jstewse

Some friends are putting together a vintage ride in Montpelier in a month, thought I'd post here to see if there was any interest.

If you're in the area, come on out!





Here's a link to flyer...https://pub.lucidpress.com/VeloVermontVRR/

And the Facebook event page...https://www.facebook.com/events/929767493737547/

Route details...https://www.strava.com/routes/3124830

RobbieTunes

Try pastorbob. He's in New Hampshire. I think all those states are up there, somewhere....
It sure sounds like fun, and it's a beautiful place.

Ed.

I'm sure inclined - but I'd want to know more about the 'dirt' road aspect.

vtchuck

I'm with Ed.... I'm wary of "dirt roads". I ride road bikes. If I wanted to ride on dirt, I'd get a mountain bike.

I can't afford to re-equip w/ wheels and tires for one ride. My vintage rides have Paselas & Michelin skin walls.

Too bad. Sounds like fun.

jimmuller 

Much of Vermont is rather inclined all by itself.

I'd be inclined too except I'll be in Maine, the state on the other side of the upsidedown state.

pastorbobnlnh 

Of course it HAS TO BE on a Sunday!

Mont Peculiar is just a 100 miles north on the interstate, an easy drive. But even at 2:00 p.m. I'd need to wear the wool cycle shorts and wool jersey under the pulpit robe. However, driving almost 2 hours to only ride a 1/4 century, just doesn't make sense. Then I'd need to drive 2 hours back to the church for our youth group meeting, so no pub hanging afterwards!

Fun idea, but I wish it were on a Saturday and was at least 50 miles.

P.S. In reading the flyer, I don't think they'd care for the SPD pedals on my '71 Paramount.

pastorbobnlnh 

Hmmmmm speaks the one living in the state that colapses onto its left side (as viewed from the upsidedown state)!

gugie 

n+1

You need to build up a gravel grinder.

jimmuller 

Sometimes it's good to take a sideways view of the world.

pastorbobnlnh 

I actually try to get my congregation to look at things a bit sideways every Sunday morning!

vtchuck

That's not what this ride is about.

The flyer talks about riding vintage steel, clips & straps and even tubulars.

Its a bit confusing as even Vermont's "paved" roads are challenging enough on a road bike.

Maybe this is intended as a "mini-Eroica" type ride?

Ed.

I have inquired at the listed email address - I'll pass along their response.

gugie 

Oh, I get it, it's a flat ride. As in "get a flat".

But the N+1 thing is always good....

Ed.

"Details"

I don't know if this works: https://www.strava.com/routes/3125121 but that should link to the route, I think.

"Hi Ed,
Thanks for the interest! The route is mostly dirt, partly because that is the natural state of our best roads, but also to harken back to an earlier time. All the roads on the route are maintained roads, there will be no class 4 or worse. Totally rideable on 23s. The state of the road often depends on the weather and how recently they've been graded. These roads have enough regular auto traffic that they're usually plenty hard-packed. There may be a couple sections of loose, maybe some softer bits if it rains, maybe a little washboard, but generally hard-packed an nice."

2700 feet of elevation gain. That will be interesting on old legs and a 42/26 (I think, maybe 24... I should count it!) Id best bring some 'walking' shoes, LOL.
'

rhm

I envy you New Englanders for all your hills and dirt roads.

Come ride the unpaved roads with me in the Pinelands of New Jersey some time, guaranteed not to hurt your delicate tires. A ride so soft you'll want to get off and walk. Well, actually, your tires will sink into the sand and you'll have to walk whether you want to or not.

vtchuck

Thanks for the link Ed. I think I'll pass on this one.

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

I don't know who can ride in Vermont without riding on some amount of dirt or gravel roads. It's just part of riding here. I'd think it would be hardest to arrange a ride that didn't include some amount of dirt roads.

I don't bother with 23s. It just limits you to not seeing what our great state has to offer.

That said you could do most dirt roads on 23s. It's just a rough ride.

I doubt I can make this one but I'm nearby. Maybe catch ya on a different one

Blue Belly

I've been trying to put together a FREE vintage ride for some time, without luck. I'd like to join but, I'm not in the habit of paying to ride(kinda defeats the purpose??) & my vintage bike's are all converted to vintage aero brakes & performance improved pedals. Dirt roads won't hurt your bike! Not any more than the plentiful potholes & road debris that our paved roads offer.

vtchuck

I've been living in Vermont (Upper Valley) for 40 years and have ridden my bikes in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine on pavement 99.9% of the time.

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

yore missing out man. Try it!

Besides with the quality of our pavement in Lamoille county the dirt roads are probably less likely to do you harm! ;-)

pastorbobnlnh 

Where's your sense of adventure?!? Willing to head south 30+/- miles to the Lake Sunapee area? I'll be glad to introduce you to some fun dirt roads for vintage bikes!
True words about much of northern New England paved roads.

I agree, why is there a need to pay? Let's see what we might organize for free one SATURDAY in VT or NH.

Blue Belly

agreed!

Ed.

It's noted as a 'donation', and early birds actually get something for their money. Good grief, don't be so cheap - look upon this as a trial balloon for our own, fantabulous, future New England Hellorica event. (Said largely, but not completely, tongue in cheek )

noglider 

You need a fat bike whose tires can be inflated to 5 psi.

vtchuck

OK..... I'm probably going to regret this, but I'm willing to organize a free ride centered around So. Royalton. About 20-25 miles over rolling river valley roads that are smooth and recently paved. I'll even include an
unpaved section....paralleled by pavement, so one has a choice. On a Saturday (Sunday rain-date). And for those who don't know, SR is home to Worthy Burger.... one of Vermont's best craft beer pubs, so there is a suitable
reward at the conclusion.


The catch is it would have to be sometime in October after the leaf peepers have returned to wherever they come from, so it might be cooler and less scenic.

There is a Vermont Vintage Velo Facebook page, that would probably be OK w/ helping getting things publicized.