Cross Vermont & Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) 7 Day Adventure

Day 1 - Cross VT & LVRT, Home to Little River State Park in Waterbury. 45 miles

My husband planned a cross-state touring loop, using the Cross Vermont Trail and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT), then unfortunately couldn't join me, due to a recent injury. Last minute, I figured out how to carry the tent and left - uniquely this route starts/finishes from home - and on my birthday, no less! Canadian wildfires have affected air quality, plus most of my allotted vacation time was forecast to be hot, but I felt compelled to start the trip as I'd been looking forward to it. The beauty of this adventure, unlike any other, is that I wouldn't be too far from home, should it not work out.

The first day's miles were mostly familiar, though camping at Little River State Park, in the overflow spot reserved for cyclists, was a delight. I swam in beautifully clear lake water, a break from the heat. The poor air caused a sore throat, but it disappeared once I had stopped riding.

Day 2 - Cross VT & LVRT, Little River State Park to Montpelier. 15 miles

 

The next morning, just as I was ready to leave, it started raining. Scrambling to protect my gear, I repacked panniers lined in garbage bags, including covering the front rack. I wore a poncho, more breathable than rain gear in the heat. Unfortunately, I only made it to Montpelier when it started to pour - definitely wasn't in the forecast! I took refuge at Capital Grounds, the local coffee shop. It was then I decided to call it quits for the day after consulting the radar. I planned to find indoor accommodation, and talked with my husband, who offered to bring me home, then drove me back the following day, after cleaning and drying all my gear. Vacation time is precious and I never want it to be a suffer fest, plus I had built in a few extra days should foul weather occur.

Day 3 - Cross VT & LVRT, Montpelier to Ricker State Park. 25 miles

I loved the third day! Following my intuition, I bypassed a listed detour on Route 2 - the hill looked ominous - and returned to the Wells River Trail in Plainfield. Again, a one mile section, noted, before advised to rejoin the busy road, yet a runner said I could continue on the wooded trail. Another junction, a trail snaked around a short, signed private driveway, then the rail trail continued on, completely skipping miles of pavement! It was a 20 mile wooded climb, and an eventual intersection with Ricker Pond Campground. The swim felt delightful.

Day 4 - Cross VT & LVRT, Ricker State Park to Danville. 23 miles

 

The fourth day was brutal, climbing and descending hot pavement through small towns, eventually topping out in Danville, where the following day I'd turn west on the LVRT. I walked several steep sections. I was done riding by noon - clearly not in hill-shape - relaxed at the campsite, then spent the afternoon in the pool. 

Day 5 - Cross VT & LVRT, Danville to Jeffersonville. 56 miles

Oh my goodness, what a lovely wooded ride, descending for two hours, admiring Queen Ann's Lace and Black Eyed Susans! Each day of this journey has been unique. I planned to camp with my husband that night, so we arranged that I'd ride extra miles so it would position me better for the following day. It all worked out and we spent a lovely evening in a lean-to at Elmore State Park - up a two-mile hill I didn't have to climb.

Day 6 - Cross VT & LVRT, Jeffersonville to Alburgh. 39 miles

My husband rode with me a few miles on day 6, before turning back. The climbing was gentle, I took my time, enjoyed open fields, short wooded tunnels, and tried to avoid a few chipmunk holes pockmarking the gravel surface. I hit one, thankful for my cushiony tires. The Hard Rock has been a comfortable companion, clearly cut-out for dirt rail trail riding. By day's end, I made it Alburgh RV Resort, and camped beneath a tree canopy.

Day 7 - Cross VT & LVRT, Alburgh, VT then, southward through New York, then home, using two ferries. 52 miles

I had positioned myself for a 7th day tailwind ride - in cooler, dry weather - south along the New York shoreline, a place I hadn't ridden in nearly 20 years. It was beautiful! I took two ferries and my husband met me for the last 10 miles home. He'd supported my journey and was always with me in spirit. I'm thankful for this incredibly inspiring loop.

Favorite new touring items: Arm sleeves for sun protection and warmth, plus adding a lightweight sleeping mat that doubles for yoga stretching and extra comfort beneath my air mattress. 

A Pennsylvania and New York Rail Trail Vacation

A section of the Walkill Valley Rail Trail.

With a week's vacation, our goal was to explore some of Pennsylvania's rail trails. Armed with Rails to Trail's Pennsylvania guidebook, we were flush with choices.  After last year's vacation reroute, I marveled at the perfect mid-September forecast ahead of us.

