The SBT Ride

For the best Vermont cycling experience, we launch most of our guided cycling tours 10-15 miles away from Stowe.  The SBT van will transport you to the launch location.

Our planned 30-40 mile ride also ends a short distance from Stowe.  If you wish, you can extend your ride by cycling back to Stowe Village accompanied by guide support-or jump in the SBT van for the short trip back.

Group size

Groups are a maximum of 16 riders, accompanied by one guide on a bicycle and a second guide in a SBT van.   We provide one guide in a SBT van for smaller groups.

What other support does SBT provide during the guided cycling tours?

Each morning, before you start your cycling tour, your guides will conduct a route briefing with maps and directions. They will also attach a "marked up" map to your handle bar.  During the ride, your guide will be sure that you are forewarned of turns, upcoming rest areas and points of interest.

A SBT van will also follow the group carrying personal belongings, cold water, energy snacks, first aid, tubes, tires, tools and phone.

How long are the guided cycling tours?  Do I have to ride  the whole distance? Can I ride  more?

SBT routes are mapped for 30 to 40 miles each day.  We hope that you will ride the distance AT YOUR OWN PACE, but the SBT van will always be nearby. You can also lengthen the ride with guide support.

How difficult are the guided cycling tours?

SBT rides are intermediate because they include hills, but our bikes are geared for Vermont, allowing easier pedaling when needed.  The longer climbs are grades below 6% with some short climbs of greater grade.  But remember, you ride at your own pace!  You can make the ride as easy or as strenuous as you like.  Every guided cycling tour offers many opportunities for rest at country stores, villages, small towns, lakes or water holes here and there, roadside stands or simply a grassy place to take a breather. And-the SBT van is always near if you want to take a break.

What happens if it rains?

We make every effort to ride between the raindrops.  That means we may start later in the day or shorten a ride.  Delays are typically tolerated because your home base is Vermont's premier resort town!  We may also choose the locals' rain threat ride - "Le Tour De Stowe" - offering spectacular views on quiet roads with local landmarks.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes, you may bring your own bike! But please have all components, cables, wheels and tires mechanically checked-by a credible bike shop-before arrival. Do not bring a mountain bike or any "fat" tire bike.

SBT bikes: SBT will rent you the latest technology hybrid bike chosen specifically for Vermont terrain.  The construction and saddles are chosen for comfort. The gearing is specialized to help with hills while providing plenty of gear range for level stretches and downgrades.  They have 700 x 28 tires – an optimum compromise that offers road efficiency, security and comfort.  You may bring your own saddle and pedals.  Your guides will put them on your SBT rental bike.  SBT offers flat pedals and clip pedals (with cage). Each bike is equipped with an under saddle (seat) carry bag that will accommodate several small items such as compact camera, wallet, cell phone, eyeglass case, etc.

Do I need my own helmet?

We prefer that you bring your own helmet, but we have adjustable helmets available at no charge.

What are the roads like?

SBT guided cycling tours are mapped to combine large sections of secondary roads with light traffic.  All routes involve limited travel on secondary highways with more traffic, but light compared to urban areas.  Vermont secondary highways have shoulders, but secondary roads have little or none.  SBT bikes are equipped with tires that permit efficiency on paved roads but are resilient on dirt, gravel or damaged pavement.

Did you say Dirt?

A few of our many guided cycling tours are routed on a town maintained dirt road for a short distance.  However, the view, (near and far) is spectacular during the short distance on dirt, and is perfectly safe.  We simply slow down!