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Monday, June 10, 2013
The weather has been a little damp this week, which has fully pushed the Valley into a jungle-like state. The contrast is intense between the bare ground of early spring and the head-high wall of green that now covers the forest floor. The incredible variety of vegetation turns every hike or bike ride into a technicolor dream.
Wooded bliss.
Summer officially starts next week, but we are stretching the envelope a bit and kicking it off with a bang this weekend. Saturday begins with the Eastern States Cup Super D mountain bike race at 12 PM.
BrewGrass Fest is Saturday! Click here for sweet lodging deals.
The Sugarbush BrewGrass Festival gets going at 3 PM, with live music and tons of tasty regional beers and great food. Tickets are going fast and are likely to sell-out. Get yours now. Remember to save some energy for Sunday's Eastern States Cup Downhill race, which also runs at 12 PM. The lift will be open for racers only.
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Thursday, June 6, 2013
After a hot weekend, late spring delivered some absolutely perfect days this week, with bright sunshine, low humidity and comfortable temps. The fields, forests and mountains seemed to glow with clean freshness, you just couldn't help smiling.
Even without the great weather, reasons for grinning were quite ample.
Cutting the grand opening chain at Blueberry Lake on Saturday.
Summer isn't even here yet and the Valley is already buzzing with sunny fun. Next up is a huge weekend of bikes and beers.
Working on the Sugarbush downhill trails. Get your MTB Quad Pack tickets before they go away!
The BrewGrass Festival and the Eastern States Cup Super D/DH are June 15-16. Tickets are going fast for the fest and there are cash purses for the races. Get your gravity on, then soothe your sore muscles with a huge selection of great beer. Even if you don't win the race, this is a win-win situation.
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Thursday, May 30, 2013
As you may have heard (or experienced), winter made a surprise visit during Memorial Day weekend. We got about eight inches of snow on the summits, one of our latest spring accumulations. When the clouds finally parted on Sunday afternoon, the contrast of the white capped peaks above the deeply verdant Mad River Valley was pretty special. Monday was even more beautiful.
May snow brings ... sweet scenes.
The wet weather dampened some enthusiasm for outdoor activities, but it certainly did not stop the fun. The Mad River Riders-VMBA grand opening of Revolution Trail still went well, with lots of good vibes and nice publicity for the project.
Thanks to the hardy volunteers and to Jeb Wallace-Brodeur, Times-Argus staff photographer for braving the challenging conditions.
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Thursday, May 23, 2013
Ahh, late May in the Mad River Valley ... the infinite shades of green, flowers exploding everywhere, golfing with friends, biking and hiking trails opening, paddling the rivers and lakes, farm fresh food happening again, and snow in the mountains. Wait, what? Haven't we been swimming in the river already?
Sugarbush Golf Club is fully open, with $50 greens fees. If it snows, the groomers will be laying down fresh corduroy on the fairways and Sugarbush Parks is ready to shape the greens too. ;)
Yes, it almost always snows in May, especially on the high ridgelines. With only a few days left before June and prevailing warm temps this month so far, it looked like we might get by without any further flakes.
Waitsfield Farmer's Market kick off last weekend.
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Thursday, May 16, 2013
After a couple cooler days, including some May snowflakes in the air, spring has returned in force. The green is back in the Green Mountains.
Last weekend's 36th Annual Mad Triathlon was really fun. Despite contrary forecasts, the rain stayed away for the most part. The course was in prime condition too, except for a few low water spots in the river.
Many thanks to all the Mad Tri competitors, supporters, volunteers and staff!
This is the Jones family and their colorful jerseys had "Keeping up with the Jones" emblazoned on the back. While most racers were on the lightest road bike they could get, their rider was on a downhill bike, with wide knobby tires.
Regardless of this extra anchor, he was excited for the almost exclusively uphill pedal from North Fayston to Lincoln Peak, and even crossed the transition line pulling a wheelie. That's just part of the Mad Tri, though. Put fun first.
Foggy mountain run.
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