Intro to Bikepacking, a Vermont Overnight
Review ride description

This Adventure Ride is an Introduction to Bike-packing via an overnight trip in Vermont, which debuted in 2021. This 2 day loop ride starts and ends in St. Johnsbury, VT and features a 38 mile mixed surface ride on Saturday, tent camping at lakefront campsites at Ricker Pond State Park on Saturday night (https://vtstateparks.com/ricker.html), and a 39 mile mixed surface ride on Sunday.
WHO IS THIS RIDE FOR?
It's for up to 14 adventurers who are both experienced riders and campers who want to try out bike-packing, which means all your water, food, and gear is carried on your bike and NOT your shoulders.
WHAT KIND OF CAMPING WILL BE DONE?
Two 8 person tent campsites are already reserved, and the state park features a refreshing swimming pond, fresh water at campsites, a modern bath house with lights, hot & cold water, showers, toilets, and a limited number of electrical sockets. Riders will make their own dinner on Saturday evening and breakfast Sunday morning. Lunch on Saturday and Sunday can either be carried, or sourced at a limited number of stores en route.
WHAT KIND OF BIKE IS NEEDED?
Bikes with 30-40mm tires in good working order are required, and can be road, gravel or mountain bikes. Vermont is hilly, so your gear range should include at least a 1:1 ratio low gear, like a 34t front chain ring paired with a 34t rear cog for example. There will be not technical support/SAG wagon on this ride, so be prepared to repair flat tires, etc. and bring needed tools/spares. Gear carrying options include a rear rack with panniers, handlebar bags, seat bags, frame bags, top tube bags and/or a combination of these. Backpacks should NOT be used, except for hydration packs like Camelbacks. So dig out your existing stuff OR use the trip as a great excuse to buy new gear!
WHAT IS THE COST?
The only official cost is a 1/14th share of the already-paid state park camping fees.
WHAT IS THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE?
Please register no later than Friday, June 10th. Trip limit is 14 riders and 1 leader. Ride leaders will connect with riders as they register to discuss and understand their level of cycling and camping experience before finalizing trip registration.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please email Jerry Skurla at jskurla [at] comcast.net or call 781-799-2322