My husband did most of the driving, though I will take over if he's tired. Both of us suffer back and sciatica-type leg discomfort - oh the joys of an older body - so 5 hours in the car was plenty. We set up camp and rode a portion of the Walkill Valley Rail Trail into New Palz, NY to stretch our legs. I wanted to go farther, show him an old neighborhood I'd seen on a previous trip, but it was unappealing to cook dinner in the dark.

We have done many separate bike trips. He's retired and leaves for weeks each year, while I take advantage of weekend overnights using Amtrak. We intersect on day rides and my yearly vacation, so sometimes we get excited to show each other our special finds.

Riding a lovely section of the Switchback Rail Trail in Jim Thorpe.

The next morning we detoured just a few miles to check out New Jersey's high point, an amazing stone tower on a ridge, then headed through the Delaware Water Gap. As the copilot, I'm phone researching, giving driving directions, sometimes quoting regional historical facts, thumbing through the PA guidebook etc. generally exploring. I discovered a bike trail while traveling through the gap - an idea in case we returned the same way.

The day's focus was getting to Jim Thorpe in Pennsylvania, arranging a bike shuttle to ride the Lehigh Gorge, a ride my husband claimed I would like, walked around the touristy, but interesting old mining community with houses wedged into steep hillsides, then locating a campground. With a little daylight left, we pedaled a few miles of the Switchback Trail through rhododendron forest, topping out on a grassy dam.

Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail. 

With continued marvelous weather on the next day, we boarded the shuttle bus and rode 25 miles back to Jim Thorpe. I especially enjoyed the upper, shaded portion. The river was a constant companion though distant and mostly inaccessible, except for two lovely, trailside waterfalls. I noticed rail ties are hidden beneath earth and undergrowth, creating a berm beside the trail. This seems to be a common practice among rail to trail conversions. What do you do with thousands of potentially hazardous ties?

Pine Creek Trail, day 1.

By far, the Pine Creek Rail Trail two-day journey was our favorite vacation spot. It's a popular trip, aided by shuttles, so there are numerous ways to make this 62 mile adventure your own. Only two plus hours from Jim Thorpe, we stayed in Jersey Shore, the downstream end, and arranged shuttle pick up for the next morning.

It was a interesting shuttle upstream while our guide pointed out resupply stops as we let out and picked up other bike travelers. At the trail entrance, we took our time packing, used provided facilities, and set out. The trail surface was sublimely smooth stone dust, edged by wooden rails, mostly treelined, and an almost imperceptible downhill gradient. We took our time, stopped in little communities for a snack, but in general just admired the river, water birds, and had long conversations. We were in second growth forest as the railroad formerly transported harvested timber to a larger market.

Pettecote Junction campground.

There were a few primitive campsites that we considered, but we stayed mid-way at Pettecote Junction, a private, full service place, complete with RVs, cabins, and even a caboose for overnight accommodation. There were numerous available riverside tent spots, so we bike overnighters spread out to allow ample space. We have camped in our younger years at free or forest service sites with minimal facilities, but as we age, and expense is not a big concern, we prefer a hot shower at the end of the day.

Pine Creek Trail, day 2.

The second day was uniquely different as young American Sycamore lined the trail, providing riverside views beneath their canopy. 

And lovely yellow flowers edged the trail. Trees were just beginning their colorful autumnal plumage.

Ample park benches provided respite. I found the whole journey very contemplative and it was easy to slow down and prolong the 30 miles back to the car. In recent years, I've found 30-40 daily miles more enjoyable, especially as I'm employed, and fitness rides are limited. Flat rail trail journeys are also helpful.

Trail users also appreciate regular bathrooms. Some came with signage! 

Where many rail trails fail, is providing adequate places to refill water bottles. The small towns on this route have tiny grocery stores, yet refuse to let travelers use their tap. Instead they insist on selling plastic water bottles. We made sure to top off our bottles at the campground before setting off.

My Hard Rock was the perfect gravel trail machine. Plus size tires were helpful.

As the day warmed, the lower river widened, and we enjoyed grand vistas, and longer bridges.

At journeys end, the parking lot was downright HOT. We dried the wet tent while packing everything up, then moved the car to a shady corner for a picnic lunch.

Ironton Rail Trail.

Without any specific must-do trails, the next day we headed back to Eastern Pennsylvania, riding the Ironton Rail Trail, exploring the old cement sites. The trail passes through several parks with historical signs and traverses between neighborhoods. Clearly, the locals regularly use the path. Of special note was  the spur section, unfortunately bordering a gun club, with disturbing repeated loud firearms so close that we couldn't carry on a conversation.

