Preferring Kingdom Trails in Late August

Burke Mountain Resort rooms have views of Lake Willoughby or Burke Mountain.

In years past, we've made (once or twice by myself) an annual pilgrimage to ride the Kingdom Trails, though usually in July, to celebrate my birthday. I have always enjoyed their breadth of intermediate, interesting, and confidence building, extensive single track network. It's inspiring. 

Though steamy in July. 

This time we went late August. For the first time, we pieced together 2 amazing loops, totaling approximately 10-12 miles each. It felt like a breakthrough, enjoying the longer distance on mostly new-to-us trails. I finished with a big grin, astounded it was so much fun. And I wasn't worn out. My husband confirmed he felt the same way. Maybe it was lowering the saddle with my new dropper post. Or we gained fitness, recently riding both Millstone and Cricket Hill trails. More likely, it's because of cooler weather and being hydrated. 

We rounded out the third morning on rolling Campfire Ring - a favorite - and slogged up and whooped down new-to-us Pudding Hill trail - never again, before driving home.

Yup, we'll be back next year!

Fort Collins Visit - Family, Snow day and Cycling

I spied a wonderful Peanuts-themed book box. One afternoon, we made slab pottery at their place.

 I visit our eldest son in Fort Collins every year. My husband drove again, hauling our mountain bikes. This year was extra special because of staying at their first home, a 3-level townhouse, close to Horsetooth Reservoir, foothills trails, and a city park. The location suits them: great for walking, riding trails, and daily walks with their large dog. Their basement alone is good-sized, complete with a large bathroom - a perfect setup for guests. And their garage, well, let's just say they love cycling as much as my husband and I do.

For 10 days, we stayed near Fort Collins in general, this time around. We hung out with old friends one evening, visited a brewery for trivia night, and cycled almost every day except for the day a wild, but beautiful snowstorm dumped 5" of heavy snow, breaking limbs all over the city. We sat in recliners at a cool theater.

 On Mother's Day, we visited an amazing train museum in Greeley, complete with a humongous model train set up - per my request - and it was wonderful. But that's not all, we had lunch nearby at Weldwerks, a recommended brewery, and later my son and I mountain biked in a natural area, then we all had pizza at a low-key spot. It was likely the best Mother's Day ever!

The high desert climate speaks to me. Dry air, abundant sunshine, low-growing cactus, wildflowers, non-poisonous bull snakes, prairie dogs, deer, magpies, open landscape, cliffs, reservoirs, rivers, and canals. It is interesting in an arid climate, how water is captured, contained,  and channeled (sloped sidewalks direct water to street-side catchment areas that drain to canals). I learned that 40% of Fort Collins' water supply comes from the Colorado River! That kind of diversion wouldn't happen today. It makes me wonder how many other communities east of the Rockies rely on the same resource. Even with all that, Fort Collins and the surrounding communities are growing. Unfortunately, drought conditions were abundantly clear - a brown landscape - compared to my last visit.

We cycled most everywhere for groceries and errands. I used my son's Peugeot for city jaunts, and my hardtail on trails. We rode in Hewlett Gulch, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, and right from their home into the hills. I went by myself a couple of times - my husband had an annoying injury - exploring Spring Creek Trail, Mason Trail, plus discovering more of the foothill network.

I'll be back next year.

Ideas for 2026

My goal in 2026 is to keep the cycling momentum by incorporating new trails and routes. Besides the  Colorado trip, I want to complete another weeklong bike tour - last year's was great - where is yet to be determined.

• In March, I'm heading back to the Philly Bike Expo, this time with my husband! I'm excited to meet up with cycling friends, ride with others, attend seminars, and, of course, attend the main event. It's also the 250th anniversary of the US, and we may stumble upon some of Philly's special events.
• Because bike touring in summer's heat was successful, I plan to do it again. It has its merits: cooling off in streams, packing less, and being able to bail on local adventures. Ideas include a 3-day Champlain Islands loop, an upstate New York adventure using the Adirondack Rail Trail, and a one-way journey using Amtrak. So many possibilities!
• With a front rack and comfortable bars installed on the Downtube Dyan, I plan to test its handling capabilities on an overnight. The long-term goal is to lower the gearing and try wider tires for more adventurous multimodal trips, but one step at a time.
• I'm heading back to Colorado, which has now become an annual pilgrimage, visiting family and friends in Fort Collins for more cycling/hiking fun. 
• We'll continue to explore more mountain bike trails. Ideas include Woodstock, Millstone and North Branch, all in VT, and Blueberry Hills in Elizabethtown, NY.

