Vermont Bikepackers is a volunteer-operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We built this website to share bikepacking resources.
We chart routes across the state's network of ancient unmaintained roads as well as recreational trails such as rail trails, singletrack, and town forest trails. The paths are already there -- we did not build them, but we do link them together into routes. In some cases, we are working to increase backcountry cycling access across the state. We strive to align with existing initiatives that have community support.
The board of directors of the Vermont Bikepackers continue to make changes to our routes based on feedback from trail organizations, state agencies, landowners, and riders. There are many others who have contributed time and effort to route development.
We work to maintain accurate and up-to-date information. We strive to keep a healthy relationship between landowners, local trail organizations, other trail users, and bikepackers from everywhere.
Ways to give
1. You can donate directly to Vermont Bikepackers here: .
2. Become a member of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Vermont Bikepackers Chapter. List Vermont Bikepackers as your main chapter (or add-on chapter). Benefits are detailed on the page, but also include access to premium route editing tools on our RidewithGPS Clubs Account. When you choose to donate this way, 50% of your membership fee goes directly to VMBA (of which the majority goes out in the form of trail grants towards Vermont singletrack), and the other 50% goes to Vermont Bikepackers.
History
2017-present
We've been hosting an annual Grand Depart of the Super 8 since 2017. Check out details on the GD/results/reports page.
2015-2017
Will Blanchard kept a blog for the happenings of Vermont Bikepackers. Lots of great info linked below, including rider profiles and links to rider and route contributor blogs. In 2015, Vermont Bikepackers became a VMBA chapter.
http://vermontbikepacking.blogspot.com/
2009-2010
The XVT Bikepack Route underwent major developments spearheaded by David Tremblay and Dave Blumenthal. They created a crowd-sourced route development page that persists today.
In 2010, Dave Blumenthal was killed in a collision with a truck while riding the Tour Divide.
You can read Dave's blog here: https://type2fun.wordpress.com/
1999-2001
Back when stems were long and handlebars narrow, the Vermont Mountain Bike Association conducted assessments of primitive roads and the feasibility for mountain biking on them. Fair warning: the rabbit hole is deep!
Here's an example, line #496 from one of the road assessments: 496: 0.49 mi. 43°53'N 72°43'W. Assessed on 06/28/2001. Good. Moderate technically. Brutal aerobically. Double track. Used by 4-wheel drives, ATVs / dirt bikes, bikes. Light motorized use. 90% hard-pack dirt, 10% running water (muddy). Avoid in wet weather. Hard to find both ends. LANDMARKS: From the north, the trail avoids crossing through farm fields by starting west of the last farm on road 495. From the south, after the last driveway on Byan Road bike 450 feet further (cross a bridge, go around a gate, and look for culverts on the left), then turn right to ford a stream and ascend a grassy wet road for 100 yards. COMMENT: When riding north the ascent on the grassy road is short but brutal.
