> [LLM context index](https://www.lambdalatitudinarians.org/llms.txt) · [Nathan Contino bio](https://www.lambdalatitudinarians.org/nathan-contino.md)

# There and Back Again: An LVRT Sneak Peek
[[md]](/blog/2023/05/07/lvrt-sneak-peek/index.md "view this page as markdown")
 

> _May 07, 2023_

 

Our latest adventure took us across half of the state of Vermont: from St. Johnsbury to Stowe, and back. This trip gave us a chance to try:

- Vermont's new [Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT)](https://vtrans.vermont.gov/lvrt) (note: a rail trail that is [almost, but not quite entirely unlike](https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/was-almost-but-not-quite-entirely-unlike.3983228/) complete)
- our [bikepacking bag setups](https://bikepacking.com/bikepacking-101-v1/how-to-bikepack/) on the Moonshiners

[![new pic for stowe brochures](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/00_meg_stowe.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/00_meg_stowe.webp)
_new pic for stowe brochures_

[![a sandal enthusiast](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/25_nate_bike_model.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/25_nate_bike_model.webp)
_a sandal enthusiast_

## Day 1: St. J to Stowe (there)

[![the gentle balance of caffeinating and hoping you don't have to pee too soon](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/01_meg_morning.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/01_meg_morning.webp)
_the gentle balance of caffeinating and hoping you don't have to pee too soon_

Our day began with an early morning ride to Saint Johnsbury. We woke, we coffeed, we snacked, and before long we were off to our starting point: the furthest eastern point on the entire Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.

The morning was a bit chilly to start -- chilly enough to make me _almost_ regret wearing my new [Bedrock Sandals](https://bedrocksandals.com/blogs/adventure-sandal/a-river-guides-review) -- but the scenery was beautiful and the sun was warm. Within a few miles, the exercise and UV rays had me rolling up my sleeves.

[![LVRT rocks](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/02_nate_morning.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/02_nate_morning.webp)
_LVRT rocks_

[![look over there!](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/03_meg_pointing.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/03_meg_pointing.webp)
_look over there!_

[![DUCKS!](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/04_ducks.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/04_ducks.webp)
_DUCKS!_

We cruised our way uphill past Danville, past Joe's Pond, and up towards Greensboro Bend on the rail trail. In Walden, we encountered our first "trail closed" signs... but decided to go ahead anyways for some investigation.

[![LVRT - complete in fall 2022](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/05_road_closed.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/05_road_closed.webp)
_LVRT - complete in fall 2022_

As it turns out, the "sinkhole" that's shut down that section of trail is about the size of a pothole. Anyone who thinks we need to shut down the trail for safety purposes is clearly unaware of how dangerous _riding on the road_ is. Bah, [humbug](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12h_x3Y0ifg).

[![feelin' good](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/06_thumbs_up.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/06_thumbs_up.webp)
_feelin' good_

Near East Hardwick, we cheated: we chopped off the tip of a bend in the trail to get to breakfast in Hardwick sooner. In our defense, we were hungry, and the coffee shop only makes a limited number of breakfast burritos and donuts every weekend.

[![NH vibes in VT](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/07_scenic_vt.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/07_scenic_vt.webp)
_NH vibes in VT_

Breakfast at Front Seat Coffee in Hardwick was as brilliant as always. I even lucked out enough to get the very last burrito, conveniently made with a gluten free wrap! It's like it was made just for me.

[![spring springin'](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/08_sping_flowers.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/08_sping_flowers.webp)
_spring springin'_

After Hardwick, we hopped back on the trail and headed to Morrisville. Lots of new sections of trail here: some good, some bad.

[![meg, fiddleheads, bridges, bike tyres](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/09_meg_fiddleheads.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/09_meg_fiddleheads.webp)
_meg, fiddleheads, bridges, bike tyres_

The good: miles and miles of trail stretching through beautiful forests. Occasional cows. Ferns popping up out of the ground. [Trillium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trillium) rearing their beautiful magenta heads up above the [podzol](https://minecraft.fandom.com/wiki/Podzol).

The bad: a stretch of trail currently shut down while Vermont DOT awaits a bridge inspection. I assure you that the section of VT-15 we had to ride instead was... much, much more dangerous than riding on a recently-restored trestle bridge that has stood for over 100 years. Bah, [humbug](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12h_x3Y0ifg).

