I'm super happy I did the VTXL, but I don't think I'll do it again. Other places to see, other rides to do. The next one might be the Vermont Gravel Growler. It's a loop you start near Burlington, you stay at Bed & Breakfasts, and it hits a dozen breweries on the loop.
I really enjoyed the wild camping on the VTXL. No hotels or B&B's, just 2 nights at a state park, and wild camping the rest. Food options were limited but doable. The VTXL was almost night and day different from the Erie Canal ride I did last year. I was either climbing or bombing downhill on the VTXL, and food stops were 1-2 times a day at most. The Erie was non-stop flat and dozens of food options during the day. Just funny that I accidentally went from one of the easiest bike tours to one of the hardest (for week long trips).
No regrets, I feel super happy to have done a personal bucket list item. And it's made the hard work of going from 291.6lbs June 2025 to my current weigh-in of 214.6 even more satisfying to me. The climbing was hard enough at 214. I just weighed in at home post ride at 213.3, and I ate as much as possible at the food stops. Remembering the climbing will keep me motivated to stay lean.
With a few small tweaks, I think I can bike cross country next year. time to start planning.
VTXL Day 0 Truck travel and truck camping with Jacqui at Brighton State Park
VTXL Day 1 bike ride from Canaan VT back to Brighton State Park
VTXL Day 2 Island Pond to Danville Covered Bridge camp
Day 2 VTXL evening camp at Greenbanks Hollow Covered Bridge
VTXL Day 3 Danville to Chelsea, West Topsham General Store
Day 4 Sharon Trading Post rage baiting nutjob encounter, swimming
Day 5 lake swim, South Londonderry food, climb to Green Mountains
Day 5 worst camp spot of trip, my fault
Day 6 State Border Stone Marker and Jacqui meetup
Review of Gear I used. Things to keep, replace, fix, or leave at home
Started at the green arrow, ended at the red square
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