Audax Vermont, champion of long distance cycling and randonneuring, is starting to create a new biking route in Vermont, the XVT.  We want your experience, your local knowledge, and your interest in pouring over maps, to help pick the best existing roads and trails.  This is not about trail building, this is about creating a beautiful, fun, and challenging long distance mountain biking route to be done either in sections or in its entirety.

XVT


A mountain biking route that loops around Vermont, from Massachusetts to Canada and back, on as much dirt as possible.  Most of the route is local town maintained dirt roads in good condition.  Rougher Class 4 roads will be incorporated whenever possible.  VAST trails will be included when trail surface is reasonable for summer travel.  Singletrack that is point-to-point will be included as much as possible.  Paved roads will be avoided.

There are no markers on the ground, no maintenance assurances, and no one who can provide directions or support.  Be prepared and self-sufficient.  Enjoy maple creemees and whoopie pies at local stores.


Locations and land that permit tent camping and fee campgrounds on route will be identified to facilitate bikepacking.  However, the majority of the route abuts private land that may be posted.  Camping in those areas will require considerable prudence and stealth.

Route will probably be 450-500 miles.


For development purposes, the route will be broken into seven zones:

xvt map divs

 

1 Canada- Rt 2 (east)

2 Rt 2-Rt 4 (east)

3 Rt 4-Rt 9 (east)

4 Rt 9-Mass-Rt 9

5 Rt 9-Rt 4 (west)

6 Rt 4-Rt 2 (west)

7 Rt 2-Canada (west)

Please comment by zone to make collating with others easier.  Text, maps, www.bikely.com links, and .GPX files all acceptable.  We hope to produce cue sheets and .GPX files for the entire route.

Reply via email using the bullet items below as a template, or look at http://xvtmbr.pbworks.com/
Using this wiki will allow multiple people to contribute ideas in an orderly manner and keep our inboxes from getting out of hand.

 

Contribute your ideas by Zone

Zone:

Suggested route ideas:

Specific roads/trails the route MUST include:

Camping opportunities:

 

Get out the maps and thanks in advance for your contributions!