First Tracks on a Fresh Groom

 

I drove up Thursday night after work knowing that if I didn’t leave when I did I wouldn’t have made it to Vermont on Friday. Friday’s snow forced the cancellation of the 4th Annual Cold Rolled Fat Biking Festival here in Rutland which I was planning on attending. I did get a little skiing in after work on Friday, 12 runs in 2 1/2 hours.

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.

Back way to Lyme

 Activity Date: April 19, 2024

Ann I drove down to Wallingford, CT last night to see Judas Priest in concert and we got back to Hanover at a little over 3 in morning. I slept in while she went to work and then headed out on another exploratory ride, this time staying east of the Connecticut River. I found some commentary on various routes in the Hanover and Lebanon area, and one talked about Eta Road and how much less traffic was on it.

Two States of Rain

Activity Date: April 18, 2024

Ann began working at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hospital in Hanover, New Hampshire mid April so I took a few days off to see her new place and explore the area on two wheels. There was rain in the forecast but it was supposed to be later in the day. 

New Bike Day - Specialized Stumpjumper Evo

Original publisher date: Apr 28, 2024

Ann changed jobs mid April and that meant I would spending more time up north. One of her work colleague’s (who convinced her to make the move) husband had this XL Stump Jumper sitting around and sold it to me $400. I needed a full suspension mountain bike because I was getting a Killington Beast Pass this year and Ann and I will be downhill mountain biking together.