Created by Laura and Ted King, a true power couple (he’s a former UCI Pro Tour cyclist, she’s an elite cyclist), Rooted Vermont is a showcase of the idyllic New England countryside and warm, tight-knit community. There are two course lengths (45 or 85 miles), and both are about 70% dirt (“silky” to “rugged” with 3500’ or 8000’ of climbing, respectively. Think rolling green pastures punctuated by red barns and mountain views. Here they practice “The Mullet Protocol,” i.e. ‘business in the front, party in the back,’ so you can line-up according to how spicy you want the pace. (There are a ton of super-fast folks, but you’ll also see a wide spectrum of cycling ambitions.) The ride begins in the Kings’ hometown of Richmond and tours the heart of the Green Mountains before finishing at the base of a local ski mountain. You’ll be greeted at the finish with a warm Vermont-style welcome and local fare and libations (read: maple creemees, aka softserve, and ice-cold IPAs). rootedvermont.com