Ultimate Fall Bike Itinerary
And a Few Triathlons Too!

By Riley Momenee

The crisp chill in the air this time of year marks the change of seasons and as fall approaches fast, the biking is getting gnarlier, taking to the dirt roads and technical trails of Vermont. Take advantage of your summer fitness and sign up for these exciting rides and races this fall. Whether you’re supporting a worthy cause, racing with your community, or cheering on the pros, there are numerous ways to stay active and get involved. Hope to see you out there!

Old Spokes Home Fall Fundo – The Fall Fundo is Old Spokes Home bike shop’s annual fundraising ride (emphasis on ride, it’s not a race) taking place on Saturday, Sept. 26 and offering four supported routes from Burlington. Riders can choose from a 15K, 45K, 70K, and 100K, all of which take riders through northern Chittenden County backroads. After the ride, enjoy live music, local food and drinks, friends, and stories from the ride. Inclusion and accessibility are central to the fundo, and funds raised support their various bike access programs. Pedal together to support bikes for all at oldspokeshome.com.

UCI Mountain Bike World Series Finals, Lake Placid: Downhill and Cross Country – While not in Vermont, the UCI Mountain Bike World Series returns to Lake Placid, NY, from Friday-Sunday, Oct. 2-4. Spectators can watch Cross Country and Short Track at Mt Van Hoevenberg on Friday and Saturday, or Downhill at Whiteface on Saturday and Sunday. It’s the World Series Finals, so the stakes will be high for the elite global riders as titles are decided, and champions are crowned! Additionally, on Friday, Oct. 2 The Grind Junior XC MTB Race (18 and under) will start and finish under the official World Series gantry. Register for The Grind Junior Race at bikereg.com. It will take place at Mt Van Hoevenberg, featuring a speedy two-mile course with wide cross-country ski trails, two sections of singletrack, and one big climb. Young riders can choose from one, two or three laps, challenging themselves on the same weekend as the pros. Enjoy athlete meet and greets, a vendor village, and abundant food options all weekend long. To get loud and cheer on young riders and seasoned pros alike, visit lakeplacidlegacycites.com.

Vermont Rare Gravel Ride – Starting and finishing at the beautiful Wild Wings Nordic Center in Peru, Vermont Rare Gravel Ride is back for its 12th year of building community and advocating for a great cause. Happening on Saturday, Oct. 3, it’s returning to its original distance of 45 miles, with 4,500 vertical feet of climbing – including a 19% grade up Johnson Hill Road! – and five sections of good ole Vermont Class IV. It’s recommended to rock a minimum of 40mm tires and some easy gearing. The race organizers work directly with Vermont Rare, Rasopathies Network, CFC International, and others to educate people on rare diseases and find ways to improve the lives of young people and families who live with a rare disease. To enjoy grassroots gravel at its finest, head over to bikereg.com.

Saint Michael’s College Youth Triathlon – Swim, pedal, and run through the beautiful Saint Michael’s College campus in Colchester on Sunday, Oct. 4 – that is, if you’re between the ages of 6 and 13! Saint Michael’s Nordic Ski Team is partnering with USA Kids Tri to host a youth triathlon that serves as a fundraiser for the ski team and aims to increase awareness and participation for the multisport lifestyle in Vermont. Races are organized by age, and the distances are age appropriate. Medals and snacks await kids at the finish line and cheering and high-fives will be given along the way. With the perfect combination of fun and competition, it’s an excellent introductory event to the sport for kids looking to try something new this fall! Learn more and register at raceentry.com.

Grateful XC MTB Race – Taking place on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Memphremagog Trails in Newport, the mountain bike course features a freshly updated 10M loop of pure singletrack magic. With one or two lap options as well as an untimed “party lap,” and a free youth race/ride, there are ways for everyone to participate. This year, in honor of Anthony Moccia, proceeds from Grateful will support the Halo Foundation, and Little Bellas. To get in on the party, go to bikereg.com.

Leaf Blower Fall Classic – The 15th annual Leaf Blower takes place at Strawberry Hill Farms on Saturday, Oct. 10. It’s one of Stowe Trails Partnership’s largest FUNdraisers of the year, with eight group rides ranging from 35M mountain biking epics to beginner-friendly mountain bike introductions. Taking advantage of Stowe’s many trail networks, riders can enjoy old-school singletrack at Sterling Valley, machine-built flow at Cady Hill, and so much more at Adam’s Camp, von Trapp Family Lodge, and Strawberry Hill Farms. Following the rides there will be food trucks, drinks served up by The Alchemist, live music, and a vendor village with local businesses. This is a party you won’t want to miss, featuring guided rides by locals and a ride for every type of biker. Register to celebrate STP at bikereg.com.

CircumVictory XC MTB Race – CircumVictory rides again on the Northeast Kingdom’s “wild side” on Saturday, Oct. 17. Based on an 18M loop, the XCM Mountain Bike Race completes the loop twice (36M), while the XC Mountain Bike Challenge goes around once (18M). Last year, CircumVictory attracted over 150 cyclists – and trail runners – including some high-profile athletes. Victory Hill is a non-commercial trail club that maintains the trails you will race on, and all proceeds are reinvested in trail maintenance. To race the “wild side,” visit bikereg.com.

Saranac Lake Backcountry 3P Multisport Race – Covering 31M across five segments, this multisport race on Oct. 17 is one you won’t want to miss. Participants will start at Charlie’s Inn in Lake Clear, NY, by biking along the Adirondack Rail Trail before transitioning to a trail run up Floodwood Mountain, then continuing by bike to the paddle along Rollings Pond, then wrapping up by bike once again to finish at Charlie’s Inn. Post-race lunch and activities will be part of the after-party with an awards ceremony celebrating a love for ultisport. Proceeds from the Saranac Lake 3P support youth-based initiatives, recreation opportunities, and programs that inspire the next generation to get outside, stay creative, and embrace adventure. To jump in with the 3Ps – Pedal, Paddle, Peak – visit saranaclake3p.org.

Riley Momenee (riley@adksports.com) edits and designs for Vermont Sports and Upstate Sports magazines and spends most of his free time outdoors. He loves biking of all kinds and enjoys exploring the dirt roads and farmlands of his new home in Addison County.