2025 Fall Gravel Ride

By John Williams

Fall Gravel Ride, October 11, 2025

In contrast to our Spring Richard’s Ride (wind, heavy rain, hail, thunder, lightning) our Fall Gravel Ride delivered perfect weather: Sunshine, cool but not cold, with little or no wind. Riders arrived by bike and car, with participation at around 60. This was a satisfying turnout for this event, which serves as a thank you from RTF to the local cycling community. The event was hosted not only by RTF but also by the Green Mountain Bicycle Club through our very tight partnership and focus on cycling.

At 10 a.m., after a few reminders about riding safely, and with a nod to Richard Tom, riders were sent out as a mass start with aspirations for either 44 miles or 57 miles of mostly unpaved, challenging routes created by Tom Broido of RTF. For myself, I had lower expectations due to a medical situation. I departed after the mass start with the intention of tackling a shortened route, including Texas Hill. These plans evaporated when the SRAM E-shift wafer battery (inserted below the right shifter hood and signals the cassette battery) died. And of course, in testing it, I shifted to a higher gear and could not downshift – so climbing Texas Hill was no longer in the cards. I truncated my route to about 16 miles including Dugway, Pond, Wes White, and then Cochran Road back to Cochran’s Ski Area. Still, it was a beautiful day and an enjoyable ride. Note to self: Carry a spare battery or change out each new cycling season!

Soon after I arrived back at Cochran’s Ski Area, riders began streaming in. Upon return, riders were treated to RTF’s world-famous brats and hamburgers grilled by RTF Board Members Chris Morrissey (aka “CMO”, owner of Cool Motion Outdoor Sports, Bristol, Vermont) and Rachel Ciancola. The bright sun and warmish weather encouraged many to hang out and trade stories of the day (e.g., the “fun” of ascending Taft Hill).

Riders were very generous to RTF, with many donations received. Funds realized will be put to good use since RTF makes financial contributions to other local cycling organizations: