Thursday, May 9, 2013

I was having a Dry time living the good life



Tad gets Rad on Bear Run in the Stowe Town Loops

   With little rain, high temps, and tons of sun the first week of May, area trails are mid-summer dry. From Adams Camp through the Town Loops, it's hard to find puddles of mud. For those looking to ease into the biking season, Trapp Family Lodge's super mellow trails are open. Perry Hill in Waterbury has opened early for the season, if you want to jump right back into getting extreme. If you do come across the occasional wet spot, please walk around as to not damage the trails.

Jim Jordan shreds down a dry Kimmers
    
Scott Search on his way up Hardy's Haul

     The Stowe Mountain Bike club has started their group rides around the area. This past week the group toured the Town Loops and Cady Hill Forest in Stowe. Any ability is welcome to join the ride,  "We promote that we will ride with anyone at any level"  said SMBC member Shelly Martin. She proved it by forgoing the normal group ride to show a beginner around the town loops. For more information about the club and up coming events and group rides, visit their website at stowemtnbike.com. Never tried a full suspension mountain bike? Stop by AJ's and rent a demo bike,  it will give you a new perspective on mountain biking.

Bikers meet up at the Cady Hill Forest Parking Lot for a group ride around Cady Hill Forest and the Stowe Town Loops

Shelly Martin shows a novice around the Town Loops during a Stowe Mountain Bike club group ride.

     For the less motivated and laid back biker, the Stowe Rec Path is for you. The 5 miles of paved bikepath winds up toward Mt. Mansfield, crossing the West Branch River. As spring makes its way into the region, trees and flowers are blooming along the entire route. Some of the local creatures to keep an eye out for are beavers, deer, and various birds. With dozens of restaurants, stores and beaches along the route, it's easy to spend a lazy day on the path. Don't have a cruiser bike? Stop by the store to rent a cushy, hybrid bike designed for pleasure cruises.


Take in some nature along the Stowe Rec Path
There have been some very busy beavers along the Rec Path this spring
    Feel like you need a bike upgrade but don't know what to do with your current ride? Come to the 15th Annual AJ's Bike Swap on Saturday May 18th from 9 to 5. Drop your bike off by Friday the 17th (it must be in working condition), and stop by the swap Saturday to check out the great deals. If some purchases your ride, you'll get 100% of the sale in store credit or you can take 80% of the sale home as a check.  

The smell of Spring is in the air, as manure is spread out at Percy Farm.