Vermont: Extreme Vermont

Ride The Infamous Gaps!!

Classic Adventures is proud to present a new Extreme tour in Vermont. Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, passes called “the gaps” rival the best climbs found in the Western U.S. From Brandon Gap to Appalachian Gap, you will find great roads, low traffic volume, luxurious accommodations, and warm Vermont hospitality.

The terrain is varied from start to finish. On most days you will experience flat sections and two to three serious climbs, ranging from 500 to 2000 feet. Bear in mind “Extreme” applies to both the challenging rides, as well as extreme exhilaration and exuberance one may experience. Climbs take riders to a new level of beauty with majestic vistas. The rustic beauty and rugged terrain offers a unique appreciation for unspoiled regions.

There is ample time to relax and absorb all that your surroundings offer. Lodging includes both the luxurious Middlebury Inn and The Basin Harbor Club. This tour is perfectly suited to the rider who wants a full day of riding, finished off with equally comfortable and relaxing accommodations. Hope you will join us.

Daily Itinerary

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Day 1. Arrive in Burlington, VT. Meet your guides, and transfer to the luxurious Basin Harbor Club. Bike fitting and warm-up ride followed by orientation and dinner at the Basin Harbor Club. (12 miles)

Day 2. Today we get a taste of things to come as we ride through the foothills of the Green Mountains through the towns of Ferrisburg and Hinesburg.  We stop for lunch in the historic village of Shelburne.  After lunch we head south on rolling roads, with a stop to shock our legs into action by climbing Mt Philo – a challenging climb that rewards riders with a breathtaking lake view from the top. (56 miles)

Day 3. For today’s ride we will circle the city of Vergennes, the smallest and oldest city in Vermont, enjoying mountain and lake vistas.  After a leisurely lunch in the village we transition south via a visit to the UVM Morgan Horse Farm.  Our day ends with our first night at the historic Middlebury Inn. (48 miles)

Day 4. We get our first taste of the Gaps.  After breakfast we’ll head south over the Middlebury Gap to the town of Hancock, named for the famous Boston patriot, John Hancock.  We pass through the mountain village of Ripton, where the poet Robert Frost had a summer home – now a national historic site.  After lunch we tackle Brandon Gap, passing the home and studios of renowned folk artist Warren Kimble, before returning to the Middlebury Inn. (58 miles)

Day 5. We head north to Bristol and Waitsfield. Our destination, Bristol, is known as the “gateway to the Green Mountains.” From Bristol we’ll climb the lower and upper sections of the Appalachian Gap, crossing Vermont’s famous Long Trail. Descending into Waitsfield we will pass the Mad River Glen ski area. Turning south, riders have the option to ride the west approach of Lincoln Gap.  Recently named “the steepest one mile of road in America” by Bicycling Magazine, it is a true test of mettle.  We will return to Middlebury over the west approach of the Middlebury Gap – a challenging climb for any rider.  (72 miles)

Day 6. Depart for Burlington Airport after breakfast.