Results and ride reports for the 2021 Vermont Super 8 Grand Depart are in! Check out the GD page for detailed results. Here are the ride reports that rolled in this year:
Full 8:
South Lobe:
North Lobe:
Ashley Rosemeyer on her and Dean's ride (Zeal Optics).
Join us on Friday, Sep 24 for the start of your self-supported bikepacking adventure. There will be a group start in Montpelier, but you may choose to start from Brattleboro or Derby Line, VT if it's more convenient. There are three mileage options: north lobe (260), south lobe (380) or full 8 (640 miles) of the Vermont Super 8 bikepacking route. For more information on the route, see our routes page.
This is not a group ride! Riders will be responsible for their own supplies, services, and navigation. Riders will be provided with a .gpx track file and should complete the chosen course under their own power in order to be included in the results. There is no entry fee, but riders will be encouraged to register with a satellite tracking service for the duration of their ride. To learn about other riders' past experiences on the Super 8, and to find out more about the self-supported bikepacking standards, check out the GD/ results / reports page.
The Super 8 is an extremely challenging course, but with the right expectations, preparation, gear, pacing, and mindset, riders of many skill levels can take it on. Vermont has an inclusive community of bikepackers. If you have questions about the route, you are encouraged to float them to this facebook group.
To register for the Grand Depart, send a Letter of Intent to dan@vermontbikepackers.org . Please state that you understand that you are solely responsible for your own services and support. It would also be good to know your intended mileage option and previous bikepacking experience as well.
See you in September! Maybe before then. Cheers and happy new year.
On Sep 25, nineteen riders lined up for the 3rd Grand Depart of the Vermont Super 8. 7 riders finished the North Lobe only, 2 riders finished the South Lobe only, and 3 riders finished the Full 8. Notable finishes include Erik Nelson, who set the new FKT on the North Lobe of 1:07:59, besting Jeremiah Macrae-Hawkins's 2020 time by about 10 minutes, and George Lapierre's 2020 time by about 30 minutes. Rob Janelli was the first place finisher of the South Lobe.
The highlight accomplishment of this year was Brittni Gorman's finish of the Full 8, making her the first place overall 2020 finisher as well as the first known female to complete the Full 8!
Matthew Tschiegg completed his second successful ride of the Full 8. Matt is now our only two-time full-8 finisher.
Check out the Results page to see full details. Over the coming weeks, we expect trip reports to roll in so keep your eye on our social media for updates (IG @vermontbikepackers), or check back here to see if anyone has sent in a report!