The section of trail after the bridge is one of the few that deviates from the old rail route, and the surfacing is not quite up to par with the rest of the trail. Fortunately on the Moonshiners that's not an issue, but I hope the planned resurfacing happens soon for the sake of all the skinny tire folks out there.

Before long, we found ourselves in Morrisville, where it is surprisingly difficult to find food. We first stopped at Lost Nation Brewing, located right on the rail trail past town, where the _single working employee_ just could not keep up with the dozens of bicycle riders fueling up. We took mercy on him and rerouted to Black Cap Espresso for a breakfast sandwich... which was also somehow overwhelmed with bicycle traffic, and only had one employee working. So we ended up buying lunch wraps and a 4-pack of Heady Topper at the co-op. Shoutout to the two other cool bikes who shared the patio with us: a Surly and some custom raw steel bike that I _should_ have asked about. We ate our wraps and headed out of town to split a beer in a scenic graveyard (since the co-op doesn't allow you to drink a beer on their patio). After our wild Morrisville adventure, we only had a dozen-ish miles of dirt and singletrack to go before we made it to Stowe.

[![a familiar bridge](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/10_meg_bridge.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/10_meg_bridge.webp)
_a familiar bridge_

[![going down this hill last fall was much more fun](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/11_nate_uphill.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/11_nate_uphill.webp)
_going down this hill last fall was much more fun_

The dirt roads were steep, but brilliant. The singletrack was downright awesome: we've never ridden those trails before because they aren't part of any larger network, but they're a really cool way to connect dirt roads in the Stowe area.

[![shreddy shreddy gnar gnar](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/12_meg_singletrack.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/12_meg_singletrack.webp)
_shreddy shreddy gnar gnar_

[![new ad for #tanglefootcycles](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/13_moonshiner_model.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/13_moonshiner_model.webp)
_new ad for #tanglefootcycles_

[![log hoppin](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/14_nate_log.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/14_nate_log.webp)
_log hoppin_

[![tanglefootin'](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/15_nate_shred.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/15_nate_shred.webp)
_tanglefootin'_

It wasn't long before the singletrack dumped us out onto the Stowe recreation trail, which took us straight downtown, where our hotel room beckoned. A little bit of bike room confusion later (what exactly are all of those wires for?), and we were off to [Ranch Camp for some burritos and beers](https://vermontvacation.com/ranch-camp).

[![disturbing the patrons](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/16_green_mt_inn.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/16_green_mt_inn.webp)
_disturbing the patrons_

Then a quick dip in the hotel pool. I can't pass up a chance at a heated outdoor pool, after all.

Then we headed over to [Lower Bar](https://www.lowerbarstowe.com/), a surprisingly local-oriented establishment for a bougie town like Stowe. A great taplist, fair beer pricing, speedy service, and literally the largest plate of loaded nachos either of us has ever seen. Seriously, I'm pretty sure it was an entire family pack of tortilla chips and a whole bag of shredded cheese. Exactly what we needed after a long day of biking.

[![enough nachos for our family of 5](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/17_nachos.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/17_nachos.webp)
_enough nachos for our family of 5_

Our bellies full and our legs tired, we turned in for the night to prepare for a morning of even more singletrack.

[![even luxury kings make mistakes](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/18_luxury_king.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/18_luxury_king.webp)
_even luxury kings make mistakes_

## Day 2: Cady Hill Trails, Stowe to St. J (and back again)

[![stowe loves views of stowe](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/19_green_chair.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/19_green_chair.webp)
_stowe loves views of stowe_

On day 2, we didn't stop to rest. Instead, we started with the hardest miles of riding yet: [Cady Hill Trails](https://www.stowetrails.org/trails/cady-hill-forest/), a small-but-delightful singletrack network behind Ranch Camp. We had but one goal: riding [Florence](https://youtu.be/ip_SvfMN0ek?t=60), Cady Hill's premier zoomy, [bermed](https://exicemaiden.com/biking/what-are-berms-mountain-biking/), racy MTB trail. As I've said before: [mountain biking is silly](/blog/2022/06/21/mountain-biking-is-silly/). But riding our Moonshiners on a trail like Florence is _delightful_. They zoom. They bounce. They fast. And you get some very weird looks from the jersey-wearing folks riding [crabon](https://bikesnobnyc.com/2022/04/13/fee-fie-fo-fum-i-smell-the-crabon-of-a-gravel-bike/) bikes with electric shifters and clipless shoes.