Plainfield Township Recreational Trail.

Later the same day we stopped to traverse out and back on the 6+ mile Plainfield Township Recreational Trail. This corner of Pennsylvania is slate country. We saw numerous rocky outcroppings. In general, the trail was a little rough, but we made it work. 

As mentioned previously, the copoilot - yours truly - sorted out which trails to ride while enroute.

An example of slate along the Plainfield Township Trail.

McDade Trail.

The McDade Trail in the Delaware Water Gap had appealed to us because of it's varied terrain so we retraced our steps, camped nearby, and set out the next morning. To avoid one end with extreme elevation gain (not a rail trail!) we started at about mile 6 of its 31 mile length.

McDade Trail.

It was rough terrain for the first couple miles, but thankfully smoothed out over time. Single track edged soybean fields, or through open woodland. Sometimes we traversed gravel paths, or up and down ravines and over bridges. What a diverse trail! 

At about 13-14 miles, we turned back for an easier cruise back to the car.

The final day we drove partway home and for a break, rode a section of the Empire Trail near Fort Edward, but construction meant some of it was rough going. However, it was exercise before the next portion home.

Can't beat a week's worth of dry weather!

Inaugural Bike Overnight with the Specialized Hard Rock

 

In May I set out on an easy peasy 15 mile ride to meet up with my significant other for an overnight at a state park lean to. The goal was to see how the Hard Rock fared with camping weight.

My sleep system was piled atop the Jack the Bike Rack...

...with a homemade pouch strapped below. I have toured in the past with this rack, undermounting a couple items that ended up falling out on bumpy terrain using only webbing attachments. The pouch idea work better, and with daisy chain webbing surrounding the opening, the 4-hook cargo net secured both sleep quilt and pouch items in place.

The stuffed pouch rubbed a bit against one side of the V-brakes, so a little alteration is needed. However, this solution will provide added security and take advantage of the extra space beneath the rack.

I arrived ahead of my glamping partner and I was pleased at the private lean-to.

Chairs, cooler, good food, and beer - plus my guy - were welcome additions.

Packing up the dusty bike for the return ride home.

Enough pink for ya?

The trip was a success. I love when a simple overnight works out, you get to test gear, and miles of smiles is worth the simple getaway. Jack the Bike Rack works better on this older bike, keeping front weight low. As expected the Hard Rock handles touring weight just fine, and the cushy tires add a plush, comfortable ride.

7 Items that are Game Changers for Year-round Cycling

For Spring and Fall, I prefer the Outdoor Ventures Jacket, which provides warmth, windproof and water resistance, and sports a two-way zipper and split hem for on-saddle comfort. It's washable and after nearly 4 years of use is my preference for all-around protection during the shoulder seasons.

I love bike sandals, for touring and everyday cycling, in the summertime. There's nothing like allowing your feet to breathe! Or paired with socks. I'm on my second pair and ready to use my third. Initially a Bike Nashbar house brand, Performance offered them for a while at a discount so I snapped up an extra pair before they were discontinued. In the future, Keen sandals may be a good replacement.

Winter cycling, especially here in Vermont, is a whole other animal. I've found that bar mitts are necessary along with insulated footwear. I like the low cost, thick and fuzzy Mogee Muffs, to keep my hands toasty plus the Storm Chaser insulated slip-on boots. The footwear is grippy and roomy enough for thick socks and, if needed, there's enough space for foot warmers.

For hand comfort, I use Ergon Grips. Terry saddles are another necessity. Both provide relief, especially as I grow older. 

And a wonderful, low-cost solution to protect my eyes - I wear contacts - providing dust-free vision: the simple and stylish Dewalt safety glasses. I purchased my current pair online, but there are many versions at your local hardware store. They're also handy for riding in buggy summertime evenings. My husband loves their version of sunglasses.

What cycling-related things have made a big difference in your life?

A Metamorphosis - The older I get, the More Specialized the Collection

Selling a bicycle recently, I was updating the ubiquitous bike collection page that most bloggers seem to have, when it struck me that I've sold bicycles that were once my primary rides, that are now part of a distance past. It's funny that with all the angst, indecisiveness that clouded my vision (and filled up the garage), once a decision was made, I never looked back.

