Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing

Sample Itinerary

This Champlain Valley self-guided bicycling trip offers some of Vermont’s finest touring in what is known as the Land of Milk and Honey.  We’ll provide a range of bicycling routes offering choices between moderate and challenging rides in the rolling fertile farmland filled with dairy farms and apple orchards.  (There are a few good “ups” – just because it’s a valley doesn’t mean that there are not challenges.)   The views of Lake Champlain between the Green Mountains to the east, and the Adirondacks to the west are stunning.  You’ll have a chance to explore the towns of Middlebury and Brandon, both of which are rich in history and very much alive today.  Depending upon the route you choose on day two, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the town of Vergennes, like Middlebury, along the Otter “Creek”, one of Vermont’s longest rivers.  Your return to Middlebury on day four will take you by the idyllic glacial Lake Dunmore, as you complete the loop on this self-guided bicycling adventure.

Highlights

Day 1: Middlebury

We recommend that you fly to Burlington and take a shuttle service to Middlebury.  We'll provide information on this in your trip packet.  Have fun exploring Middlebury on foot and enjoying your lovely inn.  Go on a warm-up bike ride if you wish.  Middlebury was a vital mill town and today remains lively as a college town.  Dinner at the inn or in town.  Overnight at the Switft House Inn in Middlebury.

Day 2: Shoreham

After a hearty breakfast you depart the Swift House Inn for Shoreham.  Your bags will be transported for you to the next inn, as they will the next two days, so you can set out with only the items you'll need for today's ride.  We'll provide you with a couple of routes today, one that takes you more directly to the next inn, and one that is more challenging and passes through Vergennes. Dinner at the inn. Overnight at the Shoreham Inn.

Day 3: Brandon

Today your adventures take you through an area of interesting Revolutionary War history.  This is the place from which the Green Mountain Boys cross Lake Champlain to capture Fort Ticonderoga form the British.  You'll pass through Brandon on your way to tonight's inn.  We encourage you to stop in Brandon to experience its art galleries, many houses on the National Historic Register, and fun ice cream parlor with outsized Adirondack chairs out front.  Dinner at the inn.  Overnight at the Churchill House Inn.

Day 4:  Middlebury

Your last ride takes you full circle back to Middlebury, via beautiful Lake Dunmore and past dairy farms.  As always, your bags will be shuttled ahead for you and will be waiting for you at the Swift House Inn.  You'll have the chance to shower at the Swift House, if you wish, before leaving Middlebury.  After returning your rental bikes, you'll head out to your next destination. 

Price

Price of accommodations varies depending upon accommodations and time of year.  Price for Bredeson Outdoor Adventures’ services (planning, booking inns, baggage shuttle, comprehensive information packet) ranges from $100-110/person/night, less for groups of three or more persons. Our extremely thorough Information packet includes bicycling routes, cues and map; packing list; inn contact information; joining instructions (taxi and car rental); historical information; restaurant recommendations for dinner and for lunches en route; bicycle rental information; ice cream stops; inn vouchers; emergency information.

Feedback from Guests Who Participated in a Similar Trip Staying at the Same Inns

"We had the best time ... what a fund adventure!  The inns were outstanding.  Each of the inns was unique and charming.  The innkeepers were terrific -- helpful and friendly.  The bike routes were beautiful.  We really liked the different options that you gave us each day.  The scenery was magnificent -- every day was a little different.  The first day gave us breathtaking views of the mountains and countryside, the second day took us through some beautiful countryside and the third day was a spectacular ride around Lake Dunmore. ..The packet you sent was great.  It was very helpful to get the packing list; the information about the history of the area and the description of the inns really made us excited for the trip.  The cues sheets were very organized and the mile markers were spot on, which made them easy to follow....The service you provided was outstanding -- from the time I expressed interest in the trip, you kept me very well informed.  Everything was well-planned, well organized and you were a delight to work with.  I'm so happy that I found your company on the internet and will definitely recommend you to others interested in an outdoor adventure!"

We hope that we will have the opportunity to provide this grand adventure for you!