VERDICT Vermont's steepest 55 miles disguised as a pastoral New England postcard.
A training plan for Vermont Overland—shaped to your fitness and the hours you have.
OG gravel since 2009—55 miles of Vermont pavé, 7,000 feet of climbing, and Paris-Roubaix dirt roads.
Vermont Overland founded 2009. One of oldest US gravel events. Vermont pavé—8 sectors of Class 4 rough unmaintained roads. Capped at 1,000 riders. Starts at Ascutney Outdoors in West Windsor, near Woodstock. Founded in 2009. By Peter Vollers.
Reputation: OG gravel (founded 2009). Vermont pavé character. Technical terrain.
Photo: YouTube / Sean Mauceri
Photo: YouTube / Sean Mauceri55 miles of Vermont pavé. 7,000 ft elevation. 60% gravel, 30% dirt, 10% pavement. 8 sectors of Class 4 rough unmaintained roads. Technical rating: 4/5.
Signature challenge: 7,000 ft elevation over 55 miles = relentless. Vermont pavé sectors = technical.
The epic 53 mile 92% dirt 77 sections of class four road - these ancient unmaintained roads in Vermont which is just the most unique thing about the race. You come sweeping into the village and make an abrupt right turn onto mechanic street which is this tiny little alleyway brick walls incredibly European incredibly cool.
Peter Vollers · 758 views
Central street is gonna be closed for the day which is pretty groundbreaking here in the village. The village is yours for the day.
Peter Vollers · 758 views
If you're staying here even better because you can just ride right to the course which is really cool, don't even have to get in your car.
Peter Vollers · 758 views
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Historical weather data shows average highs of 78°F and lows of 61°F, with a 60% chance of rain on any given day. August in Vermont can be anything from perfect to swampy hell, and the research shows no historical weather data to plan around. New England summer humidity combined with 7000 feet of climbing is a recipe for heat casualties. No mention of weather incidents probably means they've been lucky, not immune. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
Ascutney Outdoors provides the venue but Baker Donahue notes the "HUGE corral" with 300-400 riders backed up from the start line. Registration opens January 1st at 9 AM through Movemint and sells out in hours with a 1000-rider cap. Critical details like packet pickup and parking remain undisclosed, though the race benefits local Reading/West Windsor organizations.[7]
An "Arenberg Forest" sector as homage to Paris Roubaix, while Sarah Skelly notes progression from 2022 when she "flailed down several of the class IV roads being bucked the entire way" to 2024 confidence: "What was once so feared, was now just familiar riding." The course requires self-navigation with GPS or cue sheets.[9]
Elite riders like Ian Boswell and Tim Johnson participate, with Johnson leading pre-race recon rides covering technical "baby head" trails. The race attracts 300-400 riders in massive corrals and sells out a 1000-rider field in hours. However, the tragic 2022 death of professional Kenyan cyclist Sule Kangangi casts a shadow over the event's reputation. "Peter Vollers has been around the block a few times... Won the NCCA Collegiate National Championships..."[5]
Those eight Class 4 sectors will humble anyone who shows up thinking this is a leaf-peeping tour. You need solid climbing legs for 7000 feet of punishment and bike handling skills for unmaintained roads that range from sketchy to bike-breaking. The 1000-rider field sells out in hours because riders who've done it know something the rest of us don't.
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.