NORTHEAST KINGDOM ADVENTURE TOUR
Intermediate
3 Days, 2 Nights. 375 miles.
$ 1400*
3
days
DESCRIPTION:
An intermediate-level tour for dirt-ready bikes of all sizes, the NEK Adventure Tour is an exciting and scenic route with several unmaintained roads and trails throughout. Omitted from this tour are the more extreme obstacles such as steep hill climbs, deep mud holes and particularly slick trails, making this an ideal tour option for those on larger adventure motorcycles like a Yamaha Ténéré or BMW F850GS. Even a skilled rider on a big BMW 1200/1250GS would have a blast on this tour.
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The NEK Adventure Tour is also a great tour option for riders that have completed one of our training tours and are looking for a chance to challenge themselves and put those new skills to use. Group size is 6-8 riders.
Lodging and dining on this tour will be at the historic Black Lantern Inn where we will enjoy delicious, locally sourced and freshly prepared meals each morning and each evening during our two night stay.
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We will travel some of the oldest and most picturesque roads in Vermont, many which are unmaintained and forgotten; The Hinman settler road, the Bayley-Hazen military road; These routes were the first paths along which European settlers entered the then-wilds of Northern Vermont in the 17th century. Along these primitive roads were skirmishes with natives, revolutionary war activity and ultimately the settling of early Vermonters in the Northeast Kingdom.
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You may bring your own personal bike to tour these forgotten roads of the "Kingdom" or rent a fully equipped Yamaha XT250, WR250R or Ténéré 700 for the trip.
Our professional guide knows the area well. They will ensure the best experience possible, selecting the right roads for the conditions.
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* Add $200 for single occupancy lodging.
Double lodging only available to family/friends booking together.
​Upcoming Tour Dates:
June 6-8, 2024 - SOLD OUT
June 13-15, 2024 - SOLD OUT
September 19-21, 2024
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
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2 nights lodging at the historic Black Lantern Inn.
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2 delicious, locally sourced dinners.
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2 fresh continental breakfasts featuring local ingredients and hot coffee.
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3 days of exciting riding, led by professional and experienced local guide.
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Small group size of 6-8 riders on this tour.
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Unique attractions and lunch stops each day.
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Parking during your tour.
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Tools, recovery vehicle and back-up bikes in case of mechanical difficulty.
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24 hour-per-day roadside.
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HIGHLIGHTS:
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3 days professional guidance through the remote areas of Northern Vermont, riding historic and discontinued roads over mud, rocks and unmaintained mountain passes. Tying it all together with beautiful country roads and classic New England scenery
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2 night stay at the historic Black Lantern Inn.
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Amazing food! The group will enjoy 4 delicious meals at the Black Lantern. Breakfast will be served each morning. While out riding each day we will stop for lunch as well as some local culinary delights. Return to a freshly prepared meal each evening.
TOUR GUIDE:
Spenser Peterson is head trail director for MotoVermont. He is certified in Wilderness First Aid and skilled in trailside mechanics. An expert navigator and rider, Spenser will lead the way on this adventurous ride.
LODGING:
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ITINERARY:
Day 1
Arrive Black Lantern Inn, unload.
A scenic start to the day leads us to several exciting and challenging trails. Lunch at a local snack bar known for fresh seafood and maple creemees. More adventure in the afternoon as we explore unmaintained historic roads. Our feet may get wet before returning to the lodge...
Dinner at the Black Lantern. Menu, TBD.
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Day 2
After a solid night's rest, we gear up for a good long day on the bikes. Scenic roads and a few old carriage paths bring us past beautiful Lake Willoughby, carved out by ancient glaciers. Heading north, we ride within 500 feet of the U.S./Canada border before stopping for lunch. After refueling our bodies, we head into the Silvio O. Conte wildlife refuge, a 7.2 Million acre conservation area where we will enjoy minimally maintained roads and a pristine New England wildlife habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, deer, bald eagles as we meander the empty and beautiful refuge. As we wind our way back toward the lodge in the afternoon, we pass through Willoughby State Forest via a winding, minimally-maintained mountain road built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's.
Back to the "Lantern" for an extra-special evening meal followed by a spooky evening stroll through the historic village.
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Day 3
An early start to a shorter, but challenging day. Day 3 gives us some more adventurous roads and trails where we can get some mud on our bikes and some notches in our belts. Leaving the Lantern, we head straight into the woods where we tackle some potentially wet terrain- big puddles and deep mud ruts will be the first challenges of the day. After a brief visit to President Chester A. Arthur's birth place - a small nondescript cabin on a quiet, rural road - we continue past sprawling farms and through several historic covered bridges. Some tougher trails before lunch- rocky climbs, small ledges and loose stones will present a challenge, though all are passable with a medium-large adventure bike... and maybe a helping hand from your guide. To finish out the day, we make an excursion into the dense woods following a shimmering brook to a hidden waterfall.
Return to the lodge, pack up gear, trade contact info, depart.
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DINING:
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Creative meals featuring locally sourced ingredients will be thoughtfully prepared by the chef at the Black Lantern Inn each morning and evening of our 2 night stay.
LODGING:
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A rough ride doesn’t have to mean a rough night’s sleep. Your stay at the historic Black Lantern Inn will be as comfortable as can be.
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The Historic Black Lantern Inn has been welcoming guests to Montgomery village since 1803. We chose the "Lantern" for it's delicious on-site restaurant and lounge, cozy rooms and perfect location, right in the middle of the best adventure riding in the state.
RIDER REQUIREMENTS (Please also review our Rules & Regs page)
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Motorcycle endorsement holder
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Rider should be in good health and able to endure several hours on bike each day
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Rider should possess basic off-road riding skills; rear brake usage, body positioning, foot peg weighting.
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Rider must wear full-face helmet, gloves, off-road-specific boots, Armored motorcycle-specific jacket and pants.
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Bike should be in good running and street-legal condition; registered, insured and thoroughly checked over.
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Bike should be equipped with good, off-pavement tires and engine case protection. Feel free to contact MotoVermont with bike-specific tire recommendations.