The Green Mountain Stage Race carves its path through Arlington, Vermont, testing cyclists with four challenging days of terrain that refuses to be tamed. The race covers approximately 150 miles of mixed roads—paved, gravel, and dirt—with total elevation gain near 12,000 feet. Riders encounter tight mountain climbs, rolling valleys, and sharp descents, all framed by Vermont’s dense forests and open ridgelines that seem to shift and breathe alongside you.

From the start, the Green Mountains assert themselves as more than just a backdrop; these hills dare you to meet their pace. Day One breaks the rhythm with a steep ascent up Bear Mountain Road, where the dense foliage presses close, leaves whispering in the wind as you push upward. The air here is cool, carrying the scents of pine and earth, while the road’s uneven patches demand steady hands and keen focus.

Each stage holds its own personality. Day Two’s gravel sections test endurance and bike handling, dust kicking up beneath tires that challenge the terrain’s unpredictability. By mid-race, the terrain can feel fiercely itself—gravel giving way to rhythm-killing pavement cracks, sudden climbs framed against sweeping views of the Taconic Range. Cycling season here can shift in moments, and so does the race. Early mornings reveal mist clinging stubbornly to ridges, while afternoon sun pushes the forest floor to glow with warmth.

Preparation here is key. Hydration must match the effort, with aid stations spaced to help riders recover quickly but also encourage carrying enough water and nutrition. Footwear requires balance—clipless pedals supported by shoes that confidently grip and offer solid protection on loose surfaces.

The Green Mountain Stage Race doesn’t seduce—it challenges. It demands respect for the Vermont hills that rise and fall beneath you, for the river currents alongside that nearly echo your momentum. Riders finish not just with results, but with an understanding of the race’s fierce heart—a competition where nature shapes every mile.

If you’re planning on tackling this race or simply exploring the course on your own, timing your ride early in the day helps avoid the strongest sun and keeps you cooler. Layer clothes to adjust to sudden shifts in temperature. And above all, expect the unexpected: this event is a dance with Vermont’s outdoors, alive and relentless, waiting for those ready to engage fully.