It seems to happen with age. An ill-fitting bike is difficult to part with even though it has memories. Once our memories align with present day reality, then it's much easier to let go. And, of course, memories do not fade because the bicycle has passed to someone else. My 60 year old body has accepted that it cannot tolerate certain styles of bikes, or those with harder gearing. 

Looking ahead is the best course of action. Find a style of bike that suits you, often opening up opportunities for different ways to travel. I'm looking at you, Dahon. Or pick up a mountain bike for off road adventure. The more I ride rail trails and easy single track, and remove interactions with automobiles, the happier I've become.

Even though I no longer foresee multi-month self-supported bike tours in my future, it doesn't mean that I won't have grand adventures. I like destination exploration by bike, especially if it involves a history lesson. Take the train and a bike for a week or two's riding exploration. Sure, I still have hiking aspirations for long distance trails in the United Kingdom, but equally, I long to explore some of our country's rideable and growing list of rail trails too. And I've discovered many close to home, like the Erie Canal Trail, Northern Rail Trail, and Vermont's soon to be completed Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.

For now, the Dahon Boardwalk, the Trek mountain bike, the Peugeot step through (great for commuting year-round), and the newly built Bassi Rachel (lightweight set up for touring) are a specialized collection. And I'm sure it will evolve over time.

Have you struggled with these decisions? 

Ideas for 2022

While plans could change in an instant, I expect 2022 to be similar to 2021, so it's important to roll with whatever situation arises. But that doesn't mean we'll be stagnant. On the contrary, there are plenty of ideas to be creative, get outdoors, and ride!

I have a few fun bike projects on the agenda, focusing on further fine-tuning bike setups and go on more bike overnights, whether close to home or planning mini-vacations. Amtrak is set to roll into Burlington sometime in 2022, so close proximity for a one-way adventure is always a possibility!

• Replace rear panniers on my commuter bike. I appreciate smaller panniers for shorter rides, reserving large capacity bags for touring. While the Delta panniers have held up well for low-cost storage  for 10+ years, they're falling apart. I'm interested in trying Vincita's economical roll top version. The bags are offered in a variety of colors and include a rain cover.
• My goal with my folding bikes is figuring out a solution to carry additional gear on the handle post. I'm limited to bags attached in this manner (without a frame block), so I'll need to pay attention to upfront weight. I'm considering a bag with Klickfix handle post adapter setup in addition to my purple bag. At present, I'm interested in the thoughtfully designed Head Tube Bag by Downtube Nova. As a fallback, there's always the option to carry a small backpack. For rear loads, I'm attracted to Downtube Nova's low cost rear Coconut Bag with foldout pockets. While I currently use the retrofitted sling bag converted panniers, the trunk bag may offer larger capacity at a nominal cost plus consolidate rear bags into a one piece design.
• Replace handle bar on Trek Marlin 7 for more comfort. I plan to swap the straight handle bar with an ergonomically friendly version. I was initially interested in the Tumbleweed Persuader, Soma's Odin and Dream Riser. I'm currently leaning toward Ritchey's Kyote. The Kyote seems like the sweet spot between comfort, affordability, and correct width. In addition to a more enjoyable hand position, my son has already purchased a beefier front tire for me so I'll be shredding mountain bike trails with more traction and comfort in 2022.
• I hope to commute to work part-time at some point if our current health situation improves. I'm looking forward to pedaling to an office again!
• We're attending a wedding on Cape Cod in June, where I hope to spend a few extra vacation days to enjoy riding on trails to more Atlantic beaches.
• I have a new camping stove, which makes me want to expand my local overnight camping horizons. It would also be an opportunity to test the new setup on the Dahon.
• And, quite the opposite, I'm also dreaming of riding to a cabin or hotel for an easy, pampered overnight experience. That would be a fun, novel adventure for my husband and me!

2021 Rewind

 

2021 will be remembered as the year of forward momentum. With vaccines we were able to venture further afield, visit relatives, and travel a bit - however awkward - for much needed time away.

In January I accepted employment in the women's cycling apparel industry. Working from home is comforting, allows flexibility, and with a yearly company allowance (and provided gifts) I've explored various saddles and shorts/skorts/capris/tights. My favorite saddle, the Butterfly Ti Gel is a keeper on my mountain bike, while the Coolweather Tights - hands down - are my go-to bottoms for spring and fall. This deep dive into the retail world was unforeseen and whether it will be fulfilling long-term still remains a mystery.

I continued my creative projects in early 2021, with a purple tote bag, plus designing a spreadsheet to track bicycle stats.  

