Interested in getting back on your bike? If you’re feeling a little rusty, join AARP Vermont at Bethel Trail Fest for this free workshop and relaxed group ride. This event is geared toward older adults or anyone who is interested in getting out on a bike, expanding their biking comfort level, and looking for a refresher on bike safety and rules of the road.
Come early for free goodies, workshops, rides and activities at Trail Fest!
About the Tour
Free event, open to all — any age and fitness level. Bring your own bike if you’d like to ride.
Linda Bowden of AARP Vermont will lead an intro discussion and then a group ride along the White River, on Peavine Boulevard in Bethel. If you don’t want to ride, you can just listen to the workshop.
You will:
Learn about bike safety and build confidence on riding through towns and on public roads.
Brush up on rules of the road and what’s expected of cyclists.
Go for a relaxed ride along the White River with a group of other riders; the route will be out-and-back along Peavine Boulevard. Expect a mostly flat, easy ride with a few rolling hills.
Finish back at Trail Fest in time to participate in more great activities.
Bring:
Your questions about bikes, bike safety, gear, and getting back into riding
A bike and helmet, if you plan to ride. Any type of bike is fine for this beginner-level ride. Ridgeline Outdoor Collective is offering a free tire-changing and pump station, so come a bit early if you’d like help pumping up tires. If you’d like to rent a bike, try our favorite local shops:
The Gear House in Randolph (not open Sundays, so plan ahead)
Green Mountain Bikes in Rochester
The right gear to stay safe and comfortable. We recommend:
Bright or light colored shirt or safety vest for visibility
Layers so you can adjust based on temperature
Sunscreen and a water bottle
FAQ:
Is this really free? Do I need to register? Sure is! Thanks to AARP Vermont for generously leading this event. You do not need to register in advance.
Will it be cancelled if it rains? We will go ahead with light showers or sprinkles, but will cancel for safety reasons if serious rain is predicted. Check this page for updates if there is any question.
How hard is the ride? This is a beginner level ride. You’ll travel through downtown Bethel, then out-and-back along Peavine Boulevard. Peavine is a beautiful rural road that traces the path of the White River through woods, farm fields and rural neighborhoods. There are a few rolling hills but it’s mostly flat.
What are the roads like? Are they safe? This is a relatively quiet route (25-40 mph speed limits) and Bethel drivers tend to be respectful of cyclists. Like much of rural Vermont, this route has no designated bike lane. You will ride through narrow downtown lanes and practice how to ride safely past parked cars. On Peavine Boulevard, shoulders are often narrow; you’ll learn where to ride on the road to stay safe. The first part of the route is paved, and then it turns to well-maintained dirt. There is always a risk to physical activity and biking; by participating in the route, you agree to accept all risk and liability for injury.
Do I have to be in great shape? Is this for all ages? This beginner-level event is open to anyone who would like to attend and ride. It’s great for people who are less active but want to bike more. It is geared toward older adults, but we welcome older kids and younger adults too. Young children would do best in a trailer. You can ride at your own pace and turn back when you are ready.
Is there road support? We do not have official road support and cannot fix bikes or pick up riders along the route. The ride will have a leader who can offer support and a phone number to call if you’re really stuck.
Where do I start and stop? Park? The ride will start and end at Trail Fest, at the Bethel Recreation Center (115 Pleasant Street/Route 12, Bethel). There is limited parking on site, so we recommend you park nearby and bike or walk to the rec center. We recommend parking at:
Athletic Fields (164 Pleasant Street)
Bandshell Common (129 Church Street)
The Bethel Town Hall lot (318 Main Street)
Thank you to our sponsors and partners!
AARP Vermont is sponsoring and leading this workshop and tour.
Vermont Bike & Brew is providing free e-bike trial rides at Bethel Trail Fest.
Bethel for All is working to make Bethel a more vibrant, connected, accessible and welcoming community. This community-driven planning project is funded by a Vermont Better Connections grant (a partnership of VTrans, Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, and Vermont Department of Health).
Bethel Trail Fest is part of the Bethel Forward Fest, an annual fall event. Trail Fest is organized and sponsored by groups including the Ridgeline Outdoor Collective, Bethel for All, Bethel Recreation Committee, Bethel Conservation Commission, Bethel Energy Committee and more. Thanks to the 3CVT (Cornerstone Creative Community) and Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission for sponsoring creative sector connections and activities.