Event Overview
The Vermont Overland, held in late August 2026 in West Windsor, VT, is widely considered one of the most 'authentic' gravel races in America. This isn't your typical flat dirt road race; it's a 50ish-mile journey through 'Class 4' roads—unmaintained, rugged, and often ancient pathways through the Vermont wilderness. The vibe is decidedly 'low-key but high-intensity,' focusing on the camaraderie of the gravel community and the raw challenge of the terrain. Expect a festival atmosphere at the finish line with local food, craft beer, and a lot of muddy smiles.
Course Details & Terrain
The course is famous for its 'pavé' sections—which in Vermont means rocky, muddy, and root-filled sectors that require high technical skill. Over approximately 50 miles, riders will encounter nearly 7,000 feet of climbing. These aren't long, Alpine-style climbs, but rather short, punchy 'walls' that often exceed 15% gradients.
The terrain is a mix of smooth gravel, grassy double-track, and the dreaded Class 4 sectors. If it has rained recently, these sections become technical mud-fests. Descending requires total focus, as the 'roads' can be washed out with deep ruts. The scenery is quintessential New England: covered bridges, dense forests, and rolling green pastures, but you'll likely be too busy picking your line to notice.
Who Should Enter? (Beginners vs. Experienced)
Beginners should be warned: this is a 'hard' 50 miles. If you are new to gravel, you should have a background in mountain biking or be very comfortable on technical terrain. However, the 'spirit' of the Overland is about finishing, not just winning. If you have a sense of adventure and don't mind walking your bike through a particularly nasty mud hole, you'll fit right in.
Experienced gravel racers will find the Overland to be a true test of their all-around ability. It rewards riders who can produce high torque on steep climbs and who possess the bike-handling skills to 'float' over loose rocks on the descents. It is a 'drivers' race where equipment choice—specifically tire width and pressure—can make or break your day.
Coach Raye's Race-Day Pro Tips
- Tire Tech: Do not skimp on volume. A 40mm–45mm tire with a robust sidewall is the sweet spot for the Overland. Run your pressure slightly lower than you would for 'champagne' gravel to help with traction on the loose, steep Class 4 climbs.
- Mind Your Gears: Ensure your bike is set up with a 1:1 or better gear ratio (e.g., 40t front, 42t or 44t rear). The climbs are short but incredibly steep; you'll want that 'granny gear' to stay seated and maintain rear-wheel traction.
- Save the Legs: It's tempting to hammer the first 10 miles of smoother gravel. Don't. The real race starts in the second half when the Class 4 sectors come thick and fast. Keep your heart rate under control early so you have the explosive power needed for the technical climbs later on.
How to Train for This Event
The Vermont Overland demands a specific type of fitness: the ability to recover from repeated, high-intensity anaerobic efforts. Coach Raye’s WhatsApp-based training plans are tailored for this exact profile. By analyzing your power and heart rate data, Raye builds a schedule that includes 'over-under' intervals and technical drills to ensure you have the strength to summit the Green Mountain walls and the focus to navigate the technical descents. Ready to tackle the Overland? Let Coach Raye build your path to Vermont.