[![navigator meg at it again](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/20_navigator_meg.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/20_navigator_meg.webp)
_navigator meg at it again_

After burning some calories shredding the gnar, we grabbed a quick breakfast at a coffee shop in town (apparently very popular with highly irresponsible dog owners, coincidentally also a great nutshell description of Stowe), checked out of our hotel, and slowly ground our way up a very steep road on the east side of town to head back to Saint J.

[![seeya stowe](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/21_bye_stowe.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/21_bye_stowe.webp)
_seeya stowe_

Our very steep road swiftly turned into a windy dirt road with sweeping views of Mount Mansfield. And then evolved into a rutted muddy road (my favorite) weaving its way through tight trees, with the occasional sick view. And then turned into a snakey, up-and-down dirt ridge road with occasional cemetery stops (for enjoying Heady Toppers), cows, and more sweeping views. It was lovely.

[![feelin' like steamboat up here](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/22_ideal_dirt.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/22_ideal_dirt.webp)
_feelin' like steamboat up here_

[![finally some dirt that isn't pavement-like](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/23_rowdy_dirt.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/23_rowdy_dirt.webp)
_finally some dirt that isn't pavement-like_

[![swoopy boi](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/24_nate_dirt.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/24_nate_dirt.webp)
_swoopy boi_

[![get milk](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/26_get_milk.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/26_get_milk.webp)
_get milk_

[![see scenic stowe!](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/27_nate_stowe.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/27_nate_stowe.webp)
_see scenic stowe!_

[![heady break in an undisclosed location](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/28_heady.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/28_heady.webp)
_heady break in an undisclosed location_

But it wasn't all fun and games; soon, we returned to reality in Morrisville (a land known for its unaffordable housing and resulting lack of service workers). Fortunately, we didn't stop this time. We hopped right on the rail trail and made our way towards our [lunner (or dinch)](https://zmkirtley.medium.com/the-meal-between-lunch-and-dinner-dunch-linner-dinch-or-lunner-8e1870208fa5) stop: Positive Pies in Hardwick.

The trek between Morrisville and Hardwick was quick on day 1. But it was even quicker on day 2. Our only significant stops? Enjoying a Heady Topper on a rock face (great breeze and a great view) and the [crazy, random happenstance](https://www.popmatters.com/what-a-crazy-random-happenstance-destiny-and-free-will-in-dr-horrible-2496062439.html) of running into my brother on the rail trail near Wolcott. Worth it for some insider tips on picking [fiddleheads](https://stoweforager.com/fiddleheads-in-vermont/).

[![thinking about snacks](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/32_meg_pre_snack.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/32_meg_pre_snack.webp)
_thinking about snacks_

[![filled with snacks](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/33_meg_post_snack.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/33_meg_post_snack.webp)
_filled with snacks_

[![novice fiddlehead harvester](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/29_nate_fiddle.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/29_nate_fiddle.webp)
_novice fiddlehead harvester_

After our stops, we had one major obstacle to overcome: the [Fisher Covered Railroad Bridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisher_Covered_Railroad_Bridge#/media/File:Fisher_Covered_Railroad_Bridge_in_Wolcott,_Vermont.webp). A bridge doesn't seem like an obstacle, you say? Isn't that a person _on the bridge_ in the Wikipedia article? Well, it's currently an obstacle, because when Vermont decided to restore the bridge as part of the rail trail, they opted to park a bunch of construction equipment inside of the bridge to prevent anyone from crossing it before it officially opens. Normally I'd respect their decision to err on the side of caution: after all, you don't want your bridge to [collapse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_International_University_pedestrian_bridge_collapse) soon after you open it. But in this case the alternative is riding on the side of a 50mph highway [that looks like this](https://www.google.com/maps/@44.5327821,-72.4264213,3a,75y,148.47h,85.15t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sg7o5rn2Rob1zW_pA5FU9qg!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3Dg7o5rn2Rob1zW_pA5FU9qg%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D62.79928%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en). We already tried that route on the way _to_ Stowe. And seeing as I'd rather break a silly law than end up crushed to death between a guardrail and an F-250, you can figure out how we proceeded.

