A Trail to Connect Two Towns

A fall view from the CVT in Groton State Forest.

The Cross Vermont Trail connect communities along the Winooski and Wells Rivers, from Burlington to Ryegate. At times sharing the route with roads and at times traveling its own path through forests and fields, this four-season trail allows hikers, bikers, skiers, and commuters to connect coordinates on the map.

Being in Washington County, we frequent the portions of the trail that connect Plainfield and Marshfield. This is a particularly beautiful section, especially through Groton State Forest.

The CVT entering Groton State Forest.

Here are some ways to take advantage of the CVT on your bike: 

• Bike to school (Twinfield School students, for example, can access the school by trail from Marshfield or Plainfield)
• Incorporate the CVT into a loop, like I did today or last fall
• Ride from Plainfield Park & Ride out to Groton State Forest and back

Here are some ways to support the CVT:

• Ride the Central Vermont Cycling Tour June 22 with easy, moderate, and advanced options
• Support the Keystone Project, which is the completion of a critical section of trail that gets trail users off of Route 2, by contacting your local representatives in favor of providing transportation funds to the project
  

  

  A bridge crossing Nasmith Brook in Marshfield.

  

  The CVT between Plainfield and Groton is double track with an easy 1-3% grade.

  

  A fall view of Marshfield Mountain from the CVT in Groton State Forest.

  

  The trail east from Nasmith Brook Road in Marshfield.

  
   
  

Giving Back: Twinfield Bike Rodeo

Four members of our local mountain bike club headed down to the local school this morning to help kids get on bikes. The morning started with parents dropping their kids off with bikes, helmets, and school supplies, and the bikes were organized by classroom. We set up a bike skills course and safety check station (helmets, brakes, air in the tires, chain oiled up - check!) and the kids came out one classroom at a time. Student volunteers were set up to support the younger cyclists throughout, with games of red light-green light, obstacles, traffic simulations, and a winding serpentine to practice bike handling skills. The kids had a blast, and so did we!

 Oh, and after the safety course, the kids cruised around on their bikes. Who went off-roading? The girls. No big deal, we're pretty awesome.

Happy Trails!
~Sarah