The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated - Mark Twain
Twain wasn't speaking of hurricane Irene damaged in Vermont, but he could have been. Irene did damage some of Vermont's best motorcycling roads, but did not destroy riding in Vermont or end the 2011 motorcycling season.
This past Sunday, I set out to determine the extent of damage on VT-17, US-2, VT-116, VT-125 through Hancock and VT-100 through Rochester. What I found was a pleasant surprise: despite damaged sections, most of the mileage on these roads is in their pre-Irene state. Additionally, crowds are down due to people avoiding these roads.
VT-17, App-Gap, received little damage in the storm. The lower section between VT-116 and Jerusalem , known as Baby Gap to cyclists, has shoulder damage. The road surface was undamaged by the hurricane. There is, however, rough pavement due to the 2010-2011 winter, so watch for cracks, filler and potholes.
VT-17, rest stop at top of App-GapUS-Route 2 between Jonesville and Waterbury had sections that were underwater two weeks ago. Ray Atwood's Cycle and Harbor Vintage Motor Company had major flooding. Fortunately, both business are cleaning up and back in business. Irene did not damage the road except for leaving some sand and gravel.
The State completed a repaving project on VT-100 from Waterbury to Stowe just prior to Irene. This section is running great past Ben & Jerry's, the Alchemist Cannery and Cold Hollow Cider Mill.
The State repaved and reconstructed VT-125 from Middlebury gap to East Middlebury in 2010. The road has been great fun this summer with smooth twisty bits and beautiful views. I was horrified to learn that hurricane damage closed the road. When I rode it, I was greatly relieved.
VT-125, smooth pavementThe road has major damage in the Hancock section, but is easily ride-able from end to end. The newly rebuilt section between Ripton and East Middlebury is largely undamaged - a tribute to the quality of the 2010 rebuild. There is a single washout in this section, and some shoulder and guardrail damage, but temporary repairs are easily passable and the new pavement is intact.
Between Middlebury Gap and Hancock, Irene damaged the road. Look for gravel and rough road patches beginning at Middlebury Gap. The rough repairs blend in with the tarmac and sometimes are marked with only a single cone.
In Hancock, there are hundred yard long sections of rough road, followed by undamaged sections. A bridge just before Hancock has a temporary repair and there are rough patches on both ends. The damage is mostly on the eastbound lane, which is closest to the river. Moderate your speed in both directions, since damaged sections appear suddenly and are quite rough.
There is virtually no damage between Hancock and Rochester on VT-100. There is a major washout just before entering Rochester village. Rochester village was completely undamaged, but just to the south is a different story. Between Rochester and VT-73 there is extensive damage, but the road is passable.
Life goes on in Rochester, VT
For motorcyclists, the worst damage in this section of VT-100 is the collapse of the bridge at the VT-73, VT-100 intersection. There is a makeshift pedestrian bridge here, but I doubt there will be even a temporary repair before the end of 2011 motorcycle season. This makes VT-73 inaccessible from VT-100 and disconnects loops using VT-73.
South of VT-73 there is a mix of clear and damaged sections through Stockbridge and Pittsfield. Both of these towns were cut-off during the storm, but both are now accessible - at least to residents. The Pitt Stop in Pittsfield is open and selling gas and food, and there is cell phone coverage there. For now, only use this as an emergency refuge, since VT-100 in Pittsfield is flagged as residents only. South of Pittsfield VT-100 is still authorized use only.
This ride encompassed some of the most damaged areas. Travel is still possible and often enjoyable and beautiful, but riders should approach them with caution.
When you ride this fall, please remember these tips:
1. Give respect to the orange traffic cone! If you see a cone in the road, slow down: there is probably a damaged section to follow. A single cone may be the only marking for a damaged section.
2. Be respectful of other travelers and be extra patient. In true Vermont fashion, most one-lane sections are "uncontrolled", relying on the courtesy of drivers to negotiate the single lane in an orderly manner.
3.Be especially cautious around bridges, since much of the storm damage is in these areas. Washouts and repairs are frequently around bridge abutments.
4. Wait until you can see the corner exit before accelerating. This is always good advice, but heed this now more than ever. Ride like mid-corner gravel or a road repair lies on the blind side of the bend.
5. Learn to like (or at least ride) on gravel roads. Riding on dirt and gravel increases your skill and confidence as a motorcyclist and gravel sections are found on major roadways. The key to riding gravel is being smooth and steady. Adding small amounts of throttle to shift weight to the rear, making it easier for the front end to steer and float over bumps. Squeeze your front brake smoothly when stopping. Use your rear brake and engine braking to moderate speed on downhill sections.
6. Try a new route. Road crews have made good progress in these areas because they have been able to close them to traffic. Limit your use of these areas and look for a road less traveled.
If the storm damaged your favorite road, try one of these alternatives:
- VT-232 through Groton State Forest is 14.6 miles of twisty pleasure through the State of Vermont's large parcel of land. Riding from the southeast, pair VT-25 with VT-232 to make a fun day on uncrowded roads.
- VT-110 and VT-14 run parallel to VT-100 and offer great rural Vermont rides. The Tunbridge World's Fair, September 15-18, is a real country fair with crafts, agricultural exhibits, music, rides and food. The fair has run every year since 1867, except for 1918 when there was a flu epidemic, and during World War II.
- Ride the Northeast Kingdom. Fall comes early in the Northeast Kingdom, so this is a great option in mid-September or early October. Visit the Evansville Trading Post, Lake Willoughby or find the bowling ball pyramid.
- The Vermont high gaps: Middlebury Gap (VT-125), App-Gap (VT-17) and Brandon Gap (VT-73) did receive damage, but Middlebury and App-Gap are both open and have great sections of riding.
- Use VT-116 at the west end to link VT-125 to VT-17 as an alternate route to the Granville section of VT-100. Stop in Bristol or at the Hyde Away in Waitsfield on VT-17 for lunch and then continue north on VT-100 to Waterbury, Stowe and points north.
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