Traveling Vermont via Motorcycles
Nestled between upstate New York and New Hampshire, Vermont is a small town masquerading as a state. Burlington, the largest city in the state, has a population of just over 40,000 people, while the capitol of Montpelier gets by with fewer than 8000 residents.
With relatively few people, backroads are available in abundance. A variety of roads are available, from the gentle Champlain Valley to the rugged Green Mountains that run the length of the state. About three-quarters of Vermont is forested, so straight roads are few. These are the kind of routes riders dream about.
Tiny hamlets serve travelers along the roads, as the population of 625,000 is spread out over its 9200 square miles of land. History has not been forgotten in Vermont, and there are buildings that date back to the Revolutionary War, as well as a newer enjoyment-covered bridges.
In addition to the spectacular fall foliage that brings people to Vermont, the mountainous terrain – some of which climbs above the timberline – makes for some of New England’s largest ski areas. Of course, you will not want to ride Vermont in the winter, but the resorts are there to cater to those who enjoy various outdoor activities in warmer times.
MotoVermont, based in Burlington, considers itself to be a “motorbike adventure outfitter.” Rather than necessarily accompanying its clients, MotoVermont sends a rider out with a route-programmed GPS unit, which will take him to his various overnight locations and fine dining along the way.
Part of the outfitting means access to current high-end touring motorcycles, such as BMW’s K 1600 GTL and R 1200 RT, which street-going riders will flock to. The routes can be customized to meet the desires of each rider, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Keeping in line with that flexibility, fully guided tours are available.
MotoVermont also has a little secret – unpaved roads in Vermont. For that, you can rent a Ducati Multistrada 1200, BMW R 1200 GS, or off-roadable 650s from Kawasaki and BMW. These motorcycles will take you to places few tourists (and many native Vermonters) have never been – truly, a unique experience.
As a bonus and at no extra cost, MotoVermont allows riders to take the rental bikes in to neighboring states, as well as Canada, giving you quick access to Quebec.
