This past weekend was the Annual Vermont Mountain Bike Festival. 2014 marked the second year that the festival was held at the defunct Ascutney Mountain Resort in Brownsville, VT. And we have to say… it is an awesome place for an event like this and a rock’n good time! The event kicks off on Friday with registration opening and some short guided rides including a night ride. Friday is pretty low key, but it’s a great introduction to the area and the trails that are available. During this time the all of the vendors are getting setup as well as all of the manufacturers providing demos.
Saturday, is when things really get going. Registration is open all day and you can check in at any time during the weekend. There were bicycle demos and guided rides available all day long, and the trails in the area provide something for every skill level imaginable. Whether you were looking for an all day, lung busting ride… or just wanted a short cruise in the woods… it was available.
Once all of the guided rides returned on Saturday evening it was time for the Mountain Bike Olympics! This included a bike limbo, slow race, and the mini-bike obstacle course. The slow race definitely draws some attention, but the real crowd pleaser is the mini-bike race. It’s challenging enough just to ride the things, but throw in some obstacles and kids armed with water balloons… and watch out! It’s great to see everyone participating and the whole mountain bike community all come together for one evening while having such a good time.
If you weren’t able to make it this year… you should definitely put it on your schedule for 2015. Originally, VMBA was planning to move the event to a new location every 2 years, but with NEMBA throwing an awesome party up in the Kingdom, and the new Bikes, Bevs & Beats event in the Stowe area… we really need something in the south. Ascutney is the perfect venue and every year it keeps getting better and better. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Vermont Mountain Bike Festival returned to Ascutney in 2015. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
For more info please visit the Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA) website... or the Vermont Mountain Bike Festival Facebook Page.
In the meantime… Ride Fast & Take Chances!
