The Central Vermont Cycling Tour – perhaps the best dirt-road bicycle ride in New England – spins down the road for its fifth edition this summer. Vermont has thousands of miles of dirt roads, and this June 22 the CVCT runs on three different courses, from easy to challenging, over some of the best back roads anywhere.
Named one of Vermont’s top 10 summer events by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, this is a ride with something for everyone, from families to hardcore athletes.
The event is a fully supported country bike ride on beautiful, low-traffic dirt roads past farms, woods, lakes and historic towns with names like Adamant and Maple Corner. It includes rest and food stops featuring local food, a bike patrol for safety and mechanical issues, and an all-you-can eat lunch finale with food from local restaurants, farmers, bakeries and cheese producers.
Choose between an easy 13-mile loop, the 33-mile medium loop, or challenge yourself to do the tough 60-mile ride, designed by Olympic mountain biker Pavel Cherkasov and featuring 6,000 feet of climbing. All three are just outside Vermont’s cozy, vibrant capital, Montpelier.
The event is $50, free for those under 17, and includes classes for runners on the two shorter loops.
All proceeds benefit the Cross-Vermont Trail, a 90-mile greenway across the state from Lake Champlain to the Connecticut River. Register online, at Onion River Sports in Montpelier ,or on the day of the event. For more information: www.centralvtcyclingtour.org, or call 802-498-0079.