Riding Okemo Valley
Yamaha V-Star 950 – that is the motorcycle my husband rides whenever he finds a few free minutes. I join him if we both have a little time to spare.
There are so many beautiful roads to ride. Vermont Route 100 of course comes right through Ludlow. Following Vermont Route 100 north you travel along the lakes of Ludlow and follow the Black River upstream. Enjoy the views of the valley and the mountains to your left and right. Taking Route 100 south brings you right up “Terrible Mountain” (it is to your left) – the road has up to a 16% incline leaving town, before falling off again towards Weston and the intersection with Vermont Route 155.
Vermont Route 103 is right in front of The Governor’s Inn. If you follow that route from Chester towards Ludlow you will come through Procotorsville Gulf, a nice and steep valley. Going north on Route 103 from The Governor’s Inn brings you toward Mount Holly and Rutland, on the northern side of Okemo Mountain. Route 131 is another scenic and winding road that brings you towards Ludlow – take it from exit eight of I 91. After the intersection with Route 106 it follows the Black River to Route 103 just south of Ludlow.
A “quick” round trip my husband and I love leads us to Woodstock, VT and back. We take Route 100 north towards Tyson and Plymouth. In Plymouth we turn right onto Route 100 A – up Plymouth Notch. Take a break at Calvin Coolidge Historic Site on your left and learn about how the 30th president grew up. He was sworn in as president right here by his father when President Harding died. After the tour of the homestead, buy some cheese at “Plymouth Cheese” right there. Back on the bike, continue to follow Route 100 A. At the intersection with US 4, take a right towards Woodstock. Yes, Long Trail Brewing Company is to the left on US 4 – if you want to buy some beer to enjoy later, do this before you continue your ride towards Woodstock.
Once in Woodstock park your bike at The Green and walk up and down Central Street (Route 4). Enjoy the stores, and if it is time for an early dinner, one of our favorites is Melaza Bistro.
Once back on the bike, from The Green follow Vermont Route 106 up and down the mountains and through farm land. You will see horses and if you are lucky a Zebra in front of its barn. In Feltchville, right behind Watroba’s General Store, take a right onto Tyson Road. Stay concentrated on Tyson Road – it has a lot of curves. It leads you back to Vermont 100 in Tyson north of Ludlow. Take a left and follow Route 100 to Route 103 and back to The Governor’s Inn – where you can enjoy the beer and cheese you bought on the trip.
Another road we love is Route 140. You get there taking Route 100 south out of town and take a right turn onto Route 155 after you crossed Terrible Mountain. Just a few hundred yards ahead on the left is the entrance to Weston Priory - maybe your first stop of the day. The priory offers public prayers on weekdays, a gift shop, and a labyrinth on their grounds. Follow Route 155 until it comes to the intersection with Route 140 and turn left. We like to follow Route 140, cross US 7, turn left when it joins Route 133 and stay on route 133. The loop continues when we join Route 30 south towards Manchester. Shop at the outlet stores, or enjoy dinner in one of the restaurants in Manchester. Staying on Route 30 and cross back under US 7. When Route 30 turns right just before the Bromley ski area, stay straight ahead on Route 11. In Londonderry turn left on Route 100. You come through Weston with the Vermont Country Store – if you did not have enough of shopping yet, stop here and browse what Vermont has to offer. When you are done, follow Route 100 until you get back into Ludlow, and turn right on Route 103 to get back to The Governor’s Inn.
Whether you decide to follow our tracks, or find your own roads around Ludlow – we are sure you will enjoy the roads and the scenery. Let us know in the evening which hidden gems you found! And whatever road you take – ride safely!
