Smugglers Notch is a narrow mountain pass between Stowe and Jeffersonville VT
The most beautiful rides in Vermont
Ride Ratings & Weekly Itinerary for our Vermont Bicycle Tours
RIDE DEFINITION RATINGS
The continuously rolling terrain in the tour areas can make some rides feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest. The Island rides have much fewer rollers and inclines, however, still expect some, as we say, “Vermont ain’t flat!” This ratings chart and associated terms provides the cyclist an expectation of each specific ride. Keep in mind any ride can be shortened if needed.
(easy to extremely challenging)
1600-2000 R5 1-2 mile climbs of 9-11% with spots of 12-18%
Vertical = the amount of elevation gained in the total ride
Vermont Countryside Tours
3 Countryside days (3-Day Tour) & 2 Island days (5-Day)
Each of the three Countryside rides listed begin on one side of The Notch with low traffic, spectacular scenery and provides the true quintessential Vermont. Two Island rides are added and scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday for the 5-Day tour and are absolutely stunning! Wednesday’s ride will determine if The Notch can be attempted on Friday.
Monday – Countryside Ride
The Open Countryside ride is mostly rollers with beautiful fields, farms and fabulous mountains views. 24 miles R2 After returning head up towards the Notch 30-34 miles R2
Tuesday – Island Ride
The Southern ride travels past the colorful birdhouse forest (with dinosaurs!) and includes miniature castles while riding next to the water most of the time! Some people say it’s the best ride in the Islands. 20 miles R1, Continue up west right next to the lake and cross over past Lovers. 25 miles R1
Wednesday – Countryside Ride
The Two Covered Bridges ride becomes more challenging into the ride and is a test for possible Notch climb Friday. 23 miles R2 Return by Lamoille River. 33 miles R2 Continue towards Pond. 33 miles R3 Complete circle through Eden. 42 miles R3
Thursday – Island Ride
The Drawbridge ride is next to the lake most of the time with gorgeous views of the Green Mountains and Adirondacks. Some people say it’s the best ride in the Islands. 24 miles R1 W. Shore 28 miles R1 Bell Hill 33 miles R1
Friday – Countryside Ride
The Mountain View ride is one of the most beautiful countryside rides and is quintessential Vermont. The view returning is one of the most spectacular mountain views Vermont has to offer! 21 miles R2 Continue north or east . 33-39 miles R2
Climbing The Notch could be added on for 37 miles R4
NOTE: This tour can be customized in length or ride combination.
Lake Champlain Island Tours
3 Island days (3-Day Tour) & 2 Countryside days (5-Day)
The highlight of this tour is the Island Trail Bike Path which seems like you are actually riding on the water! All three rides on the Islands are riding next to the water most of the time. Two Countryside rides are added for the 5-Day tour and scheduled for for Tuesday and Thursday for some quintessential Vermont with low traffic and spectacular scenery!
Monday – Island Ride
The Drawbridge ride is next to the lake most of the time with gorgeous views of the Green Mountains and Adirondacks. Some people say it’s the best ride in the Islands. 24 miles R1 W. Shore 28 miles R1 Bell Hill 33 miles R1
Tuesday – Countryside Ride
The River ride close has farms with rollers beauty all around and fantastic mountain views. 20 miles R2
Wednesday – Island Ride
Isle La Motte feels like stepping back into time. The highlight of this ride is unquestionably St Anne’s Shrine established in 1666. Regardless of your religious beliefs these grounds are beautiful, and quite humbling. 24 miles R1 The dunes 27 miles R1
Thursday – Countryside Ride
The Mountain View ride is one of the most beautiful countryside rides and is quintessential Vermont. The view returning is one of the most spectacular mountain views Vermont has to offer! 21 miles R2,
Friday – Island Ride
The Island Trail is truly amazing and feels like riding right on the water. The ride also travels past the colorful birdhouse forest (with dinosaurs!) and includes miniature castles while riding next to the water most of the time! Some people say it’s the best ride in the Islands. 20 miles R2 Eagle Camp 26 miles R2 Town Line 32 miles R2
NOTE: This tour can be customized in length or ride combination.
Green Mountain Climbing Tours
3 Climbing days (3-Day Tour) & 2 Island days (5-Day)
The Green Mountains have some really challenging climbs. Starting with the easiest and depending on your overall performance and ability we may adjust the schedule of climbs. Two Island rides are scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday for the 5-Day tour and are absolutely stunning!.
Monday – Climb
Starting from the Bristol Country Store and riding through the valley with the Green Mountains towering over us on our left warming up for the climb to Middlebury Gap. This is a an 8 mile plus climb which begins with a very short 15% grade, continues along by a stream and up past the Snow Bowl ski area ending with a mile of tough 9-10% grade. 35 miles R4
Tuesday – Island Ride
The Southern ride travels past the colorful birdhouse forest (with dinosaurs!) and includes miniature castles while riding next to the water most of the time! Some people say it’s the best ride in the Islands. 20 miles R1, Continue up west right next to the lake and cross over past Lovers. 25 miles R1T
Wednesday – Climb
This will be the toughest day of climbing with the East and West Appalachian Gaps. (one or both) Both difficult and average about 8-9% with 14-15% sections. The West Gap has a 4 mile climb prior to the 2.5 section so this is more difficult then the East. East Gap from Warren 24 miles R5 West Gap from Bristol 32 miles R5
Thursday – Island Ride
The Drawbridge ride is next to the lake most of the time with gorgeous views of the Green Mountains and Adirondacks. Some people say it’s the best ride in the Islands. 24 miles R1 W. Shore 28 miles R1 Bell Hill 33 miles R1
Friday – Climb
Ending the week with Smugglers Notch, my favorite, from Jeff. It is 8 miles with the last 3 miles a pretty constient 8-9% although there is a little break of 1-2% before starting the last mile. The last mile continuously gets steeper and to 11% the last 1/4 mile entering The Notch, which is breathtaking! Jeff side 16-26 miles R5 Stowe side through Moscow 26 miles R5
NOTE: This tour can be customized in length or ride combination.
