Sep 13 2023 67 mins 4
In this episode, inspired by a recent bikepacking trip in Vermont, MTB Ben talks with Greg Western, Executive Director of the Cross Vermont Trail Association.
This past Labor Day Weekend, Ben and his buddy Kris Ivers (who you might remember from Adventures in Bikepacking Ep 2) and I rode the Rivers, Ridges, and Rails bikepacking route through North East Vermont.
This 75 mile, overnight route starts in St. Johnsbury VT, following route 5 south into Wells River, where you pick up the Cross VT Trail west through Groton State Forest (where you camp for the night) and then into Marshfield VT. Here riders leave the Cross VT trail to climb up over Cabot and into Danvers where the Lamoille Valley Rail trails return “Loopers” (this is what the state park staff refers to riders bikepacking the route) to St. Johnsbury.
Hands down, the most enjoyable section of this route is the section that follows the Cross VT Trail. This portion follows 25 of the 90 multi-use miles of path which connects towns, communities and natural areas across Vermont. Riders can start anywhere along the route, or go the whole length from Lake Champlain to the Connecticut River in New Hampshire.
Greg shares a bit of background about his experience as a trail builder, and the history of the Cross Vermont Trail starting back in the 90’s. The two discuss the difference between wilderness/natural trails (Like the Appalachian or Long Trail) versus community trails like the Cross VT trail.
As they dig deeper into the importance of the Cross VT Trail and how that has positively impacted the communities it connects, Ben and Greg discuss the trail users, how bikepackers have begun to connect routes via the Cross VT Trail, and how that has inspired other trails to form, like the Cross NH Trail.
They wrap the conversation with discussing the most recent storms that hit Vermont in June and July, damaging many sections of the trail. As the two wrap the show they advocate for help, not only for the Cross VT Trail, but for all trails. Many forms of assistance are needed, from financial contribution, to actual trail maintenance and building. Look to connect with your local trail org, or visit crossvermont.org to get involved.
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