Dave? Dave’s not here!

 Activity Date April 20, 2024

My first road ride in Rutland happened to fall on 4/20—fitting for a place that embraces Vermont’s free-spirited, nonconformist vibe. From what I’ve experienced so far, it’s a wonderful city with a lively arts scene and a strong culture centered around outdoor adventure. With nearby ski resorts like Killington Resort and Pico Mountain, extensive mountain biking trails at Pine Hill Park, Green Mountain and Slate Valley Trail systems, plus access to lakes, rivers, and hiking along the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail, Rutland stands out as a truly distinctive destination.

Merchant’s Row, Downtown Rutland

Historically, Rutland earned the title “Marble Capital of the World” during the 1800s and early 1900s. Its rich railroad heritage grew out of the thriving marble industry, with rail lines once linking the city to Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, and Canada. Like many Vermont communities, however, Rutland also faces ongoing challenges, including drug trafficking, addiction, and homelessness.

I headed west out to RT 4A 

Rode past Rutland City Cycles

Leaving West Rutland and headed towards Castleton

The Foamer in me had to stop at Castleton Amtrak Station to look at the tracks. 

Across the street from the station I noticed a rail trail that was the terminus for the Washington Branch of the Delaware & Hudson Railroad.  

The D & H Rail Trail occupies part of the Washington Branch that ran from Eagle Bridge, New York, to Castleton, Vermont. This line was constructed as part of a rail system that connected Albany with Montreal. The Washington Branch line flourished for a time around the turn of the twentieth century, running the “slate picker,” a daily freight and passenger service that handled 15-30 cars per trip. The trains moved tons of roofing slate from quarries in western Vermont to markets along the eastern seaboard.

Nice M-60 tank in front of the Castleton VFW

Riding into Fair Haven

Of course there’s a Stewart’s Shop.  That’s the one thing I really like about this area is that western Vermont is home to 10 established Stewart’s Shops and there’s a bunch more coming once the transition from Jolley Stores is complete. 

Downtown Fair Haven harkens back to the 1900’s

Kind of like a mini Marchant’s Row in Rutland

Turning east this is just one of many slate mines that dot the area. 

Slate tailings

And of course there are cows

I wonder if their milk is used at the Cabot Creamery

Hoping that the sun will come out

Again more RWGPS folly. I was hoping to avoid some of RT 4A on my way back to Rutland only to find another dirt road. This would be great on a gravel bike but worrisome on my skinny tires. 

I rode a section of the D&H from Castleton University 

RT 4A crosses the northern end of the Taconic Range

And acts as a structural gap near the boundary with the Green Mountains. 

Not a lot of shoulder on this road

But some interesting farms

Coming back on River Road you can see Pico and Killington Peak

River Road crosses over the Green Mountain’s Railroad Rutland Yard

This is also the junction for the Green Mountain Railroad’s Bellows Falls Division. 

Got back just before it started raining!