FYI this just in from Kingdom Trails

[06epic]

Mike Mansmann sent a message to the members of The Mountain Bikers of Kingdom Trails in Vermont.

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Subject: Opening Day

Hey this just in,
We've been walking all the trails, they look great.

We are going to opening May 1st. See you all soon.

Mike

[Fitch]

Thursday and Friday prior to Labor Day weekend, I'm spending two days at KT. I can't wait!!!

[Pinecone]

Bike Mag rated Kingdom Trails "Best Trail Network" in the USA. Cant wait to check it out someday (when i suck at mtb less).

[06epic]

It is all very easy to ride....lots of smooth plush flowing trails and not very technical. It is a really really good time.

[Pinecone]

Really? Im going to have to hit that. Thanks!

[talisman]

Bike Mag rated Kingdom Trails "Best Trail Network" in the USA.

Bike Mag needs to get out and ride more. The Kingdon Trails are good, but there are equally good trail networks around New England that lack the marketing and signage but are are also very good.

[woodsguy]

KT is far and away the best trail network I've ever ridden. There might be a section of trail somewhere that is better but you have to look at the whole system. They don't just have one or two good trails, they have dozens of them that can all be linked into two or three amazing days of riding. The biggest problem I have with the place is trying to decide which trails to take (ex: Tody's Tour or Tap-n-Die)

[talisman]

[QUOTE=woodsguy;172418]KT is far and away the best trail network I've ever ridden. QUOTE]

You have a very impressive list of places you have ridden all over New England and I appreciate your links. I have not ridden as many places, but ride Arcadia, Big River, Burlingame and Pachaug (not on your list) a lot because I live near by and there are a lot of good trails in those networks. As good as the Kingdom Trails? No, but a ~70 mile loop is easily possible in Pachaug/Arcadia and much more if the Big River area is included.

I'm not disrespecting the Kingdom Trails because I think the system is an amazing testemant to cooperation, vision and mtn bike passion this system exists to benefit that part of VT. My point is someone new to mountain biking doesn't have to drive 5 hours to northern VT to find good trail networks.

[Superbman]

KT is far and away the best trail network I've ever ridden. There might be a section of trail somewhere that is better but you have to look at the whole system. They don't just have one or two good trails, they have dozens of them that can all be linked into two or three amazing days of riding. The biggest problem I have with the place is trying to decide which trails to take (ex: Tody's Tour or Tap-n-Die)

Like everything, it's a matter of taste. As someone already said, you cannot say anything negative about KT's testament to vision, cooperative trail work, and generally awesome biking vibe.

And of course, KT's trails are wonderful and plentiful. And a few of the trails are so uniquely fun they deserve accolades all their own (Sidewinder, Tody's being the two standouts with J-Bar and Moose Alley getting honorable mentions!:)). With the signage and the destination riding development it makes perfect sense why Bike mags would celebrate this incredible riding destination.

But, if I were to pick one spot (or region) to ride in New England on any given day, it wouldn't be KT. Just not my favorite type of trails. I still get in one day of riding a year up there, and it's worth the trip for sure, but there are places I like better. Honestly, for an afternoon of riding, I prefer the trail system at Millstone. There are lot's of spots right here in my own backyard that constantly make me balk at driving 2 minutes let alone 3 hours to ride.

I don't buy the 2-3 amazing days of riding at KT, one good long day for sure, and maybe a good morning the next day (I'm sorry, but there's quite a bit of hyperbole associated with the amount of singletrack at KT!).

When someone tells me me KT is their favorite place, I get it-it's certainly got a lot to appeal to a lot of people. However, I'm always surprised when folks elevate to the level of incomparable in New England--I'm sorry, there are too many other places with incredible, extensive and very diverse trail systems all over New England. And a casual day visit to these places won't really demonstrate how much each place really has to offer.

ALL that being said, I'm already planning a long weekend to VT at summer's end, staying at the very excellent wildflower Inn and spending some extensive quality time on Kingdom Trails.

Oh, one more plug for KT: KT is phenomenally beautiful, and I mean even by bucolic New England standards, when you pop out of the woods onto the open, hillside farm trails with the Northeast kingdom stretching out before you it's pretty stunning!

[simian23]

When someone tells me me KT is their favorite place, I get it-it's certainly got a lot to appeal to a lot of people. However, I'm always surprised when folks elevate to the level of incomparable in New England--I'm sorry, there are too many other places with incredible, extensive and very diverse trail systems all over New England. And a casual day visit to these places won't really demonstrate how much each place really has to offer.

KT is a great place to ride, no doubt. It is particularly good for beginners or weekend warriors, as there are almost no technical features, climbs are very moderate, and the maps and signage are superb. It is zero stress mountain biking. It is also AWESOME on a full rigid singlespeed.

But...a big part of mountain biking for me is the exploration, getting lost, discovery of trails you think no one knows about. Throw in a little suffering and continuous technical features that you've really got to be on your game to clean and you've got my perfect day.

I've never ridden KT's freeride area. Maybe I should try it. But freeride doesn't appeal to me much either. I'm more of a Harold Parker than a Lynn Woods rider. That said I'm sure to hit up KT a couple times with my wife this summer. I've been hearing stuff about Millstone Hill in Barre. Maybe that would make a cool 2nd day of riding.

[Tiaan]

I've enjoyed reading the banter on the attributes of the Kingdom Trails.

The KT has something to offer for every kind of rider, whether they're into XC, DH, FR, AM, SS, DJ, etc.; one simply has to ask the crew at KTA or others in the know where to find what you want.

Other factors that should be considered when weighing whether to make the trek to the KT are scenery (the views both en route and in the Northeast Kingdom are fantastic), culture (the blend of the northern New England way of life and the communal/progressive mtb vibe can be found nowhere else), and the simple act of getting away.

Speaking of which, we are mountain bikers who own a beautiful house in Burke Hollow (1.3 miles from a KT trailhead) that is available for weekend or vacation rental. It sleeps 12 people. Check out the link: http://burkevacationrental.holdernet.org/

[dabedob]

I'm planning on a trip up to the legendary Kingdom Trails. Are there other activities to occupy the wives while the guys head out to the trails?

[06epic]

Not really to much up there. St. Johnsbury is only a few miles away and has some local Main street type shopping. Or Newport which isn't to far either.

Check this for a few ideas.
http://www.vtliving.com/attractions/nek.shtml

http://www.travelthekingdom.com/

[woodsguy]

Hiking, canoeing/kayaking, rock climbing, horseback riding, museums, art galleries, shopping for VT goods, the spa..... I'm sure they can keep busy for the few hours a day you are biking.

[dabedob]

Well as of right now they are planning on not comming up with us. Which is probably better for all. Only down side is...who's going to get the beer for us :)

[agabriel]

You could always send them to Ben & Jerry's