“I was so thrilled when I was asked to participate in the #ibex50states campaign and represent the great state of Vermont. I worked for @ibexwool back in 2017 as an ambassador and was so happy to hear that they made a comeback last year. I feel that Vermont has an amazing biking trail networks with many local non profits that help maintain them (Vermont Mountain Bike Association for example). The networks around the entire state includes world class single track and beautiful dirt roads for gavel biking. Post ride its hard to beat a craft beer and Vermont’s legendary swimming holes along its many rivers.
.
I just got into gravel biking this summer and have been exploring the Mad River Valley on dirt roads and pavement. It has been a blast being able to use google maps to create my own loops or finding established ones using resources online. I am also a big paddler and have done a couple multi day kayak trips on Lake Champlain and the Green River Reservoir this summer. Lake Champlain is the six largest body of water in the U.S and it totally has that feel when you’re out there. Fall is coming fast and another trip during foliage season will be in order!
.
My favorite memory from this summer was a three day trip on the Green River Reservoir with a group of four friends in early June. Something special about the reservoir is that it does not allow motorboats and has also loon nesting grounds. One of the nights we took a paddle where the water was so glassy that the reflection looked identical to the night sky. A couple minutes into our paddle the silence and stillness was broken by a loon calling orchestra that echoed around the reservoir. It was an unforgettable moment during a time that was filled with uncertainty." - @nelson__brown #Ibex50States 📍