Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

The Wheel World

Pedal pushers are in for the ride of the century this weekend — or at least, the ride of the year. Onion River Sports’ seventh annual Onion River Century Ride offers cyclists the opportunity to go the full 100 miles, and then some. The benefit for Montpelier’s Kellogg-Hubbard Library routes bikers through the scenic Northeast Kingdom on 24-, 68- or 111-mile loops. Trails cover dirt and paved roads to nearby Adamant, or to farther locales such as Barton, Albany and Morrisville. Shady pit stops — manned by volunteers and laden with homemade cookies, muffins and quick breads — give long-distance riders some pep for their pedals, and a postride barbecue at Montpelier Recreation Field propels them to the finish. Will you take the wheel?