It’s that time of year again – race calendars are out and planning is well under way. Not sure what my objectives are for this year. Perhaps more of a mix between racing and cycle touring. Maybe even a Grand Fondo. Needless to say, a summer on the bike is very much in the picture. I will soon be kicking off the season in one of my favourite cycling holiday places – myself and a small group of friends are going to Mallorca! From there – who’s to say….a weekend of riding the hills of Vermont perhaps!
photo courtesy of Vermont Challenge
An interesting noticed passed through my inbox recently – the question – “Are you up for the Challenge”? How could I not look into that??? If you feel you are up to the challenge – go to their website at www.vtchallenge.com – go out for a weekend of riding in the hills of Vermont – I am sure you won’t regret it!
Vermont Challenge
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It looks like the Vermont Challenge will be covering some of Vermont’s finest – including the legendary Middlebury Gap. Imagine cruising along through the rollers in the ancient basin of Lake Champlain – you can see that you are going to start to climb as you go from farmland to forest. Before you know it, you turn a corner and it is on – the climbing begins. You have no frame of reference for where the climb will end as you wind your way up hill. After the crest of the Gap – you start your descent – wind in your face, good pavement below your tires. An epic day in the saddle will be yours.
Nothing says cycling in Vermont more than the peloton emerging from the covered wooden bridge!
photo courtesy of Vermont Challenge
I took the time to ask a couple quick questions to one of the organizers, and this is what she had to say:
AnitaMac: How many people are you expecting for this ride?
VtChallenge: approximately 1500 riders. We already have clubs from Italy that have committed to the Challenge.
AnitaMac: Who is the weekend geared towards?
VtChallenge: This is not a beginners weekend. There will be choices, but the riders need to be able to cover an average of 30 – 40 miles (48 – 76 kms) in the hills.
AnitaMac: What about logistics? Where will the riders stay? What about their bags?
VtChallenge: Riders will book their own accommodations. There are links on the website. There is plenty of accommodations available as the region is full of winter ski chalets. Luggage will be transported to the next inn.
Check out the website for more details about the 3 ride options. Click here to link to more information about the routes.
Sounds like fun. I’m still a beginner so will have to file this one for sometime in the future.
Posted by Robin | February 19, 2012, 3:16 pmSomething to aspire to. Have ridden in the area – it is gorgeous.
Posted by Anita Mac | February 19, 2012, 9:08 pmI am looking forward to warmer weather and more bike riding. With gas prices continuing to rise I can’t wait to park the car for days at a time and just ride! Sounds like you have a lot of fun times ahead
Posted by f-stop mama | February 19, 2012, 7:15 pmLoads of fun times ahead. Hoping to start tomorrow with a chilly hour long ride followed by hot soup in a cute little cafe out of town!
Posted by Anita Mac | February 19, 2012, 9:09 pmI love this post! My husband and I are opening a bed and breakfast here in Virginia in Port Conway (about 20 miles south of Fredericksburg) soon. It is a beautiful historic home (built in 1791) and was the birthplace of James Madison. One of the things we are hoping to do is put together a bike tour for our guests. We have several vineyards and historic sites as well as beautiful country roads to ride.
Posted by bellegroveatportconway | February 19, 2012, 10:50 pmVery cool! I hope you enjoy many successes with the cycling community – personally, I think they are pretty great! Brilliant way to get out and enjoy your surroundings. Historic sites and vineyards will only enhance their experience! We often head out to Prince Edward County in Ontario for cycling in the vineyards. We tend to frequent the wineries that will hold our wine for pickup later or better – deliver to our bed and breakfast! Finishing off the last of the Waupoos Cider from last fall – will be heading back for more!
Posted by Anita Mac | February 20, 2012, 8:48 amJust put air in my tires, thinking the bike is more ready than the rider, lol. Happy cycling.
Posted by PC PHOTO | February 23, 2012, 8:36 am