VT 50

I've done it 2 or 3 times. It's a great race but it is challenging. It seems like it only goes up and down and when it goes up a lot of times it's in that steep loamy VT singletrack. It's a great experience. If you can get it give it a shot. The scene at Ascutney is pretty good as well.
 
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Did it once a few years back . I have always wanted to go back but committing 4 mos. in advance has kept me away. Course was fun but as Ryan said it's challenging. Starting in the dark was interesting/concerning but turned out to be a no big deal. Organizers do a great job.
 
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I’m thinking of this one myself. Does anyone know how it compares to the Bearscat 50?
 
We are looking at doing it as a family weekend. Drive up Friday afternoon. Let the kids ride the 1 and 2 mile kids courses on Saturday. Daddy hill climb Sunday morning. Then home late Sunday afternoon. Wife and kids explore Sunday morning.



Now that my kids are getting older (11, 9 and 7) I can start doing fun death rides. And the wife wants to try some of these also.
 
I raced it in 2016. Tons of fun and would recommend. I wouldn't say it's technical at all though. If you're used to riding anything technical in NJ, you'll find the single track very straight forward. (This assumes not much has changed since '16.) A ton of climbing and you'll be on mix surfaces including gravel and road.

Perfect course for a hardtail imo.

Great atmosphere with lots of fans cheering you along. It's also cool that you go across private land (like someone's front yard) and people are out in force watching the race and encouraging riders.

Dark am start is interesting so a light is recommended.

this is a good place to stay: http://www.snapdragoninn.com/ very accommodating to racers and a reasonable drive to the race start/finish.
 
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I’ve done the VT50 numerous times and it’s always a brutal day. It’s 52 miles with close to 10k of climbing and one of the longest and toughest climb is in the last 5 miles. Though it’s not a very technical course it can be very challenging and when you factor in the fickle September weather of Vermont it may wind up as a true epic day on the bike.
 
If you’re planning on doing the race keep in mind they cap the mtb race at 850 racers and it usually sells out in under 30 minutes. I’d also recommend researching lodging options a few months before registration and reserving something before registration opens.
 
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Bearscat is flat compared to the VT50. The VT50 is asphalt compared to Bearscat. It’s an amazing weekend with all the foliage changing and if you have a family, bring them along. Definitely research accommodations and be at the computer ready to register at the time it opens.
 
I did it a long time ago before it got so popular that it would sell out. As others have already said, it is hard.... I was cramping like crazy for the last 10 miles, but it was a good time, I got really lucky with the weather, I think it was like in the 50's when it started and turned into a beautiful sunny day.
 
It's worth it just for the views. Like others have said, it is a tough day in the saddle. And the end is a mental mind Fk. You see that you are getting close to the finish and see the mountain and you get closer and excited that you are almost finished and at like mile 50 and then realize they are sending you in over the back of the mountain and you need to climb up and over. Fun finish blasting down the slope with everyone hang out at the party.
I had a great weekend there at a house we rented. Dinners in Woodstock, good beer too.
Just be prepared to work hard, enjoy the scenery and have fun.
 
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