VMBA Ambassador, Dani Sweet, brings us on a tour one of her local Chapter’s: Brewster River Mountain Bike Club and her tips & tricks for a great day out on the trails!
VMBA Chapter, Brewster River Mountain Bike Club (BRMBC) covers Valley, Midland, and Cricket Hill trails. The Chapter aims to “ensure the sustainable future of mountain biking in Underhill, Cambridge and neighboring towns in VT.”
Let’s start with Cricket Hill. Cricket Hill offers a variety of short loops with a total distance of around 4 miles and is usually a quieter network. These trails are dog-friendly, so they are a great place to bring Fido. This trail network would be wonderful for beginner-intermediate riders and offers a great option for local people to spin their legs after work to get a quick rip in. If you’re a fan of fun trail names, this place is pretty clever with a trail name of Bermie Sander, and yes it has berms!
Next is Midlands, another great network for beginners-intermediate riders offering 5 miles of trail. You can bring Fiddo here as well! On this network, you will pedal upon really beautiful landmarks along this trail. Like the Brewster River, and look out spots of Mt. Mansfield from the Smugglers Notch Side. I would highly suggest this ride if you want a scenic, fun, relaxed ride!
Okay, okay, the hidden gem of this area. The Valley trails. We love our landowners here, giving us access to some of the best mtb in Vermont. That being said, let’s make them happy. Here’s how!
- Don’t Bring Fiddo! These trails are not dog-friendly; please leave your dog at home.
- Please keep your voices down. We love all the hooting and hollering, but the neighbors appreciate the peace and quiet.
- Please follow the closure report! Found here Brewster River Mountain Bike Club
- Lastly join a trail workday:
- June 3 – Valley Trails Workday
- June 24 – Valley Trails Workday
- August 5 – TDV Trail Prep
- August 19 – Tour de Valley
- October 7 – Landowner Appreciation Day
The Valley Trails offer trails for all abilities Beginner-Expert. You won’t find these trails on Trailforks, and there are no maps, so find a friend to show you around (feel free to hit me up IG: @Sweet___adventures). Also, if you’re wondering what Tour De Valley is, get your legs ready. It is a bike ride that hits all the trails – a great way to get to know the network if you’re ready. At the Valley Trails, you will find trails that are a lot of work to get up (Schinders climb) but almost completely down from the top Schinder → Bucket shred) My favorite down; climb accessible in VT. This trail offers tech, fast loose, and a few fun Berms. Also, the cherry on top is the work to get to the top of Schinder’s climb, and you’re greeted with a breathtaking view of the tallest peak in Vermont, Mt. Mansfield. Other trails boast great tech and fun, Sledge Hammer giving you all your rock slab dreams, and High Roller with some fun bridges.
We love the BRMBC trail networks! They’re so great, and we are happy to share if you’re a respectful rider! Cheers!
Stay tuned as we hear from all of our VMBA Ambassadors and their recommendations on trails to ride, eat, stay, and more!