Road Cycling the Mad River Valley From Tucker Hill Inn
Ride with a view: This is a 20 mile beauty. Starting at the inn head east on Rt. 17 until it becomes Rt. 100. Take this North bound towards town. At Bridge St. take a right and head through the covered bridge and up East Warren rd. A steady, but manageable ascent takes you past historic barns and pastoral vistas. Views of all three ski peaks are a constant reminder of just how beautiful the Mad River Valley truly is. Continue on East Warren rd until it becomes Brook rd in Warren. Ride the decline into the town of Warren and stop for snack or just peruse the wares at the Warren Store. Hop back on and continue south on main street and take your next right onto covered bridge road. Proceed through the bridge and continue to Rt. 100 where you will head north until you reconnect with Rt. 17 and head the remaining mile back to the Inn.
Difficulty: Moderate
The Sprint: You just got in from driving half the day, what you really need is a quick jaunt around town to get the blood flowing. Take Rt. 17 east towards town and connect with Rt. 100 north. Take a right on bridge st. and continue through the covered bridge to Joslin hill Rd. Take the left onto Joslin and climb for the next two miles. Not especially steep and not especially long, but this hill will set the tone for the next couple of days. At the top take a second to enjoy the view, but get ready for the descent back to Rt. 100. Take a left onto to Rt. 100 south until it connects with Rt. 17. Follow the mile back to the Inn and settle in for a cold one.
Difficulty: Light to Moderate
The Spirited Sprint: Ok so you want to get right down to business and experience the kind of elevation change that gets the blood flowing and the thighs burning. This 10 mile sprint is sure to give you all you can handle for the short amount of time you have. Head east on Rt. 17 towards Rt. 100 south. Ride along the Mad River, past American Flatbread and take the right onto the Access rd. Here you’ll climb 800 feet in two miles. Once at the top turn right onto German Flats Rd. and meander past winter ski houses, the entrance to Mount Ellen and continue on towards Rt. 17. Take a right and pull up to the Inn in a short quarter mile and consider you primed for the next day’s ride.
Difficulty: Strenuous
The Red Hen Express: You’ve had a good night; a short sprint to get the blood flowing, a burger and a Sip of Sunshine in the pub, to bed fairly early… Now you’re ready for a challenge. That said even a challenge deserves a small reward and that’s exactly the design of this sojourn. A moderate 34 mile round trip with a croissant and cup of cappuccino ½ way through (after all anything less is simply uncivilized). Start by following route 17 towards Rt. 100 north. Stay on 100 north and ensure you follow towards Waterbury/Stowe at the intersection of Rt. 100 and 100b. Her you will start the moderate ascent up and over the Duxbury pass. Not to worry its nothing you can’t handle. The great news is after about 3 miles of climbing you’ll get to experience the exhilaration of the descent into Waterbury. You will intersect with Rt. 2. At this point take a right and head towards Middlesex/Montpelier. Red Hen Bakery becomes the first prize. As mentioned, stop in for a croissant and a cappuccino. Continue south on Rt. 2 and take the first right onto Rt. 100b heading back towards Waitsfield.
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
