VT Northeast Kingdom Fall Foliage 2016

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

Arrive on Saturday, September 24, 2016 and last day of riding is Sunday, October 2, 2016, with departure day Monday, Oct 3 from S. Burlington, Vermont. Max 22 - Min 16.

RIDE RATING: 3B  The trip will average 44 miles/day and 2,550 feet of climbing for the shorter options. There are three lay-over day rides with short or long options. There are two rides that are above the average of the ride rating (ie; no bail out options) one has 58 miles/2,750’ feet and the other has  60 miles/3,100’ feet.  The route climbs two passes: 1,710’ and 1,200’. This tour has frequent climbs and some of them sustained over several miles. Most climbs are in the 5-8% range, the grades are generally not severe. There are four short sections of unpaved road, totaling 10 miles, suitable for road bikes. Generally good road surfaces. Limited traffic except for the start/end hotel in S. Burlington.  The temperature can be chilly at this time of year, particularly if you are caught in a shower so pack accordingly. 

OVERVIEW:  We begin and end the tour in the eclectic town of Burlington where a paved bike path skirts Lake Champlain and the students flood the UVM campus every fall. Then we pedal past quaint farms on old stagecoach routes with flaming sugar maples, apple festivals and country stores that offer VT cheddar cheese, Whoopy Pies and home-made soup.  We expanded our stay in Lyndonville to 3 nights because once you get to the Wildflower Inn, you don’t want to leave.  Here, there are hiking options, loop rides with a possible stop in St. Johnsbury where the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium is New England’s largest natural history museum. Then it’s on to the quaint village of Stowe, home of the famous Trapp Family.  There is a loop option that has a short or long version that allows you to tour the Ben and Jerry’s home base. Don’t miss the failed flavors graveyard. On our return to Burlington, we climb the 1200’ Smuggler’s Notch, so-named for whiskey-running in the 1930’s.  Social hours will feature local micro-brews, award-winning cheddar cheese and local apple products.

LOGISTICS: Burlington is served by an airport. The Best Western Windjammer Hotel, S. Burlington, VT offers free hotel shuttle to Burlington airport. Car park and bike box storage at hotel.

OVERNIGHTS: S. Burlington, VT, Newport City, Montgomery Center, Lyndonville (3), Stowe (2) and back to S. Burlington, VT

ADMINISTRATION:  Third time tour is offered by leaders Tom and Julie Leever. Estimated cost of  $1,500 + $50 BAC fee for 9 nights lodging (includes first and last night in Burlington), 3 group dinners and 9 breakfasts, maps, cue sheets and social hour beverages. To register click on the Sign Up link above the Ride Description. Following your acceptance and receipt of your $500 deposit (which does not include the $50 BAC fee), your name will be added to the Participant List. The BAC registration fee will be paid directly by credit card when you sign the Release of Liability (ROL) form electronically. Final payment of $1,000 is due on April 15, 2016. Single riders will be accepted who are willing to share a room. Single supplement is  $575.

CANCELLATION POLICY: The BAC ride registration fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled.  Refunds will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour's remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report is completed.  Although we will attempt to recover lodging costs, most places require a final count 30 days in advance. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped, the canceling roommate may be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase personal trip cancellation insurance.

REGISTER:  To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the Release of Liability (ROL) and pay the BAC fee by credit card. You should send your initial deposit of $500 in a check made out to Tom Leever (not BAC).  When your deposit is received your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.