There are three things you need to know about this trail before riding it end-to-end. First, the scenery is drop-dead gorgeous.

The trail follows a river as it meanders through a valley surrounded by mountains and then goes through remote forests. This is scenic Vermont at its summertime finest.

It is not just a good ride but a great one. And being less than a third the length of multi-day rides like the Erie Canal, it is doable by more than just the super fit.

That’s the good news. The second thing to know about this trail is that one 20 mile long segment is not suitable for gravel bikes, no less road bikes.

This layer of large stones will grab your wheels, bounce you around, and make you work harder than you want to. It’s not fun.

It seems designed for high-powered, wide-tired, ebikes, not ordinary peddlers. There is one last thing to know.

By pure chance, there are nice places to stay at western end of the trail, at the eastern end, and right in the middle. That means you can stay in a nice motel, wake up, and bike 45 miles to the next one.

This is, after all, a book about biking in style. I’m old.

A few years ago, while riding the Erie Canal I met a young fellow whose bike was laden with heavy bags. He was camping his way across New York State.

He had a tent, sleeping bags and cooking gadgets galore. He asked why I had so little luggage.

When I replied that I was staying in motels he proclaimed: “You are biking on plastic. ” I was and still am.

Camping is a non-starter for me. I’m biking on plastic and glad I can spend money on dining and lodging while long distance biking.

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