The Vermont EPIC Bicycle Tour

Name: The Vermont EPIC Bicycle Tour
Start: 2024-07-15T07:00:00-04:00
End: 2024-07-19T17:00:00-04:00
Location: VT Burlington

Schedule

Mon Jul 15 2024 at 07:00 am to Fri Jul 19 2024 at 05:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

VT Burlington | Burlington, VT

The Lowdown
Boasting the lowest population density of any State on the eastern seaboard, Vermont is a hidden gem for cyclists and nature lovers alike. Enjoy the green mountain forests, pristine rivers, and rolling hills as you cycle along Vermont's quiet gravel roads. This 5-day tour will give you a taste of everything Vermont has to offer; and we aren't just talking about maple syrup.
What You'll Love
Simply put, Vermont has the best low traffic roads in the country. Drivers are polite and there is a strong cycling and outdoors culture. As we cross the state and pass through idyllic small towns, you will get a taste of classic New England living. Climb to the summit of Mount Mansfield, taste at the plethora of craft breweries, and soak in the welcoming nature of long-time Vermonters. This tour also boasts some of the best meal options we have on offer. From Mad Taco to wood-fired Folino's pizza to local cheese and apple cider, Vermont does not disappoint when it comes to food! The Vermont Epic truly has something for everyone and will make you want to come back to the Green Mountain State year after year.
Details:
Rider Level
Beginner+ - Intermediate
Distance, Parcours, and Accommodation
18-60 miles daily, 5 days, Rolling Hills, Gravel and pavement.
Premium hotels and lodges
NOTE: THIS TOUR INCLUDES APPROXIMATELY 55% GRAVEL ROADS

What's Included:
-Hotel Accommodation
-Daily baggage transfer
-Fully guided tour with two (2) guides
-Pre-tour consultation to make sure you are ready to go
-All breakfasts are included
-SAG support and water stops with snacks
-Blaze Adventure Tours tri-blend T-shirt and water bottle
-Free photos and trip video
*Optional Add-Ons*
-Bicycle Rental
-Hotel the night after the trip
-Shuttle Service before or after trip

What's not Included:
-Bicycle - Recommended touring or gravel bike with 32mm-50mm tires. (Need help bringing your own bike? We will handle the logistics and can facilitate bike rentals)
-Alcohol and souvenirs
-Lunches and Dinners

The Night Before
Riders will settle in at the Courtyard Burlington Harbor Marriott in downtown Burlington near Lake Champlain. Enjoy a day in Burlington and hit some of the highlights before setting off on our grand adventure. Meet us at Foam Brewers for a get-to-know-us drink! These will be the people you’ll spend the next 5 days touring with, so the bonding starts now. We will have a beer (or whatever you prefer) and get excited about the epic trip awaiting us. Don't stay up too late, because we will have an early start in the morning!

The Tour
Day 1 - 38 miles; 1,821 feet of climbing or 49 miles; 2,645 feet of climbing:
Day 1 starts with some gentle riding out of Burlington and into the country. We will utilize the cross Vermont trail and some excellent gravel roads on our way to Waterbury. There we will have lunch at the exceptional Prohibition Pig brewery and restaurant. If you'd like to grab some beers to go or from the shop across the street we are happy to drive them to camp for you. Short option riders will stop here and have a chance to check out the Cabot Farm Store (known for Cabot Cheese!); for the others we continue up to Stowe which is full of great restaurants and breweries. Don't worry, our route takes us past the store so you can try some cheese as well. We will also be near Smugglers Notch which, aptly named for the history of smuggling leading up to the war of 1812, is a gem for hiking and outdoor activities in the shadow of Mount Mansfield.
Day 2 - 9 miles; 529 feet of climbing or 18 miles; 1,345 feet of climbing:
The second day of our trip will be a real treat; we're going to the top of Mount Mansfield! The group will have the option hike up to the summit of Mount Mansfield, the tallest mountain in Vermont, or take a gondola up to a nearby peak. On a clear day there is no better view in the whole state. After the hike we'll have lunch near at Cliff House on the mountain! A gondola ride down to our bikes will have one group doing a short ride back to Stowe, and those who want to ride more will continue on to Morrisville for a bit more exploring. The afternoon is free for more hiking around the area or visiting the shops and everything else Stowe has to offer.
Day 3 - 39 miles; 2,032 feet of climbing or 58 miles; 2,567 feet of climbing:
Today we get to enjoy the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail! This newly completed trail has an exceptional surface, gentle grades, and an incredible view. After some lovely riding on the trail we break at Butch's Harvest Store where you may have your first chance to have a maple creemee; the famous dessert which is Vermont's answer to soft serve ice cream (and in our opinion even better). We end the day at the state capitol of Montpelier. Riders are free to explore the Vermont Historical Society Museum, Capitol Building, and numerous local restaurants in the area. You won't want to miss our big group dinner at the Three Penny Taproom; our guides' choice for the best meal on the trip.
Day 4 - 29 miles; 1,838 feet of climbing or 55 miles; 4,522 feet of climbing:
Get ready for the best riding of the trip! The first half of the day is tame as we wind along the Mad River. Lunchtime features the infamous Mad Taco as the group fuels up for our biggest challenge yet. Short day riders will stop in the adorable town of Warren at the country store. After we hit the town of Warren, the road starts to climb as we tackle Lincoln Pass. This gravel mountain will test your legs as we hit gradients as high as 20%! We ride down to Middlebury for our stay at the Courtyard Marriott and some well earned beer at one of the many breweries.
Day 5 - 31 miles; 1,664 feet of climbing or 60 miles; 2,567 feet of climbing:
Our final day on tour takes us back to Burlington. You'll want to soak in all the gravel and gentle terrain as our route winds its way through farmland and forest. Our last lunch will be at Fiddlehead Brewing and Folino's Pizza. A beer and a pie will set you right for our final dash back to where we started. Short day riders will get a lift back to Burlington where everyone will meet at Leddy Park and ride a few miles out into the lake on the Lake Champlain Causeway. After checking back into the Courtyard Marriott Burlington Harbor and a shower, we'll have farewell drinks at Citizen Cider in downtown Burlington.