Green Mountain Trails - Fat Bikes don't Ford well

 

I drove over to Rochester (VT) on Friday to pick up my fat bike after I had it tuned up and some issues fixed and then on the way back to Rutland stopped off at the Green Mountain Trails. I should have checked their website first to see what would have been the best approach for a first time ride because the route I took wasn't the one.  Starting off, I looked at the map it said there was a ford you had to cross to get to the trails. I figured there would be rocks everywhere and crossing would be easy.  Much to my surprise it was not.

It was a wide open river!  It looked shallow enough so I rode into the water and it was easy until the water got deeper and all the air in my fat tire didn't want to stay submerged and the front tire popped up causing me to put a foot down in the water.

I ended up having to walk the other half of the river and then climb up the embankment, which wasn't easy.  The water was cool and refreshing and it being such a warm day there was no chance of getting cold feet (one of my biggest fears) I just went for it. I did make a mental note to exit the trail system where I wouldn't have to ford the river.

The name of the trail from the river ford was called the Stairs and I rode that until turning onto Spikey Monkey. It was a slow go by all accounts as I was climbing the whole time.

Spikey Monkey was pretty much the same. 

Then I turned on Fusters and it was a little better as it was heading to where I thought was the probably the primary trail head and where I wanted to come out.

Along the way I came upon a structure that I believe is called Shrek's Cabin.

The picture window made for a nice reflection.

After looking at the map I figured the best way out would be on Noodle's Revenge.

On the ride back to the car, along Route 100, I stopped at the Pittsfield Original General Store for something to drink.  The place is amazing and has almost everything you could imagine, even penny candy, which I bought later after getting the car.  Next time I go back I am going to try a variation of the GMT Intermediate Loop, except on the way back I might avoid Fusters and Noodle's Revenge and take Spikey Monkey to Middle Ravine to Riverside Run and then back to the car.

I did as was asked and left a nice donation.