2025 Rewind

Adventures in Colorado.

2025 was a year when we made travel and adventure a priority. With maximizing vacation and my retirement on the horizon, it made sense to start the momentum.

 

An organized Philly Bike Expo folding bike ride.

Early in the year, attending the Philly Bike Expo, riding on plowed trails, researching a new folder, and a Colorado vacation occupied my mind and body. 

The adventures continued! A fun-filled overnight with Adele, buying a Downtube folder, bike touring the Cross Vermont and Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, and exploring trails around the Montreal region. My husband and I have become KOA converts: we love the dependable cleanliness, atmosphere, and occasional glamping in a cabin.

September and October were filled with more travel: Veloroute des Bleuets, and coastal time capped with riding the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail. I never let good weather pass me by!

We made an effort to ride more mountain bike trails. Vermont and New York are filled with trail networks. We only touched the surface of a growing system.

And of course, the annual Coffeeneuring Challenge. I made headway in practicing the Gouache medium, dipping my fingers into painting scenery.

We've had a snowy start to winter. By far the best surprise has been riding with my husband on snowy, plowed trails. He broke his hip while riding to work when we lived in Portland, OR, and since then he's avoided riding in the winter. Something clicked this year - available studded tires likely helped. Since the initial rides together, he's outfitted his preferred bike with gnarly 29" studs and can handle the trails much better than I can with narrower tires. With his 26" studded Bridgestone up for grabs, I'll be sure to explore better traction.

I'm grateful for all the 2025 adventures, plus I topped 3600 miles. Life is good.

Mountain Bike Riding in 2025

 
My husband and I made an effort to explore various mountain bike trails in 2025. We have loved rail trails, and riding singletrack is another way to extend exploration, limiting vehicle interaction. Every year Vermont communities are building networks, taking advantage of public and private land, the latter due to a special Vermont law that absolves private landowner liability. The Kingdom Trails system - largest in the state - has a relationship with consenting landowners. While I didn't make my annual pilgrimage this year we aimed for new trails. Beside local rides in the Intervale and Colchester Woods - perfect for 1-2 hours - we visited Cady Hill in Stowe, and Slate Valley Trails in Poultney. Both are regions with enough beginner to moderate terrain that suits our riding style. Bombardier Park Trails in Milton is a good example of town maintained multi-use trails, perfect for an hour if you live nearby. We also returned for an afternoon at Saxon Hill in Essex. Without signage, it takes some navigation, but the easy and moderate trails are fun.

There's more to explore in 2026!

Pedaling Around Fort Collins and Beyond

Riding Loveland's Recreation Trail Loop.

My 10-day May vacation in Colorado was primarily visiting our number one son. This year, my husband drove out west, toting our mountain bikes so we could ride easy dirt trails in comfort. I often have problems with elevation, so I gracefully altered intense workouts with Fort Collins's easier and extensive trail network, many along rivers, parks, wetlands, and canals. Like last year, I rode my son's Specialized St. Laurent in the city.

A loop in Red Mountain Open Space. The Ruby Wash (lower right photo) was particularly challenging to navigate deep sand - thankfully, it was downhill, revealing a change in the landscape around each corner.

Springtime in the high desert is stunning. While parched and hot as early as June, I'm glad I came earlier this year. The open spaces steal my heart.

The Dams Loop is a training ground for various organized rides.

Our son mentioned we should ride The Dams Loop early on, but with the elevation gain - especially for flatlanders like us - I wasn't sure I could do it. After several days riding, drinking lots of water, and generally feeling good, I proposed that we should try it. I knew I was the weak link, standing in the pedals, taking breaks along with my husband to catch our breath, and despite the ferocious head and side winds, we made it! What beautiful views!

Curt Gowdy State Park in Wyoming, a real gem of trails snaking through aspen groves, pines, and around smooth granite rock formations. We barely touched the network of available trails. 

One afternoon we went on a bicycle brewery tour, organized by long-time friend, Rich. 

Downtime included relaxing at our son's house, walks, and ball throwing with big dog Doughnut, 

cycling for errands, scoring 12 oz 6-pack of delicious double IPA (bought solely due to the label art), and walking to a Food Truck rally. I helped out by weeding their overgrown front beds while enjoying wild bunnies that graze lawns, and my husband mowed the lawn. I particularly enjoyed long conversations with our niece, who joined their household in December. 3 people (son & girlfriend) plus dog and two cats who don't get along make for a complicated household! My husband and I camped in a nearby KOA.

