Purpose and Passion
I started this endeavor ten years ago as a passionate cyclist with a cause: building community and advocating for families living with rare disease. Walking the rare disease journey, I am dedicated to educating myself and others about childhood rare disease.
I am not a charity but work directly with Vermont Rare, Rasopathies Network, and CFC International among others to educate people on rare disease and find anyway I can to improve the lives of families and kids living with rare disease.
If you too are passionate about something, whether it’s enjoying strong community and friends, doing things with a purpose, or riding epic Vermont gravel, The Vermont Rare Gravel Ride is a perfect fit!
-Jack Bailey, event organizer, father, husband, friend
“Have you ever been on a ride when the vibe and flow is just right? That was the feeling of the RAS Adventure Ride. With a great mix of classic Vermont dirt roads, limited amounts of tarmac and many challenging miles of off-road segments, you have all the elements of a classic dirt road event in the making. I hear that there will be even more off-road sections next year, so it’s only going to get better! Be sure to mark this event on your calendar for next year – you won’t want to miss it.”
Shop Ungrounded Coffee Roasters and help support Vermont Rare.
Use coupon code RASRIDE for an extra 10% off at checkout.
A rare adventure you Don’t want to miss.
A Vermont grassroots gravel adventure on Vermont’s best gravel.
Think It Takes Grit to Finish This Ride?
What people living with rare disease can teach you about true grit.
Watch this inspiring video from 2019’s adventure and learn how you can support this incredibly important cause while doing what you love…riding epic Vermont gravel!
“Be safe, be well, and be grateful.”
“Of all the events I took part in 2019, I enjoyed yours the most. It was why I immediately signed up for the race the following year. I have since moved to California and will be unable to attend. Please keep my entry fee and allow someone else to enter in my name. Your cause is worth it. ”
The Details
Saturday, October 5, 2024, Peru, VT
Grassroots gravel at its finest
Gravel Roads, Fall Foilage, Fine Folks, Outstanding Class IV!
Use your GPS - no signage
Start/Finish and post-ride festivities at Wild Wings XC Ski Center
What to Expect
This is not a Race, Settle in at your Pace, Some will smash the pedals and That's OK,
Seasonal Lunch, Beverages, and YEs Music is back!
Several Feeds as long as we don't have to keep things Distance
Maybe A bit more Challenging than You Think?
What’s Included
Ride entry; Seasonal Lunch; This year a Mexican feast, Ice cold beverage.
1 “Self Serve” Aid Station stocked with gels, syrup shots, savory treats, and more.
A day riding epic gravel in Southern Vermont while supporting an important cause.
Ride Highlights. *some roads the same, some not so much!
At mile 4.6 pavé sector 1 comes right AT you! This year, sector 1 is the Catamount Trail to Ridge Road followed by some short grunty climbs into North Landgrove which brings you onto Shaws Knoll, the second pavé sector. At mile 14, Marsh Cross Road, make sure you take in the scenery and view the trifecta of the local mountains: Magic, Stratton, and Bromley!
The slightest bit of pavement on Route 100 North through Historic Weston comes just in time for you to catch your breath for the 2.7-mile rolling climb of Jenny Coolidge. Enjoy the fast descent down Moses Pond Road as sector 3, Holt Mountain Road, is next!
A right on Jaquith Road at the top of Holt Mountain sends you onto the new class sector and onto Forest Road 279.
A left as you head back towards Landgrove onto Danby Road brings you to the intersection of Little Michigan, Stone Place, and Preist Lane for the last 3 miles of Class IV.
There are a few short sections that some riders may want to dismount and walk or jog, and that’s okay! Go at your own pace; the challenge is as important as the journey!
We will be adhering to the Vermont State Covid guidelines as required. Please mask if you are not vaccinated and keep your 6 feet of distance.
Equipment recommendations
This ride is calling for cross, gravel, flat bar mountain, or the like. We highly discourage any road bikes! 35 cc and above tire choice will serve you well. There is no "hike-a-bike" ALL totally ridable Class IV.
Water AND Food
There will be 2 refueling/ feed stations; one at 14 miles (top of Marsh Cross and Dale Road) and 28 miles at the top of Holt Mtn Class IV. Stations will be stocked with GU gels, GU hydration, bananas, pickles, syrup shots, and more. We do recommend you carry plenty of water and your own nutrition as well.
Race day parking
There is plenty of plenty of parking at Wild Wings Nordic Center. Follow Hapgood Road east out of Peru Center. At the town garage, bear left onto North Road. Follow North Road approximately 2 miles, bear left at the fork, 500 meters to Wild Wings XC.
“Really fun race with a nice mix of road, gravel, tough climbs in the forest, technical muddy sections and beautiful scenery. Extremely gentle people and nice ambiance at the finish line. I recommend 100%.”
Volunteer
Not a gravel cyclist but still want to help? Great!
Putting on a Vermont gravel event is no small task, and we would love for you to join our rare community, whether you’re a rider or not!
Vermont Rare appreciates your help, and so do the riders!
There is nothing like a friendly, encouraging face, either along the route or at the start/finish, to boost a rider’s morale while they’re suffering!
You will be sure to hear the echos of many “thank yous” from the participants.
Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch!