Originally Posted by
jonwvara
Discovery Bicycle Tours has some really nice routes in that area, which I know well from leading tours for them. There's some wonderful riding in the Metawee Valley and environs, and as you say fairly flat. But there are some monumental climbs if you seek them out. Try riding from East Rupert to Rupert over Route 315. I wouldn't necessarily do it on the Sprite, though.
I looked back at my log on MapMyRide. A few years back I did a 17-mile loop that started with a 600 ft. climb in the first four miles. The log says a short chunk of that was 8% grade. That was due east out of Wells, then south down to Pawlet and back to Wells on Rte. 30. I remember reaching the crest of the climb and stopping "to take in the scenery." I really didn't know what the road was like other than a general understanding of the map. I felt accomplished given that it was something of a surprise. (That WAS on my modern lightweight road bike...)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12217697