We connected with cousin Kerry in Boulder, who led a fun-filled tour of Boulder Creek Trail, famed Pearl Street, and climbed to views of the Flatirons mountains. Compared with Fort Collins, Boulder is hilly!

Our accommodations for a week. I slept well!

Oh, Fort Collins and surrounding environs, I love you so...I'll be back.

5 Years after The Pandemic - the Beauty of Exploring

The Trek Marlin 7 continues to provide comfortable meandering on nearby wooded trails. It's a perfect vehicle
for discovering flowers.

Since 2020, I've learned to take nothing for granted, a feeling that still resonates: not our health, our 2020 move to a beautiful location, the ability to travel, or the natural world that continues to provide peace and connection. I have so much to be thankful for. 

Riding with my adventure buddy on the Colchester Causeway; our home and backyard view.

I love to travel by bike, whether driving to ride rail trails or carrying gear for multiday excursions. 

Brewery in North Hampton, NH. Tacos at a food truck in Fort Collins. Real maple creemees only 3 miles from home.

Stops for food and beer are destinations themselves.

Visiting our son in Fort Collins, Colorado, and riding Soapstone Prairie's trails. Riding Pine Creek Trail with my husband in Pennsylvania.

Riding with family is always an opportunity to connect and explore.

After work or on weekends, rides rejuvenate me, whether pedaling along Lake Champlain during daylight or at sunset, even year-round. I frequently visit an icefall to watch its spring-fed metamorphosis. We discovered a local sugar house this spring!

Amtrak fuels adventure opportunities. Take the train to a new locale or use the service one-way and pedal back.

When our axis shifts and world events spiral faster than seems possible, I try not to feel hopeless. In some respects, we've been here before, 5 years ago. Instead, I remind myself, how truly lucky I am.

Will Tariffs Jumpstart the Used Bicycle Market?

Entry-level mountain bikes (like the one in the photo) - or any new bicycles - may become prohibitively expensive because of how tariffs will affect the bike industry.

I've been considering resale, repurposing, and reuse lately because I've been donating bicycle clothing to a local Radical Adventure Riders organization for an upcoming fundraiser sale. They are pricing items fairly to encourage others to equip themselves and their bikes for outdoor adventures. This is the same group that educates and leads no-rider-left-behind boombox rides - always a good time! And, it's not lost on me that many members are at risk of increased discrimination, so I help when I can.

With the projected increases in the cost of living, I wonder what impacts may ripple through the economy and how this specifically relates to cycling. Rene Herse presents a comprehensive picture of how tariffs might affect cycling manufacturing - an interesting read. 

With spending more on necessary goods and services, will consumers spend less on travel and vacations? There's a difference between voluntary cutbacks and forced stay-at-home orders - like during the pandemic - but there are also similarities. Costs continue to climb. We have experience with cutting back. Will society resort to recreating locally again? Will the used bike market see a resurgence? 

I research used Dahons. While looking for a specific model, my 2003/4 Boardwalk frequently pops up. I got it for $75 in 2017; it spiked to $300-350 in 2021, and is back to around $100. 

I remain hopeful that we will, at a minimum, reduce unnecessary purchases and rediscover our enjoyment of the outdoors. 

Flower Power Po Campo Handlebar Bag

Po Campo Domino handlebar bag is a welcome addition.

Needing more storage space and easier connection/removal than the cool refit of a purple bag I had previously tried on my mountain bike, the Po Campo Domino style now fits that role. The exterior pocket fits my phone; main zippered compartment is voluminous and easily accessed; and it fits snuggly with two hook and loop straps and a cinched cord lock/paracord around the fork.  The bag is just large enough to provide more space for necessities, yet allows visibility to see the trail ahead. It's a welcome addition to stem bag and small frame wedge for longer excursions. Now I have room for lock, snacks, first aid kit, wallet, phone, extra water, and a jacket. While some riders wear fanny packs, a handlebar bag is a better arrangement for me. The floral pattern makes me smile.

Finding Motivation to Ride without a Partner - Look for Flowers!

Trillium, Hepatica, Red Trillium, mature Skunk Cabbage among fiddleheads, Wood Anemone, and Bellwort are among the many native wildflowers found in Vermont.

 
I ride daily, seeking local adventures like hunting for spring flowers. It started with the beautifully unique skunk cabbage blossoms, a distinct sign of spring in Vermont. Their purple shells emit heat and protect honey bees pollinating the plant  - who knew such a strange-looking flower was so powerful? I've been studying Mary Holland's Naturally Curious book, a local naturalist. The book provides digestible explanations, enhanced by photos, and categorized by seasons/months, so it's easy to identify common wildlife/plants.

