VERMONT 2026

May 26th Through May 31st, 2026

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​​​​Do you dream about long smooth winding ribbons of pavement?  Roads with broad sweeping turns in undulating countryside which pass through sleepy towns?  Routes that take you from warm sunlight to cool forest shadows?  Mountain passes with twists and turns that challenge both you and your machine?  Then VERMONT 2026 is for you!

 

The journey begins on Tuesday morning as you leave behind everyday pressures and wander towards the New England countryside.  Vermont's Green Mountains will crowd the horizon as you travel roads whose characteristics are dictated by the terrain which they permit you to visit.  Your destination is the Short Hills Ski Club's Lodge nestled in a quiet agricultural valley along Vermont's famous Route 100.  Take a few moments to preview your destination by flipping through the pictures in the Gallery tab of this website (click here).

 

Once you have arrived at the Lodge, your bike will peacefully tick and cool in the chill of evening shadows as you sit beside a crackling fireplace (yes, it will probably still be that cool at night) making new friends, exchanging stories, and contemplating the days and the curves ahead.

 

Can't get away until Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?  No problem.  Just rendezvous with us at the Lodge any of those days when you can!

 

All meals will be prepared at the Lodge by the Club's chef beginning with dinner on Friday evening.  Saturday morning you will awaken to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a hearty breakfast. That will be followed by another dinner on Saturday evening and then another satisfying breakfast on Sunday morning. 

 

Your days will be tailored to the designs and whims of you and your companions.  The region is saturated with roads representing brilliant examples of civil engineering.  Any of them will usher you into the glens, forests, and hamlets that exemplify the essence of Vermont and New England.  You could make a run for the Canadian border, wander over into the White Mountains of New Hampshire and climb Mount Washington with your bike (the highest peak in the Northeastern United States), traverse numerous local mountain passes, or chase a friend's taillight on twisting valley roads.

 

You will not be distracted by the thought of stopping for lunch until your bike is well into its second tank of fuel.  The only specific items on the agenda are Friday and Saturday evening dinners at the Lodge where we can all share the day's experiences as well as Saturday and Sunday breakfasts where you can plan the day ahead.

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BMW Demo Rides!!!  Once again, Lester and his son Kamran, avid motorcyclists, lifelong residents of Vermont, and the proprietors of Frank's Motorcycles in Essex Junction, Vermont, are happy to provide BMW demo rides, so be sure to bring your wallet and the title to your current bike. Click here to visit their online showroom and see what is currently available.

 

Arrangements for this event are relaxed and informal.  Although trip sheets suggesting various local routes will be available at the Lodge, individuals will be responsible for choosing their traveling companions, selecting the routes to be traveled, and making their own road condition and weather-related decisions. 

 

Flying solo?  No problem!!!  I will be happy to place solo riders in touch with other participants in advance of the event for companionship on the journey to and from Vermont.  Obviously, it is up to each individual rider to travel at his or her own pace in a safe, responsible manner.

 

The Short Hills Ski Club's Lodge is located on an old dairy farm in central Vermont.  It sleeps forty-six people in bunk-bed style accommodations primarily in two and four person rooms.  Sleeping quarters are simple and you must pack some essentials!!!  See the "Frequently Asked Questions" section below.  There are four generously sized bathrooms with an abundance of hot water and a large living room with the requisite fireplace.  As a member of the Club, I have reserved the Lodge for the weekend and will be your host.  The Lodge has rustic charm and there is always a tremendous supply of firewood.  Again, if you have not already done so, take a few moments to preview your destination flipping through the pictures in the Gallery tab of this website (click here).

 

The cost of this escape is $295 per person (plus a $25 late fee after May 15th), which includes Friday evening dinner, Friday night lodging, Saturday morning breakfast, Saturday evening dinner, tons of Saturday evening door prizes (including two free passes to VERMONT 2027), Saturday night lodging, and Sunday morning breakfast.  The rate for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night lodging (without food) is $45 per person, per night.  Rates are slightly higher if you want a room with a jacuzzi and an ocean view.

 

Space is limited so registration is strictly on a first-paid basis.  If you have any questions or would like to register for VERMONT 2026, contact me at WanderlustRidersNJ@gmail.com.  (Be sure to include the "NJ".)

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See you in Vermont!

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Fred Larcombe

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?  Bring along two sheets (or a sleeping bag), a pillowcase, a washcloth, a towel, and personal toiletries.  The Lodge is adequately supplied with blankets and smelly pillows.  Be sure to pack the patch cord for your smartphone and/or your favorite CDs.  (The latter may also be used with your motorcycle's side stand in the parking lot.)  The Lodge has the requisite fireplace, comfortable couches, and even a refrigerator in the living room to keep your beer ice cold and within easy reach.

 

HOW WILL ROOMS BE ASSIGNED?  Couples will be given preference for the two-person rooms on a “first-paid" basis.  The remainder of the rooms will be assigned based upon the information you provide on the reservation form, how much you admit that you snore, or rumors regarding how much noise you and your significant other make together at night.

 

IF THE LODGE IS FULL, CAN I STAY AT A NEARBY INN AND STILL PARTICIPATE IN THE MEALS AT THE LODGE?  In a word, no.  Our cook and kitchen facilities are only equipped to prepare meals for the capacity of the Lodge.  However, there are charming lodgings and pleasant meals to be found just a few miles south on Route 100 in in the town of Rochester and the surrounding region (use your internet talents), but at a significantly higher price points.  So mail your check early.

 

IS THERE A RAIN DATE?  Fuhgeddaboudit.

 

IS THERE CELL PHONE AND INTERNET CONNECTIVITY AT THE LODGE?  Yes.  

 

WHAT TIME CAN I ARRIVE ON TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, OR FRIDAY?  You can arrive anytime beginning on Tuesday around mid-afternoon.  The Lodge will remain unlocked throughout the balance of the week.  Once you get there, find the kitchen, check in by signing the liability waiver which you will find taped to the counter, look up your room number, and "Bob's your uncle".  (Google it if you are not familiar with that British idiom.)

 

ARE THERE RESTAURANTS NEARBY?  Yes, many!  Such information will be available at the Lodge.

 

WHAT ABOUT A REFUND IF MY PLANS CHANGE?  Checks will be deposited on May 1st there are no refunds after May 15th.  Please understand that this event requires substantial advance planning, commitments with the Chef, the purchase of food and door prizes, and other cash disbursements in advance of the event to ensure your pleasure.  However, you are not entirely out of luck if circumstances prevent you from attending at the last minute.  You may send a friend to take your place who tells better jokes or is more pleasant in demeanor than you.

 

WHAT DO THE MEALS AT THE LODGE CONSIST OF?  Breakfast typically includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, freshly baked muffins, juice, coffee, tea, and an array of fresh fruit.  French toast, pancakes, a cheese strata, eggs benedict, or some other surprises will be included depending upon the whims of our Chef.  Dinner always includes a fresh garden salad, a main course accompanied by potatoes and vegetables, and a homemade dessert.  The main course could be something such as roast turkey with all the trimmings, prime rib of beef, homemade lasagna, stuffed pork roast, or anything else that fits into the ovens.  The Granville Moose will act as our sommelier and will help you with your selection of the appropriate wine.

 

HOW DO I SIGN UP?  Contact Fred Larcombe at WanderlustRidersNJ@gmail.com (Be sure to include the "NJ".)