New England Endurance Podcast
Celebrating New England's thriving endurance sports culture.
Our mission is to passionately showcase and celebrate the vibrant endurance sports culture thriving in New England. Through engaging conversations, local endurance athletes (Art Trapotsis and Eric Schenker) embark on a journey to uncover the essence of the region's clubs, group rides, cherished routes, legendary races, and the devoted community of athletes who proudly call New England home.
From the exhilarating realms of road cycling to the rugged trails of mountain biking, from triathlons to ultramarathons, from open-water swimming to collegiate rowing, this podcast is a tribute to the challenges, victories, and compelling narratives that shape the endurance sports landscape in this distinctive part of the United States.
With a commitment to fostering connections, providing valuable insights, and igniting inspiration, we strive to unite, inform, and empower the New England endurance community.
New England Endurance Podcast
Inside the Velomont Project: Vermont Huts & Trails’ Vision for a 485-Mile Mountain Bike Network
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In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, host Art Trapotsis talks with RJ Thompson, Executive Director of Vermont Huts & Trails, about the Velomont Project — an ambitious effort to create a 485-mile, hut-supported trail network spanning the length of Vermont.
Designed to modern mountain bike standards and open to hikers, runners, and backcountry travelers, the Velomont aims to connect communities, fuel rural economies, and redefine outdoor recreation in the Green Mountain State.
Art and RJ discuss how the project began, how it’s funded, and the partnerships — from the Vermont Mountain Bike Association to the Green Mountain Club — making it all possible. They also dive into the Tunnel Ridge Trail in the Heart of the Greens loop, which some riders say rivals Black Bear at Kingdom Trails as one of the best trails in the world.
Whether you’re a rider dreaming of a multi-day backcountry adventure or someone passionate about community-driven recreation, this episode offers an inside look at the future of Vermont’s trail culture — and what it takes to build something that lasts generations.
Episode Takeaways
- The Velomont Project will connect 485 miles of trail across Vermont.
- A collaboration among multiple organizations and communities statewide.
- Funding combines grants, donations, and hut revenue.
- Community engagement is essential to gaining land access and support.
- Volunteers and local trail chapters keep the system thriving.
- The project aims to connect rural towns and boost local economies.
- Future plans include more huts, more trail miles, and better accessibility.
- The initiative embodies Vermont’s sustainable, community-based recreation ethic.
Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.
