The Puppy Dog Trail (PDT) that runs from CT to the Candian Border via MA and VT has been on my bucket list since I heard about it. So I thought an outing to try at least part of it was in order to "practice" for the Cromag event in September.
This would be the maiden run for the XR650L on dirt and with forecasts of 80+ and humid with chance of thuderstorms I was a little apprehensive about running knobbies
. The idea was to set off from Boston and get to Newfane by 4-4.30pm via the MA and southern VT section of the PDT. It was raining as we left (Sarah was in the car).
Having a break at the French King Bridge, Route 2, MA -the stock seat is not the most comfy and the stock tank has a range of 90 miles so frequent fill ups
.
Tree-lined dirt roads kept the temps cooler - the cooling mist ahead
It wouldnt be rural New England without a covered bridge
Middle of nowhere-ville
Finally reached our destination - a yurt just outside Newfane
very luxurious inside
lots of open spaces on the property (its also a working farm with pigs, sheep, chickens, goats etc)
Relieved to have made it!
and a rope swing to relax on
Time to cool off in a swimming hole just up the road from he farm
Dinner that night was in Williamsville at the old General Store
The homemade bread and meatballs with a local VT IPA
Local cheese
The next day I rediscovered a road I had shown me but in the opposite direction - Putney Mountain Road! Wow what a great road photos do not do it justice as mostly its twisty and turny with no where to stop for pics
and then finally it was time to turn East and head home via Keene, Rt 124 to Rt 119 and some backroads. Saw this on Rt 119
That about summed up the weekend. Vermont is great for dirt roads and looking forward to more in September when attempt the whole PDT.
cheers
Andy
