It is time once again for our annual bike packing weekend!! Each year Vermont Bicycle Shop partners with Pride Rides to host a 3 day (2 nights) beginner friendly bike packing trip. This year we’ll be hosted by the amazing Cail at their vacation cabin, The Crash Pad, in Groton, VT.
Cail has provided their space at no charge to Pride Rides and is a big part helping make this a no/low cost weekend! Register below!!
It is important to know that the focus of our bike packing weekend is to create a safe space for people in the queer community, all who understand the importance of that space are invited!
Here’s the details:
Saturday August 30:
9:00 to 9:30 Gather at Vermont Bicycle Shop
10:00am Wheels roll.
We will ride 27 mile ride with minimal pavement, a lot of gravel roads, and some big hills, a little bit of muddy jeep path, and a bunch of Groton Rail Trail.
Here is a link to the route details:
We will be staying at a generously provided cabin with showers, electricity, a kitchen. While we do have a cabin and it is most likely that everyone will be able to sleep inside somewhere it is still a good idea to bring sleeping gear as if you were sleeping in a tent in order to ensure your comfort.
Here is a link to other requirements you’ll need before you can register/join us:
https://vermontbicycleclub.com/2021/03/26/joiningus/
There is a general store very close by in the event additional snacks, light groceries, and such are needed. It might be worth noting that some of the stores in rural Vermont might come with a Lavender Book warning. While nothing is specifically stated about any of the locations on our weekend trip, and most are incredibly friendly we also want to make sure folks know there will be allies at this event who are ready and glad to help.
It’s also best to be aware that there may be limited hours and to also prepare as if you were going camping for the weekend with out access to a store.
Sunday, August 31:
There will be a roughly 30 mile gravel and class 4 bicycle ride up to Peacham and back. While the mileage is short, the elevation may be significant. This will be a part of the ‘Darren Trains for Ride the Ridges’ series that Vermont Bicycle Club has been hosting. For those not interested in the ride there is swimming near by and a few miles up the rail bed is Boulder Beach for sun and fun as well.
Here is a link to the Sunday bicycle ride route:
Here is a direct link to download the GPX file.
Monday, September 1:
We’ll clean up and make certain to leave no trace before departing Groton back to Barre via the same 27 mile route from the first day.
At this time we do not have any car support for the event. Because we won’t have to carry as much gear with us for the stay, this trip will be a pretty easy way to dip your toes into the bike packing world. It is still very much a bike packing weekend and folks should be ready for the multitude of adventures and challenges that make these sorts of rides so fun. If you’ve consistently (at least once or twice a week) ridden a bicycle for 5 to 10 miles without taking a break or walking up hills then you will be ready for the challenge!
If you are in need of any equipment reach out to Vermont Bicycle Shop to see what items are available from the Pride Rides library of bikes and equipment.
If folks have their own way to transport bicycles, they can also opt to join us for any of the bike rides without having to commit to any of the camping! Just let us know ahead of time. Reach out to us at Vermont Bicycle Shop!