With abundant parks with paved and dirt trails within a short ride from home, they're easy to explore.  Soon I'll be picnicking and toting painting supplies.

My biking partner is recovering from an injury so I'm attending more organized rides. I'm mostly happy doing my own thing, but working from home means socializing occasionally is important.

Get out and ride.

MYOG Stem Bag Pattern and Comparison with Other Styles

A stem bag adorns my new colorful bike.

Recently I fashioned another stem bag, part of kitting out the Hard Rock for future adventures. I aimed to coordinate with the coolest magenta/purple fade frame so with a yard of purple ripstop and some paracord as my only purchase, it's enough for a few projects. All other materials I've collected over the years: webbing cut from old helmets, backpacks, etc., ripstop saved from ground cloth trimmings, and an old greenish quilted jacket for contrasting lining. I resupply rolls of double-side hook and loop attachments using coupons at Joann's fabrics coupons when needed because, by far, that's the greatest expense.

Ripstop and internal material is pretty lightweight. I sandwiched bubble wrap package in the circular bottom and may need to insert side stiffeners, which should be easy, opening one 3" seam, but I'll test as is for now. New England humidity will be the best test of structure.

I tried a different pattern that's much simpler than previous versions (see rust-color bag below). LearnMYOG presents easy to follow patterns and an online tutorial. 

I love how deep the pouch is yet it clears the paint on the frame. We'll see how the material holds up, rubbing against Jack the Bike Rack.

I was attracted to the deeper style with a bit wider mouth, more in line with the Blue Lug example in the last photo in this blogpost. The pattern's downfall though, in my opinion, is the narrow width external pocket. I can't stick my hand to extract, for example lip balm, so I'll relegate that spot for sunscreen and perhaps utensils. It's not wide enough for a cell phone, but that will go in the main pouch anyway. However, I can adapt this feature for future stem bags and wouldn't hesitate to try the pattern again.

I still love these bags, constructed with four exterior and internal panels - a very time consuming pattern - but they lack an external pocket. These are smaller bags overall, but still highly usable. I put two on my mountain bike when needed for extra water storage. The pattern is from Bikepacking.com.

I like that the bag clears the frame, preventing wear on Rachel's sparkly paint job. 

I sprang for a Blue Lug stem bag a while ago, and I must say, this model is an eyeopener! It swallows a large mouth bottle or numerous small items, plus offers a wide external pocket. It's hook and loop attachments are beefier, not as easy to detach, but I rarely remove it, and in fact because of that feature leave it on when transporting the bike via car rack. If there's any downside to this model, it's the lack of contrast lining, which is a feature I've grown accustomed to on my creations.

There's a plethora of stem bags available, both inexpensive models, and crafted ones by local makers. I recommend supporting the local community. They offer the best selection of colors and features. Expect to pay upwards of $50 per bag, but as I can attest, there's a lot of tedious steps involved, and their expertise is money well spent. These bags will last a lifetime.

Ideas for 2024

2024 plans should rock, another year filled with travel, cycling, and visits with family. 

• I'm recovering from an accident - breaking ribs (falling down stairs - ugh) - but I'm confident I'll be healed in time for a mid-March excursion to the Philly Bike Expo, and if the weather is agreeable, riding on Philly's trail system. 3 weeks out, I'm feeling much better, walking a bit, riding on an indoor trainer, and lately taking it easy on a nearby rail trail on my Dahon. It feels like spring in Vermont so that's aided my recovery, allowing some fresh air. 
• In the meantime, I'm creating a stem bag and an under rack pouch on Jack the Bike Rack, moved from Miss Rachel to the Specialized Hard Rock where it fits better. The pouch will allow extra storage for smaller items like my sleeping pad and liner, without risk of items accidentally coming loose on rougher rail trails (it happened on the Erie Canal adventure) while my sleeping quilt is secured on top.
• I continue to dabble with Gouache painting, exploring techniques. I love bright colors and this medium lends itself well with bold, opaque paint. I'll post images on Instagram: @annie.bikes
• The Bassi Rachel will get a Soma front rack. The Jack the Bike Rack wasn't an ideal companion - sat too high, obstructing vision - so I'm opting for a double rack and panniers setup on this gem. I'll add fenders to the Hard Rock to finish off its capabilities as a touring machine. 
• Touring ideas (take two) include a loop connecting the Cross Vermont Trail and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, doable from home! Both trails sustained significant damage from 2023 floodwaters but should be in good shape this year - fingers crossed. It's an opportunity to ride varied terrain, crossing the width of Vermont twice. I plan to load up the Hard Rock and see how it handles its inaugural tour, likely in September.
• Additional vacation plans. In June I'll visit our eldest son in Colorado. He and his girlfriend will show me Fort Collins's bike trail network. 

