Race Highlight - The Ranger
Event Name: The Ranger
Location: Tunbridge, VT
Event Website: therangervt.com/
2023 Dates: June 11, 2023
Race Distances:
Junior Ranger (free) 5 miles
18 miles,
18 miles no-drop women/gender diverse,
42 miles,
62 miles.
About the course:
The Ranger is known as Vermont’s Gravel Enduro, meaning this is a race within a ride. If someone is focused on racing, then they are focused on going as fast as they can during several predetermined segments of the course. These segments are identified by signage and notifications on a mapping device (phone app or bike computer). The time it takes in between segments is irrelevant to the overall outcomes. Hence, a race within a ride.
All of the courses start with a beautiful and iconic roll through a field, covered bridge, and dirt road. All courses then head up a stout climb. From there the riders are primarily on packed dirt roads with a small amount of pavement.
There are several Class 4 sections. In Vermont terms that means an “unmaintained dirt road”. Like much of the riding in Vermont, the route is punchy. There are a handful of tough climbs which are rewarded with fun descents and magnificent views. This ride is not flat. We have aid stations and on-course support.
Registration details:
Typically opens in February - check the website or follow on social for more information
Information for beginners:
This event is good for beginners who are looking to dip their toes into bigger rides with a little bit of a race vibe and anticipation, but without the pressure of a strict start and end time goal. The 18 miler (no drop and drop ride) are a great place to put your climbing, fitness and group riding skills to the test. We have aid stations and on-course support so as all riders feel supported. This event is great for kids as we offer a free Junior Ranger 5 miler complete with ride leaders and adults encouraged to ride with their children.
Ways this race promotes inclusivity:
We have an 18-mile femme/trans/women ride. It follows the same course as the 18-mile route. Our goal is to create a safe space for women, non-binary, and trans (masc and femme) riders to participate. We also welcome cis male allies to join!
We may have other initiatives for 2023 but nothing formal yet that we are willing to announce, but our ears and eyes are open. We try hard to be a low-waste event, encouraging participants to "BYOE" Bring Your Own Everything you will need food + drink consumption. In the meantime, it's important for our riders to understand the purpose of The Ranger.
Our motto at The Ranger is "Ride With Purpose" and our founding purpose sought to promote sustainable and vibrant community development through land conservation and providing outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations. We focus our charitable giving on three specific values: stewardship for rural and agricultural land; access to outdoor recreation; and sustaining small communities. In 2022 we were able to identify urgent and long-term needs within the region of Tunbridge, Sharon, Strafford, and Royalton and we donated over $10,000 to areas that align with our charitable giving values.
Weekend activities
We offer 2 nights of camping at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds (shared water, electric, and toilets) in a field setting.
Our ride is on Sunday, but we have a community day on Saturday, which has free offerings for riders, their friends + family, and anyone from the community who wants to attend. In 2022 on Saturday we offered a 5K run/walk as a fundraiser and a concert in the evening along with food sales from a local vendor. We also had group rides of various lengths and abilities as well as a bike maintenance clinic.
On the morning of the ride, we offered breakfast. Following the ride, we had a “Party in the Pasture” with local food, beer, music, and a silent auction and continuation of our expo. We will likely have similar offerings in 2023.
Travel:
We are located in Tunbridge, VT, which is central Vermont. It’s a rural setting and a car is best. If you plan to camp, once you’re at the Fairgrounds, there is no need to leave as there is plenty of food and drink available. White River Junction is the closest hub of hotels and amenities, but Tunbridge and the surrounding towns of plenty of offerings through small inns and Air BNB’s. Burlington, VT and Manchester, NH are the closest airport.
Accommodations:
If you don’t want to camp check out options in the following towns: Tunbridge, VT. Surrounding towns with offerings are: Sharon, Royalton, Stratford, Chelsea
Beyond the Race
Tunbridge, VT is home to the Tunbridge World’s Fair which celebrated its 150th anniversary in Sept 2022. The Ranger expo, camping, and start/finish lines are located at the fairgrounds of this world-renowned event. The fair includes demonstrations of farming and agricultural traditions and culture, working antique displays, horse and ox pulling, horse racing, Calle and horse shoes, floral and 4-H exhibits…the list goes on.
Contact info:
Slide into their DM’s: https://www.instagram.com/therangervt/