On the bicycle front, another Dahon - a sprightly aluminum Eco 3 beauty - is a fine addition to my collection, bumping the total back to six. I still prefer the Boardwalk's relaxed geometry for longer miles, so the freshman Eco 3 may be reserved for light duty rides.

It's also the year I fully embraced the Rivendell Clem-entine, finally setup to my liking. We went on multiple adventures, overnights and one fine Long Island exploration.

I continue to challenge myself each year with something new. It became necessary as summer gave way to autumn, and with busy early mornings, for after work rides to be in the dark. It's been a slow progression, from sunset rides to gradually leaving at 6 pm in complete darkness for an hour's jaunt. It hasn't been easy to stay motivated - indeed icy paths I naturally avoid - but a destination, and the addition of pogies have helped. "Commuting" has never felt so foreign!

I experimented with overnight camping on my Dahon Boardwalk. I am investigating solutions to carry more of the weight on the handle post. Traveling by folder continues to give me immense pleasure.

For several years, as my riding style has changed, I've experimented with bike setups to improve comfort, whether that's changing handle bars, racks, saddles, tires, lights, or saddle bags. I rode lots of trails in 2021 and foresee improvements for comfort on the flat bar Trek...immediate need is a curved, handle bar with more rise for increased comfort.

One of the best things about 2021 was not bicycle-related, per se, but has a profound affect on riding comfort! I started a daily yoga practice, which increased my flexibility, strength, and balance. My worrying back pain eventually disappeared. As it turns out I sleep better too, plus bike rides are more pleasurable with stronger core and shoulders. Yoga is for me!

In spite of anxiety over travel, my husband and I went on three bike overnights: to visit a friend, to test camping on the Dahon Boardwalk, and a 3 ferry ride on Lake Champlain. We also visited Kingdom Trails in northeastern Vermont, and bike toured on Long Island for a wonderful weeklong beach holiday, in addition to visiting family. With our eldest son recenlty moving to Colorado, I expect future western travel!

With personal 2021 challenges (working from home and early weekday mornings to help family), it's quite a surprise that my yearly bike mileage topped 3400 miles! Adding a new stat to my spreadsheet, I also discovered I rode my bike 254 days. Embracing night time and winter rides was key.

Like many people, we're navigating the pandemic landscape, eeking a little travel if comfort allows. Learning to live within a small sphere - albeit isolating at times - is what continues to provide peace. And, of course, never underestimate the power of a bike ride!

The New 3-Ferry Bike Overnight

On Columbus Day Indigenous People's Day weekend, we rolled out for an afternoon ride, the easy segment, crossing two ferries, and eventually against a headwind as we made our way to the Ausable Campground in New York.

Last weekend of bike ferry operation.

Snacking at the Sam Champlain monument in Plattsburgh, New York.

Interesting to spot the Empire State Trail signage. This is part of a bike route from Montreal to New York City.

The brisk, but sunny weather, of course, was spot on for the culmination of bike ferry service and campgrounds still open. We felt lucky in many respects; the colorful foliage was more advanced on the New York side than anticipated.

A pick of tent sites, we chose a grassy, large area close to the bathhouse.

After 35 miles and one surprise steep hill at the end, we made it by 4 pm. With early darkness, we had called ahead for reservations, confirming the use of an indoor space, allowing evening comfort before retiring to the tent. A well-lit and heated laundry room with table and chairs was a perfect solution.

We came back the following weekend with our mountain bikes and explored the trails. They were easy for a beginner to complete 10 miles.

Unbeknownst to us, the campground was surrounded by a system of mountain bike trails! We saw many riders weaving through the woods, eventually exiting to their camp site.

The second day was difficult, both of us not having ridden this hilly section in several years, especially hauling a loaded bike. The foliage distracted us, however, and each turn revealed a beautiful view, a lovely farmhouse, or brook. I have developed a different strategy regarding steep terrain: if my pace is equivalent to walking, then I walk to baby tender knees. It also gives my backside a break. My husband eventually joined me in this practice, though I could tell it hurt his pride. But I think he understood the wisdom in what I was doing.

I call this route the new 3 ferry loop because the Burlington-Port Kent ferry has ceased, due to lack of ridership. The route used to be 45 miles of mostly flat or gentle hills, easily ridden in one day. By using the Charlotte-Essex ferry further south, the loop has extended to 80 miles. The new route is better as an overnight, especially with the addition of hillier sections. 

These Lake Champlain loop rides are very scenic and worth making the extra effort. And what's not to like? Any time I can do a bike overnight, I feel over the moon.