MSTA Forums

Main Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: doug mcpeek on October 11, 2015, 10:07:18 PM

Title: Vermont L.A.M.B. route for motorcycle and bicycle rides
Post by: doug mcpeek on October 11, 2015, 10:07:18 PM

This has been discussed on Facebook, so I thought I'd migrate it over here for those who haven't seen it. 

This is an interesting route that I will ride on my motorcycle at STAR 2016.

I am also training this winter with the goal of riding it on my bicycle just before or after STAR, just because I think it would be a great thing to do.  Think of it as a bicycle equivalent to riding Deal's Gap.  I realize that many of you scoff at physical exertion and think that you were only born with legs so you could reach the ground from the seat of a motorcycle.   ;D   You might still want to ride that motorcycle on this route.

The LAMB ride is a loop that takes in 4 mountain pass roads in central Vermont: Lincoln, Appalachian, Middlebury and Brandon gaps.  A quick web search reveals several route variations that locals ride. This is a century ride (100 miles), at least.  These are short, steep climbs as mountains go.  Lincoln Gap Road is particularly challenging, with short grades up to 24% and with a mile that averages 16%. They claim it is the steepest paved mile in the USA.

Brandon Gap, the southern most of the four, is around 73 miles north of Stratton Mountain resort.

SO, if you are a bicyclist, how do you transport your bicycle?
http://2x2cycles.com/product/motorcycle-bicycle-rack/ (http://2x2cycles.com/product/motorcycle-bicycle-rack/)
a 98 mile loop:
http://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/vt-lamb-ride (http://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/vt-lamb-ride)
pictures:
http://hilljunkie.blogspot.com/2012/07/steamy-lamb-ride.html (http://hilljunkie.blogspot.com/2012/07/steamy-lamb-ride.html)
elevation profile:
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/526882 (http://ridewithgps.com/routes/526882)
112 miles:
http://www.mapmyride.com/us/rutland-vt/lamb-ride-route-536052 (http://www.mapmyride.com/us/rutland-vt/lamb-ride-route-536052)
a 6 gap version:
http://www.northeastcycling.com/six_gaps.html (http://www.northeastcycling.com/six_gaps.html)
There was a Gran Fondo on this route June 13th 2015.  Next year's date is not yet published.
http://vermontgranfondo.com/ (http://vermontgranfondo.com/)

Title: Re: Vermont L.A.M.B. route for motorcycle and bicycle rides
Post by: boatanchor on October 12, 2015, 09:31:48 AM

Doug,
I may be interested in doing this next year. Keep me in the loop. I did look at the elevation profile on Map my ride and it was 7700 ft in 112 miles. That is pretty doable with a little extra training.
Rick
 

Title: Re: Vermont L.A.M.B. route for motorcycle and bicycle rides
Post by: Brick on October 12, 2015, 11:06:20 AM

I hope to do this on my motorcycle. Thanks  8)

Title: Re: Vermont L.A.M.B. route for motorcycle and bicycle rides
Post by: wardie on October 13, 2015, 07:10:47 AM

I'll bring an electric bike that's the only way I could do four mountain passes :) That's some serious riding and climbing. I think the Gran Fondo looks really cool. Thanks folr providing the information. Wardie

Title: Re: Vermont L.A.M.B. route for motorcycle and bicycle rides
Post by: stevegrab on October 14, 2015, 06:31:21 PM

Thanks for sharing Doug.