Note: This fabulous Tour of Vermont is NOT for new riders or those new to group riding if you are riding in a group. There are switchbacks, 55mph narrow twisty country roads, a dirt road and long days in the saddle.  To some experienced riders however, these characteristics may lure them to this three day tour of some of Vermont's best riding roads.

With the information here, one to twelve bikes can take this tour with only minimal planning - just read all the information, make your reservations and pack your bike.  Due to the some of the remote areas' limited comfort facilities, seating in food establishments and motel rooms it is suggested that no more than twelve bikes take this tour at one time.  If traveling with more than 4-5 bikes it is suggested doing the tour outside of the peak tourist season of July and August which might be best even for one bike.

General tour planning information:

1. Three days and 670 miles total
2. Longest riding time between comfort stops - 80 minutes, typical is 60-75 minutes.
3. Most miles between gas stops - 110 miles

Suggested motel/Inn:

Day 1 - Sky View Motel, 802-877-3410, 2957 Route 7, Ferrisburgh, VT 05456.  $75 to $85 per night with group rates of $5 less per room.  Cancellation policy is two days notice however they would like more if there is a group.  They will set aside rooms for a group and will hold them for a period of time.  Confirm all of this when making reservations. This is a basic motel - nothing fancy, just a clean room.  With only 22 rooms it is advisable to make reservation in advance.  The closest other motels are in Middlebury, VT and they require a two night stay.  Further north is Burlington, VT which would have many lodging choices.  Both alternatives would add to the days planned miles.

Day 2 - Hill Top Inn (formally LaGue Inns), 802-229-5766, 3472 Airport Road, Barre, VT 05641.  This 80 room Inn has a small indoor pool and a restaurant - which is good for breakfast.  Group rate is $68 per night, a few dollars less than if just a single room.  Cancellation policy is 24 hours but they would like three to four days notice if a group is involved.  The Econo Lodge in Montpelier is NOT recommended.  Other alternative lodgings can be found in neighboring Barr although it can be a little congested with traffic.

Eating locations, in order:

To ensure they can accommodate a group, reservations or notice of when you will arrive is suggested.

Day 1:

Lunch - Shelburne Falls, numerous places in this small tourist town provide choices from most basic Subway franchise to fine dinning.  Pick a place that won't take too long as you will want to have a quick look around the town before continuing the tour.  We have had good sandwiches and Chili at "Mothers" in the center of town.

Snack - Tinmouth Snack Bar, 802-446-3310, Rt.140W Tinmouth, VT 05773.  Ice cream, pie and a food menu is offered. Hours of operation 11:00-9:00 Wed.-Sun.

Dinner - The Dog Team Tavern, 802-388-7651, Dog Team Road, Middlebury, VT - about 10 miles south of the Sky View Motel just off Rt 7. Very good food for one or a large group - American fare - entrees $14 to $28.  The Dog Team Sticky Buns are excellent, and they come with the meal.  Strongly recommend reservations.  Serving dinner year round, 5:00-9:00 Mon.-Sat. and 12:00-9:00 Sun.  http://www.dogteamtavern.com/

Day 2:

Breakfast - Burdick's Country Kitchen, 802-877-3599, Route 7, Ferrisburg, VT 05456. This local eatery is nice for breakfast and it is next door to the Sky View Motel - only a few hundred feet south.  As it is small, call ahead if you are bringing a group so they can plan accordingly.

Snack - Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory, 802-882-1240.  If you have a group and plan to take the factory tour call in advance, otherwise just show up.  The ice cream is excellent and the gift shop is worth a stroll through.  http://www.benjerry.com/

Lunch - 158 Main Restaurant & Bakery, 802-644-8100, located in Jefferson, VT.  Serving lunch from 12:00-3:00 only.  Call ahead if bringing a group.

Dinner - Sarducci's Restaurant, 802-223-0229, 3 Main Street, Montpelier, VT.  Very good wood fire pizza and other traditional northern Italian dishes - entrees $8 to $16, and a fun atmosphere.  Some information can be found at http://www.central-vt.com/web/sarducci/  - reservations are strongly recommended even for two people  - this place gets busy.  There are several other establishment to eat in Montpelier - two are run by the New England culinary Institute http://www.necidining.com/

Day 3:

Breakfast - in the Hill Top Inn's restaurant for the normal breakfast fair.

Lunch - Springfield Royal Dinner, 802-886-1400, 363 River Street, Springfield, VT 05156.  The food is adequate, the service can be a little slow but this restaurant comes with a Corvette Museum attached.  After lunch go through the museum and leave a donation if you like. Reservations for a group are suggested.  http://www.springfieldroyaldiner.com/ 

Information will be added shortly about motels, restaurants, distance between gas stops, etc.