efficient as walking,” noted Andrew Berlow of Alpine Bike Works in Killington.
There are three types of bikes: “Cross country bikes” for relatively flat terrain, “downhill bikes” for those who want to get down the mountain at full speed, and “All mountain bikes” that offer a combination of the two. Different riders will want to invest in different components for the types of riding they do. Here we break down some of themost important biking components:
Frame
Cost: $800 to $5,000 Frames come in two materials—aluminum and carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is lighter and gives a more compliant, smoother ride. It’s also more expensive. Aluminum bikes give a stiffer, rougher ride.
Cost: $160 to $500 Seats come in male and female shapes and different widths and lengths. Choose one that’s comfortable. A dropper seatpost has a lever underneath it, like an office chair. When you stand up on the bike, the seat lifts to its maximum height. When you sit down, it stays there. A dropper seatpost can be fitted to any bike.
Gears
Cost: $500 to $3,000 The average mountain bike has 22 gears, but different riders have different gear ranges for what they’re doing. Modern bikes have 10, 11 or 12 gears in the back and usually only one in the front. Low gears allow for maximum speed. High gears allow riders to climb steep hills.
Fork
Cost: $500 to $1,500 The fork is like the shocks in your car. The fork absorbs irregularities in the terrain and it holds the front wheel of the bike in place.
Modern Braking System
Cost: $50 to $100 Mountain bikers sometimes have to apply a large amount of braking force in a short instance. Being able to stop immediately without skidding is important. Having brakes that you can control of the touch of your pinky could be a necessary safety component.
Wheels
Cost: $500 to $800 Wheels come in aluminum and carbon fiber. Carbon fiber wheels are lighter and more expensive. Downhill wheels have thicker rims and wheels. The material, how it’s laced and how a wheel is put together makes a difference in the price point. Wheels can cost more than $800, but Pierre advised not trying to buy one that costs more than $800. “You ride them hard,” said Pierrre. “Even the most expensive ones break.”
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Dropper seatpost
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VOCAL FOR LOCAL as a member owned financial cooperative, we are here to serve our members.
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
Join us today & become family!
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Rutland | Fair Haven | castleton | Brandon | bennington manchester | ludlow | Londonderry | Hooksett, nh Federally insured by the NCUA.
Your Community...Your Credit Union 1.888.252.8932 | WWW.HFCUVT.COM
TRY OUT OUR NEWEST ROUTE... The Prouty Gravel Metric Century ride (64 miles), is where you can tour the best less-traveled roads in the area with 40k (25 miles) of hard-pack dirt riding – all in the service of fighting cancer at Dartmouth’s Norris Cotton Cancer Center!
For more information and to register, see: TheProuty.org
Use your passion for the outdoors to raise money for cancer research and patient services at northern New England’s only NCI-designated cancer center! For those who want to come with you, there are opportuniites to bike, walk, row or golf.
Join us in 2018 on Saturday, July 14. (In 2019, save the date: Saturday, July 13.)
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
TM
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Mountain biking is a
family hobby
By Katy Savage
Bettina Davis's son Wilder just wants to ride his bike.
Davis reminds Wilder (pictured at left and p.63 bottom right) to turn around after he crosses the road, after he grew bored from riding loops in the driveway.
Max (pictured p.63 bottom left) is preparing to compete in downhill races this year. “What I’m best at is doing the technical trails,” Max said. “I want to be able to see how much I’ve been improving.”
The children are equipped with all the safety equipment they can wear. In addition to helmets, they wear “It’s neck braces, goggles, something elbow guards and chest we can all pads. While the kids do together,” like riding the lifts up the mountain and Wilder, who is still in said Jason getting to the bottom pre-school, has earned as fast as they can, their himself a reputation on parents make them ride the mountain. cross country trails for the “A lot of people think because exercise. he’s so little he must be fearless “We don’t want them to be and aggressive but it’s not the full-on park rats,” Davis said of case with him—he’s just very diversifying their experience. practiced for his age,” Davis said. The kids take after their father, Wilder has followed suit with Jason DiDomenico, 46, who grew his older brothers. The family, up racing motocross with his including Max, 9, Thorin, 7 and father. Wilder have made mountain biking Wilder, age 4, has ridden a bike since he was 1 ½ years old. This summer, he’ll start riding a full suspension mountain bike down mid-level trails at the Killington Bike Park.
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
a family activity.
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Their three sons started riding Strider Balance Bikes six months after they started walking. Strider bikes are pedal-less bikes that help children find their balance. The family rides the resort’s trails about three times a week and competes in weekly Wednesday night races just for fun.
By Robin Alberti
While Wilder is already riding midlevel blue diamond trails, Max is taking on the hardest double black diamonds.
Jason switched to mountain biking after he gave up motocross in his early 20s.
Jason stays on top of all the trends in mountain biking, which is how he was able to build a bike and find parts that were small enough for Wilder. “It’s something we can all do together,” said Jason. There’s nothing quite like it, said Jason—”flying down a mountain, riding your bike on a roller coaster.”
Co in
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
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FUN IN THE SUN 0.5K DASH FOR DONUTS: A Library to Town Office Dash with enough fluids and carbs to get you to the finish line! Proceeds support summer events. July 7th, 11:00 a.m
STARS & SMORES: Select Saturday nights this summer for making smores and stargazing! Watch Facebook for dates as it depends on weather
VIKINGS:
The Vermont Viking Invasion brings in live steel competitors from across the U.S. and Europe. We’ll have an authentic Viking encampment circa 800. It’s a three day event that will be open to the public on Saturday, Sept. 22. Admission is free.
CONCERTS:
| GRIP | Mountain Bike Guide
River Road Summer Concert Series on Thursday Nights!
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Shred It…
Life is Better on a Bike! Whether it’s biking, hiking, kayaking or any outdoor fun, our region has you covered. Our dedicated and caring physicians have you covered too…from routine healthcare to emergency care.
Check us out at RRMC.org
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
LUNCH • DINNER • MUSIC • WEDDINGS • EVENTS
6 3 S U M M I T PAT H , K I L L I N G T O N , V T • 8 0 2 - 4 2 2 - 5 3 3 5 • W W W. F O U N D RY K I L L I N G T O N . C O M