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Ted King launches a new gravel event, Rooted Vermont, with lots of maple goodness

Two route options, 75 km and 140 km, take you through the Green Mountain State

Rooted Vermont

Ted King, the retired roadie, and his wife, Laura, have a new gravel event that is said to follow mullet protocol: business in the front and a party at the back. The business at Rooted Vermont is either a 75-km or a 140-km ride. Each features surfaces with about 70 per cent dirt. Some of that dirt is smooth. Other sections run on what organizers call Vermont pavé, which sounds bumpy. The short route has 1,070 m of climbing, while the long one takes you up 2,450 m. Even with the challenging terrain, Rooted Vermont is an inclusive event for riders of all abilities.

Rooted Vermont Mullet

As for the metaphorical mullet’s long locks that would flow out the back of a helmet and over a rider’s neck, that’s the afterparty with food, IPA and maple creemees. The latter is soft-serve ice cream with maple syrup. Maple products are, of course, one of Ted King’s fortes. He’s a co-owner of UnTapped.

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“Since returning back east this past summer, Ted and I already feel tremendously rooted to our new home,” said Laura King. “‘Community’ is a popular word in cycling, but it’s inherent to the way of life in Vermont and the best of the sport in general.”

The event runs Aug. 4., from Richmond, near Burlington, Vt. Richmond is about two hours from Montreal and eight hours from Toronto. The finish is at the Cochran’s Ski Area. Part of the Rooted Vermont’s proceeds will go to the ski area to help with the construction of beginner mountain bike trails. Cochran is known for its affordable access to skiing and snowboarding for youth and families. It also has handicap accessible trails.

Registration opens April 1, April Fool’s Day. No kidding.

Rooted Vermont