Interstate Eats and Adventures

I was riding slowly enough downhill at Killington Bike Park to confirm my husband and I were among the most senior people on the trails. I promised myself I’d take it easy returning to mountain biking after a years-long hiatus and a pretty decent loss in fitness. The type of riding that required a full face helmet was not what I had in mind. 

The 6-day Vermont mountain bike trip started with my son and his girlfriend at Flow Fest, a mountain bike festival at Ascutney Mountain. While at Ascutney, we met my son’s friends that he bikes with and also a welcoming group who care for the trails on this former ski resort mountain.

Ascutney Mountain, as a ski resort, had a history of 75 years of various owners pushing growth that ultimately left it bankrupt. During the years this mountain operated as a resort, there were a variety of efforts like snowmaking, construction of a base lodge, and various lifts installed from tow ropes, T bars, double and triple chair lift, and even a high speed detachable quad. Sadly, in 2010 despite all these efforts the mountain closed due to financial troubles, lack of snow, and not enough snow making equipment to battle this weather trend.

Today, thanks to the non-profit group named Ascutney Outdoors, the mountain has opened up as a place for the community to enjoy the mountain in all seasons. Alpine skiing using a T-bar, tubing on a handle-bar lift, and backcountry skiing are offered in the winter. They maintain some of the most scenic trails in Vermont for hiking as well as 35+ miles of trails for mountain bikers. There are also equestrian trails around the base of the mountain. All this is supported by the enthusiastic group of volunteers that I met this weekend, most of whom live in this community. What a way to bring people together to celebrate the great outdoors and welcome people like us to this beautiful mountain playground.

While we packed up the campsite on a rainy morning after the festival ended we realized we were not done with mountain biking in Vermont just yet. We decided to go to Killington Mountain with its own rich history of survival and unique year-round activities. 

The last time we suspected we were among the oldest people on the mountain was actually at Killington on June 1, 2023 when we got to ski for our anniversary! Not long ago I was pushing myself and racing for personal bests. Today I am fueled by gratitude and curiosity to explore areas and communities in our own backyard that we never imagined existed.

The Main Menu

Flow Fest had some great food truck options. For example, we shared a kale caesar salad and mushroom pizza from the Butcher & Pantry. Otherwise, I had some lead time and prepared food ahead for the trip.

Homemade granola, yogurt, berries or Alpen cereal and oat milk for breakfast

Chicken cutlets for easy snacking and add on to salad and sandwiches

Chicken breast, black beans, cheddar, roasted red pepper, and spinach burritos

Barefoot Contessa’s ice-cream sandwiches Note: Wrap them individually. I seem to always bring freezer treats to help let me know if my refrigerator is cold enough. I need to buy a thermometer!