[![bicycle obstacle course time](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/34_bridge_closed.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/34_bridge_closed.webp)
_bicycle obstacle course time_

[![looks like it can handle the load](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/35_fu.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/35_fu.webp)
_looks like it can handle the load_

One definitely-not-trespassing-with-a-horizontal-bicycle-held-over-my-head-hijink later, we made it to Hardwick, where we enjoyed:

- a quick spin on the local singletrack trails
- some forest exercise equipment
- a couple of fantastic beers
- a very tasty gluten free pizza
- an awkward exchange with the pizza place landlord who does _not_ like bicycles leaning against concrete walls on her [definitely-looks-public property patio](https://www.google.com/maps/@44.5039639,-72.367573,3a,75y,149.29h,87.03t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sDSmW9So5i6tkYepqbvpuSQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DDSmW9So5i6tkYepqbvpuSQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D89.385254%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en)

[![hardcore parkour](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/36_parkour.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/36_parkour.webp)
_hardcore parkour_

[![pretending to be in the olympics](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/37_gymnast.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/37_gymnast.webp)
_pretending to be in the olympics_

Fortunately we were able to move our bikes across town to a bike rack (and our butts into the restaurant to avoid any more unnecessary anti-bike aggression).

## Dirt Roads \> Rail Trails (But I Still \<3 Rail Trails)

[![cow](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/38_cow.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/38_cow.webp)
_cow_

[![this sugar bush went on for at least 5 miles of trail with this level of infrastructure](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/39_maple.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/39_maple.webp)
_this sugar bush went on for at least 5 miles of trail with this level of infrastructure_

After Hardwick, all we had left was a long downhill on the rail trail. This time, we didn't cheat -- we rode all the way up to Greensboro Bend on the rail trail, all the way back down (including the closed "sinkhole" section), to Joe's Pond, and finally on to St. Johnsbury.

[![meg looking at cows... again](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/31_meg_cow.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/31_meg_cow.webp)
_meg looking at cows... again_

[![one of several new rail trail bridges](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/30_nate_bridge.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/30_nate_bridge.webp)
_one of several new rail trail bridges_

The way was long, and honestly sort of boring. Rail trails are really nice for a break from car traffic, but after a few hours they can get a little monotonous. I still love 'em -- they make routing SO much easier. But I'm not sure I could ride a rail trail exclusively for any weekend ride. I just love dirt and singletrack too much. So I guess it's a good thing that we got Moonshiners.

[![complying](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/41_compliance.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/41_compliance.webp)
_complying_

[![savoring those last few sips because we forgot to fill in hardwick](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/42_thirsty_lady.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/42_thirsty_lady.webp)
_savoring those last few sips because we forgot to fill in hardwick_

[![looking for a shortcut](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/40_nate_scenic.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/40_nate_scenic.webp)
_looking for a shortcut_

The skies grew grey. The sun started to set. The not-quite-summer night chill set in. We got hungry. But we didn't have to deal with any cars, and our cache of Sour Patch Kids kept us rolling. On the last stretch from Joe's Pond to St. Johnsbury, we averaged close to 20 mph -- quite a bit better than our usual leisurely 10mph (ish) pace. I chalk it up to the candy sugar high.

We finished up the ride around 8PM -- not bad for a ride across half a US state, with thousands of feet of elevation gain and plenty of breaks. We picked up a selection of St. Johnsbury's finest [Deluxe Crunch Wraps](https://tacobellquarterly.org/volume-3-fall-2020/) and [Doritos Locos Tacos](https://www.vice.com/en/article/bn5xka/my-doritos-locos-taco-gave-me-a-boner) (an amenity we simply don't have in small town Littleton, NH), then headed home to aloe our sunburns and rest our achy legs.

[![another successful journey in the end](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/thumbnails/images/2023_05_07/43_made_it.webp)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathan-contino/images/main/reasonable-images/2023_05_07/43_made_it.webp)
_another successful journey in the end_