Conundrum

I'm headed to Manchester Villiage, Vermont in a couple of months and was wondering if anyone knew of some good single track for a relative newbie? I'm only there a few days so I'll have to rent a bike and hopefully find a company that offers guided tours so I have someone that knows the trails. I like to combined getting on some trails with getting to see the local enviroment when I do this so a scenic area is a must. I'm definately not looking for all out hard core riding, just something to get on a bike, have a little fun and see the area.

If anyone has any info or suggestions they'll be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
C.

climbo

is it near any of the VT ski resorts? lots of those offer rentals and have trails everywhere depending on the weather when you're there, it might still be snowing...very scenic though !

C Law

Great riding around there. it will probably be to muddy early to mid april to do any mountain riding.

Contact Battenkill Sports Cycle Shop for rentals. They are right on 11/30 just west of rt 7. they can hook you up with some trails which may be dry by that time

Maelstrom 

https://content.mtbr.com/pscTrails/Un...S_4584crx.aspx

Mountain bike review offers up some decent reviews and descriptions of trails. I usually check here if I am travelling.

The_Convert

I just moved from manchester... no there really isn't much mountain biking but try the Equinox Mtn. trail system, it may be muddy still like people have said. Battenkill is the only LBS in town but they aren't going to offer tours on it. Otherwise, Killington or Mount Snow would be easiest for overall expierience, bike rental, and a guide.

Why are you going to Vermont for.... gasp.... mud season?

handlebarsfsr

at that time of the year, what you'll be able to ride is severely limited. im well south of vermont, and most trails here have a good 6-12 inches of snow on them, and its still barely above freezing for most of the day, and we just recently got another big snowstorm. even after the snow is gone, it takes a long time for the trails to all dry up. mid april will only be rideable (without damaging the trails) in very well drained areas, otherwise, they will be mudbogs. most of the major ski mtns will be on the very last days of their skiing season, and many will be closed as the trails clear out and they prepare for the summer mtb and hiking season.

Conundrum

I'm actually not headed there until the end of June - was just doing some advance planning. Seems like things would be pretty dried out by that time of year - right??

Thanks for the input.
C.

-=(8)=-

For all you Vermont Ppl's.......
Is the Great North Kingdom area any different ??
My wife and I are moving as soon as hers Certifications and job open up,
probably july or so........
Wow....only 5 or 6 months a year sounds depressing ?

C Law

The Northeast Kingdom is a little different. It is colder than southern vermont.
But, you will only get to ride from may-nov usually.
Alot depends on the snowpack early spring.

NE Kingdom has some beautiful trail networks. Kingdom trails for one.

But sadly, you will want to invest in downhill or xcntry skis in the winter.

NE kingdom has some great road riding also if you are into that sorta thing at all. It might get you out on the bike a little earlier in the springtime

C Law

Yes, it should be drier, but june could still be on the squishy side.
Also, after memorial day, the area kind of re-opens for the summer so there will be more options for you

If you are in manchester area you can go to MT riders up were rt 100 and 30 intersect. They can hook you up with some nice trails, depending on what your into.
And there is always Mt. Snow and Killington . both a bit over an hour drive from manchester, but worth it if you plan on making a day of it.

-=(8)=-

Thanks !
I guess Ill just have to resign myself to more road riding....*sNiFfle* *s0b*

norcodirtjumper

Haha, ya it can get pretty muddy here, if your going biking your gonna wanna clean your bike alot. Many of the riding spots I know of are already listed; Killington, Mount Snow, Kingdom Trails. Two more that havnt been listed are; Catamount Family Center and Bolton Valley Resort.

In June most all those places listed will be open, there will be no snow in June but there will probaly still be a little mud. I dont live anywhere near Manchester (I live all the way north, I can litterally ride my bike for 15 minutes from my school and be in Canada ) and i have never been there. I imagine itll be about 65-75 in June, as it is here, so it should be nice riding if there isnt alot of mud.

C Law

How is the Catamount trail network??

Mileage?
Type of terrain?
In your opinion, could you spend a whole day there?

Thanks

norcodirtjumper

I have never been to Catamount but my friend has and i knwo alot about what is offered. They have; 4x racing, a dirt jump park, xc trails and some singletrack.In my opinion, yes youcould certainly spend a day there.

norcodirtjumper

They also have xc racing (i noticed you ride xc)

I should also mention that Colchester (the town Catamount is in) was #2 in Bike mags. top 5 towns to live and ride in. It featured Catamount trails. I dont remember what month it was but it was last year or the year before.