Rochester Gap Roubaix

 

I crossed another item off my Vermont Riding Bucket List, Rochester Gap. While looking at possible routes I found quite a few dirt roads that encompass the gap so I worked in some dirt roads to add to the fun. Also, there is an old railroad line here known as The White River Railroad. A historic 19-mile shortline railroad in central Vermont running between Bethel and Rochester. Known locally as "The Peavine" because it closely hugged the winding path of the White River, the line operated from 1900 until 1933. The foamer in me is always looking for old railroads.

I parked at the Stockbridge Park & Ride and headed out but I had a bit of a false start because I got about a half mile away when I realized I forgot my water bottles.

The ride to Bethel tracks along west side the White River, similar to what the railroad did back in the day on the other side of the river.

There's not much to be seen of the old railroad bed. I think some of the dirt roads I was riding on when I crossed over the river were probably part of the old line. There is a bridge abutment in the middle of the river closer to Rochester.

Crossed over the river on Graysville Bride, an old steel, trussed bridge.

In the background are cliffs overlooking the river.

Vulture Mountain in Stockbridge, Vermont, features dramatic, high-elevation cliffside parcels and outcroppings along Vulture Mountain Road that overlook opposing mountains and the White River winding through the valley below. These elevated ledges frame expansive vistas of the Green Mountains and southern horizons, including views toward Killington and Pico.

First Dirt was on River Road about a half mile from Graysville Bridge

and it was a lovely dirt road. I surmise that this section next to the river might have been the original railroad bed.

 

Often the road turned away from the river accompanying some punchy little climbs.

I rode through some Bethel neighborhoods and then the road to turned to dirt again and climbed.

Crossed under the train tracks that go to Burlington on Findley Bridge Road

and then I started climbing.

It was a fun climb with some really nice steep ramps, especially towards the top.

The Black Butter ended before it got really steep.

After almost an hour of chugging uphill I got to the top.

Then I had a 4 mile decent to Rochester. I said hello to two women who were on the beginning for the climb out of Rochester. They didn't look happy on the hill. The climb up from Rochester looked way steeper but I suppose when you are on the descent everything looks steeper.

I stopped in at Green Mountain bikes and perused what might be my next gravel bike, a Kona LBF.

Beyond legend, forged in steel, The LBF is the rowdiest drop-bar machine to escape the minds of Kona and the wilderness of the PNW. Turning myth into metal, it's built for riders who push drop bars way past their comfort zone. Steel is real again and a 100mm suspension fork tames the rough stuff, while a custom-for-Kona pairing of SRAM Apex Eagle levers and powerful G2 calipers delivers MTB-level braking control—without sacrificing drop-bar comfort. Burly Raceface rims wrapped in wider, grippy Maxxis tires keep you planted when the trails turn wild. From chunky backcountry descents to barely-there singletrack, the LBF is ready for the most unhinged adventures only whispered about.

Behind the LBF was the carbon fiber version called the Ouroboros but that head tube is down right ugly. Doesn't look that bad on the website but seeing it in person is just not no but hell no!

The aluminum version of the Ouroboros is pretty pimp and definitely more gravely than the LBF and about a grand less.  The one I saw at the shop had the dropper post integrated into the left shifter that I thought was really cool.  When I get a new job I will have to treat myself to a new bike. 

I left the shop and rode back through the town which has a smattering of old buildings and very quaint. 

I turned off RT 100 onto State Garage Road and it was flat for bit until it turned to dirt and upon entering the Green Mountain National Forest the road turned Class 4.

The Class 4 road then turned primitive, also called National Forest Road 227, but it was still really rideable, except for some of the really, really steep sections.

My spirits were still high even after this 26% hike-a-bike section.

I finally came to clearing and was able to look out at the Green Mountains.

Some VAST signage

Then the name of the road became Spike Horn Hill and there was cabin.

It turned back into a Class 4 Road and it was nice.

but short lived.

Finally, I got to Liberty Hill

but it was hardly liberating.

Eventually, it became civilized again and there was this fantastic view of Killington and Needles Eye Mountains.

My ever so humble Surly Cross Check. I had to stop and let this cute little Labrador Puppy sniff me until her owner could get her on a leash otherwise she would have chased me down the hill.

Then it was a blazing fast descent back to RT 100 and then back to the Park & Ride.