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I haven't done a lot of racing this summer, instead I've been doing a lot of fun riding in Vermont. Mountain bike clubs in Vermont are well organized and work to promote tourism (that's me) around bikes and beer. That results in a lot of machine built trails with big berms. Vermont also has some great swimming holes to cool off after a ride. For someone a Maine boy who is getting sick of living in Boston; it is paradise.

The Killington area offers the most choices. And I'm not even talking about the bike park. I've never ridden there. There is a free place across the street called Sherburne Trails. There is an incredible new trail called the Sherburner, that is an amazing roller coaster of berms and flow. You will want to ride it more than once. The trail actually starts at a state campground called Gifford Woods. I think I jumped into Kent Lake when I was done, but there must be a better swimming hole or waterfall around there somewhere.

Ten miles north of Killington, is a legendary trail called Tunnel Ridge. I saw this on YouTube and had to drive to Vermont to ride it. 100 Berms in a row! It's amazing! The only downside is that it's an out and back trail, and... to ride down a hill with 100 berms, you must first ride up. That is typical of Vermont trail systems - a lot of uphill at the beginning. Again, this is another free trail system - Rochester Valley Trails. If you are feeling generous, give some money to VMBA.

Further away, there are some great trails in Stowe, VT. There are three distinct areas to ride there - Cady Hill, Von Trapp Lodge, and Adam's Camp. This summer, I finally figured out how to connect the three and make one epically long and adventurous ride. My favorite downhill trail there is Pipeline. For me, it feels gnarly and a little dangerous, but I enjoy the thrill. Big rocks, tight turns, scraping tires, wooden bridges - I love it. And the view from the Von Trapp Lodge, looking out over the hills, is serene. The only thing better, is jumping into the loud rush of water at Bingham Falls. Or having a beer outdoor at Alchemist Brewery. Or a burger at the outdoor bar at Idyltime restaurant. Summertime in Vermont is heaven.

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