Aesthetics vs Practicality - Frame Bags and their Worth

The single frame bag in my possession, and it's a tight fit. I don't love it, but wallet and lock fits. I carry extra water in the stem bag.

Frame bags were created to allow carrying capacity in all shapes of mountain bike frames. And no wonder! With unique angles, and racks unable to withstand loads on uneven terrain, frame, seat and bar bags meant camping and touring on rough terrain was doable. Among other long distance events, it certainly enabled participants to ride the Tour Divide.

Packing light, Otlieb setup. Carrying the bare essentials in three compartments. Not bad if you can be comfortable in stable weather.

The bike bag industry was born! The big name brands capitalized on this market, but also lots of small makers created fun prints, colorways, and made (still do) customized frame bags. Panniers seemingly fell out of favor, taking a backseat to handlebar bags, frame bag, seat post bags, fork bags, gas tank and stem bags. Phew! Along with that, travelers sought out minimal camping equipment. Hammocks, lightweight sleeping bags and bivvy bags became popular.

Going stylish with matchy, matchy bags from Outer Shell.

Over the top. They look cute, though.

While handy compartments allow ease of access to munchies, food, and electronics if that's your thing, how do you grab a water bottle, or better yet, keep items dry? I'll never understand how camping with many small compartments makes sense, when ducking into a tent during a sudden rain storm. How can one quicky extract items or unlace the bags? I'm skeptical that the bags are completely waterproof. In addition, how do you ensure safety when dashing into a grocery store? There are a lot of zippers tempting thieves... 

I'm happy to see that panniers are making a comeback on mountain bikes. Four panniers has always been the best use of space, and I admit some of those extras, like a top tube or stem bag are brilliant additions, and the added bonus is they can be transferred to other bikes. However, personally I can't see using a frame bag for touring. But isn't it wonderful to have so many choices?

Separation Anxiety or is it Just Winter?

The Trek Marlin 7, Specialized Hard Rock, and Bassi Rachel in dry dock until spring.

Late fall, my husband organizes our garage to accommodate both vehicles, which means deciding which bicycles must be stored in the basement. I primarily use the Peugeot commuter  (eventually shoed with studded tires) and the folder as backup throughout the winter. I like alternating between a heavy but sturdier bike and a lighter, small-wheel counterpart because of riding diversity, plus the latter is easier to clean in wet weather.

And so, every time I descend the stairs to our basement, I see my most colorful bikes and I'm wistfully longing for the day to ride them all again! It may be I'm not ready for winter, or each one is a reminder of adventures to come. I've only ridden the Hard Rock a handful of times but it's scheduled for a 2024 tour. The Rachel is a magical touring wonder and my hardtail reminds me of fun times in the woods. 2023 infused me with hope, the first time since 2020 that my husband and I rode bikes on two vacations in one year - it's no wonder I'm dreaming of the same for 2024!

Branching Out - More Local Riding Adventures

Bassi Rachel in her home environment, her curves blending in with a water-themed railing along the Saint Lawrence River.

Much like earlier in 2023, we're making an effort to ride in different areas. With the Canadian border an easy crossing, we headed to Montreal, pedaling a much-loved route: riding the Lachine Canal then looping back through the wonderful parks and trails along the Saint Lawrence River.

Free parking on the street means documenting where you left the car!

Nearby, I spotted another purple fade Specialized specimen - likely a similar year to mine.

I loved this art installation.

We hung out to watch a lock in operation.

LVRT- Cambridge to East Fairfield and back.

In Vermont on a solitary ride, I pedaled out and back on a newly re-opened section of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. 

My husband and I hope to tour the entire 95 miles, once the whole trail is repaired from July's devastating floods.

This trail will be a treasure to locals and tourists.

Another adventure included a friend, biking from our house, and looping Grand Isle.

Purple asters were gorgeous on the roadsides.

I've ridden portions of the island but never a complete circumnavigation. There were stunning vistas on West Shore Road and East Shore Road of Lake Champlain.

Our friend Catherine, who would later join us in Canada.

Close to home, mountain bike forays included lovely mossy meanderings... 

discovering safer features over an irrigation pipe...

and the beginning of fall color.

September and October have made up for a hot, humid, and wet summer. There's so much more to explore!