GRIP
17
Stories
3
Writers
Slate Valley is booming with bikes
August 2, 2024
By Cristina Kumka and Courtney Behnken Single-track mountain bike trails make up 60 miles in Poultney alone. “Slate Valley Trails was founded in 2015 by two generous visionaries who saw the potential of trails in Poultney, Vermont,” according to information provided by Behnken. Poultney is located in the heart of the Slate Valley with mountains…
Killington Trails Map
August 2, 2024
Killington Peak Snowshed Bear Mountain Snowden Mountain / Ramshead
Ride: Killington
August 1, 2024
About Killington Bike Park (resort) Killington Resort’s bike park is over 30 years old, but in the past decade significant investments in the park (particularly beginner and intermediate terrain) have improved and expanded it significantly! Ridership has grown exponentially from about 2,000 riders a year to over 50,000 since the build-out. There are three high-speed…
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Tips to maintaining your bike
August 1, 2024
Staff report So, you bought a mountain bike. Well done! You’ve now got a few epic rides under your belt. Excellent. But now you wonder how to best protect your investment and keep it rolling like new. While there are many expert bike mechanics around locally that can help, here are a few basic things…
Killington hosts big mountainbike party Sept. 26-29
August 1, 2024
The Fox U.S. Open will return to Killington, Sept. 26-29, 2024. Killington Resort has made significant investments in their bike park and the town of Killington boasts extensive après, dining and lodging options making it an ideal choice for the worldclass event. Spectating is free, and the bike park will be open to the public…
Weekly mountain bike group rides
July 24, 2024
KILLINGTON KMBC Bike Bum race series, Killington Wednesday nights from 2-5 p.m. on Lower Rabbit Hole at Killington Resort June 19-Aug. 21. Run by the Killington Mountain Bike Club. After party from 5-7 p.m. at various Killington restaurants. Individuals may enter a single race for $20. Day-of registration will take place at the start gate.…
Top local mountain bike events
July 24, 2024
Maxxis Eastern States Cup: Enduro & Downhill, Killington June 29-30 This showdown at the Killington Bike Park is a major event for downhill and enduro mountain bike racers on the East Coast. The largest prize purse is awarded to riders who conquer both disciplines. This multi-day event attracts racers of all skill levels, from beginners…
Woodstock Mountain bike clubgoes varsity
July 24, 2024
It’ll be the first public school varsity team in the state Mountain biking has been such a popular club sport at Woodstock Union High School that next fall, it will be a varsity sport for the first time. The Woodstock School Board voted unanimously in January to elevate the club sport to varsity status. “They’re…
Velomont trail network expands
July 12, 2024
The first completed multi-day segment of the Velomont Trail,a 38-mile loop in Rochester and Pittsfield is complete By Katy Savage For Angus McCusker, a vision he had eight years ago is coming true. His plan to build a 485-mile mountain bike trail, extending from the top of the state to the bottom, broke ground in Rochester…
Is Vermont the ‘Moab of the East?’
July 11, 2024
It’s hard to believe that in just a few short years Vermont is now considered among the top mountain bike destinations in the U.S. The Green Mountain State now sits on countless “must ride” destination lists alongside Sedona, Arizona, Fruita, Colorado and yes, the true “Mecca” of riding, Moab, Utah. While mountain biking has evolved (with…
Popularity: ridership, trail use, local chapters expand
July 11, 2024
By Polly Mikula Mountain biking in Vermont is now the state’s fastest-growing form of outdoor recreation, according to the Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA) a nonprofit that provides advocacy, education, and community-driven stewardship statewide and to local chapters. “The growth of the sport has been exponential in the past — call it five years,” Mark…
Future riders
July 11, 2024
More fun, lower barriers to entry attract more riders of all ages By Cristina Kumka Ben Colona has made mountain biking a family affair — and he supports more of that for more people. As the owner of Base Camp in Killington, former manager of the Killington Bike Park, and now president of the Killington…
Mountain biking’s evolution has changed the sport — and summers in Vermont
July 5, 2024
Improvements in equipment and trails over the past decade have made the sport more fun for more people By Polly Mikula Mountain biking even just a few decades ago was a very different sport than it has evolved to be today. Mountain bikes “back in the day” were only slightly different than their road counterparts…
Best ride to:
July 3, 2024
Start itEasy Street and Wiggle are recommended for first time mountain bikers — and those looking to warm up, get a feel for new rental equipment or just need a confidence boost! Once comfortable, try Roller to practice berms. Some riders cruise these trails fast, so be aware. Don’t be afraid to stop on the…
