Hiking, Gravel, Trails, and Art (Day 4)
Today was our second day with a bit of uncertainty regarding the state of the trails after the Northern Vermont region experienced record setting rain and subsequent flooding but our campers, coaches, and staff all reported to breakfast with a plan in their mind and a hunger for adventure in their belly. They also had crazy socks on their feet for crazy sock day.
Even the coaches got in on the sock fun….sort of.
Breakfast started our day with Chef Nate back behind the skillet making us our delicious eggs, potatoes, maple sausages, and all of the goodies. The riders also packed their lunches for the afternoon during breakfast.
Shortly after breakfast, campers started to do their activities for the day. In lieu of trails, some folks went for a hike to the foggy fire tour at the top of Burke Mountain, some journeyed out on a gravel ride, and some others stayed at the Burke Mountain Academy for the second day of drops and jumps instruction from Ben Tufford of Highland Mountain Bike Park.
All the crazy socks were out today.
SOme folks made their crazy socks the last night at arts and crafts.
High atop Burke Mountain on the Toll Road to the top!
We were so happy to hear just prior to noon today that some of the Kingdom trail system was ready to be ridden. Our riders were out on the available trails in a hurry and rode till they couldn’t anymore. A coach said to me, “We went for a 20 mile gravel ride, did a drops and jumps clinic, then got to descend Black Bear all in one day. This is amazing.” The really amazing piece that some of us recognized was that we were virtually the only riders on the trail this afternoon. That is such a rarity in a place as popular as Kingdom.
These superhero riders did some of the longest rides of their lives today to reach the shores of Lake Willoughby
Ajay Dixon was voted as coach of the day as he was unanimously recommended by his athletes for his constant encouragement, his gentle pressure to ride harder, and his great laugh all day.
Lucy Ayres and George Sokoloff were riders of the day. Lucy’s coach mentioned her incredible downhill skills, her great attitude, and positive encouragement of her fellow riders as reasons they should be rider of the day. George was recommended due to his perseverance after overcoming a tough first day on the bike to step into a leadership role while out on more recent rides.
George and Lucy with their camper of the day fenders.
The precipitation changed some of our night plans, but Activities Director Denise Stumpf was at the ready with some great indoor activities including arts and crafts, watching the olympics, and a chain waxing class with coach Kirk.
Some of the rock paintings from evening activities.
The riders went to bed with the best thoughts for the people of Northern Vermont, memories to cherish for a lifetime, and hopes for a full day of riding tomorrow.