Earlier this year we put out the challenge to bicycle riders to become the first person to officially ride at least one mile of trail from every current VMBA chapter. There are a total of 27 trail systems (plus a bonus point for the Velomont Trail) to ride. Some are well know and easily accessible, some of wildly difficult to track down any inkling of information about, all are wonderful examples of the outdoors spirit of Vermont recreation.
When I came up with the idea, I wanted to present to everyone all the amazing variety of trails there are in such a small state. I also wanted to showcase the amazing variety of bicycles riders who are active in mountain bike culture in Vermont.
We had nearly 100 inquiries about the challenge, we had close to 30 folks who registered for the challenge. We had 14 folks who participated in some way in the challenge. Of those 14 we had 8 people remain active even after first place was claimed.
1st place was claimed over the July 4 weekend, and soon after 2nd place was also claimed by two active women cyclists. 3rd place happened about a month later and the battle for fourth place rage until the bitter end with our 4th place finisher completing the task Cal Ripken style on the last day!
Riding 27 (Velomont was a bonus point) trails across the state of Vermont is a seriously challenging undertaking. That folks were just as interested as I was about this challenge was exciting, and It was a wonderfully vicarious experience to see people check trails off their lists.
This Friday we’ll make the official winner’s announcement, until then, thank you to everyone who helped, who participated, who shared about the challenge on social media, and to all the amazing chapters and volunteers that make up the incredible trail systems in Vermont.