Rasputitsa Dirt 2024

Rasputitsa is an iconic Northeast spring classic in all the best ways: ridiculous route, unpredictable weather, and conditions that might be amazing but just as easily might bring you to your knees. Originally hosted at Jay Peak, the event moved to Burke Mountain for several years and experienced tremendous growth as gravel took off and riders kept looking for events that were ever more bonkers. Their signature Cyberia section has humbled many a rider, with either deep snow or mud depending on how the spring thaw is going. Photos and hype reels from past events show a party atmosphere and plenty of party-pace riders enjoying post-ride fire pits, a beverage, and some hot food.

A friend did Rasputitsa a few years back and reported it was an incredibly challenging route, especially Cyberia, but was fun overall. Good vibes, good times.

With 2024 seeing the 10th anniversary of the event and a return to Jay Peak, I finally decided to register and test my legs against Vermont Gravel in mud season. A few friends also registered so I was looking forward to a great day on the bike.

Unfortunately, I’ve been dealing with some severe anxiety issues rooted in unprocessed grief and stress that blossomed into physical manifestations. My biggest concern going into the day was if I would feel well enough to eat enough food to support the effort this ride would require.

The morning of the ride, Karen and I sat in the living room of the cottage we rented and stared at the snow falling outside. This day could go any way weather-wise; we prayed the sun would make an appearance and we would finish before the rain was expected in the afternoon.

Let’s start with the positive

Rasputitsa’s route did not disappoint. At 55 miles and nearly 6,000′ of climbing, it’s already one of the longer spring gravel rides in late April. I definitely spent my winter consistently on the trainer and riding outside on the rare weekend it didn’t rain (thanks, global warming) to ensure the ride wasn’t a death march – and that work paid off. The bulk of the ride was on the rolling hills of the Northeast Kingdom, with fully half of the climbing in the last 6 or 7 miles.

Was there mud? Of Course! Right off the start, we were sent onto a thawed XC ski trail that quickly devolved into ankle-deep, greasy, smelly mud. A few people tried to ride and discovered random deep pits of sludge. Lots of hike a bike here. The next section of mud was on the logging road – the south side was rideable but the north side was back to the thick, greasy mud and more hike a bike. The final section was in the last 2 miles, back onto the XC ski trails.

The dirt roads that comprised most of the route were in spectacular shape and offered up the best Vermont farmland and gorges. It’s always a pleasure to ride bikes in Vermont – especially when the hills are there but not super steep, long, or brutal.

The rest stops had friendly volunteers. Every intersection had law enforcement and/or volunteer to help riders through intersections by stopping traffic as needed – which was refreshingly nice. Even backroad turns had a volunteer with a cowbell yelling encouragement.

Quite possibly, my absolute favorite part of the ride was the 4-mile climb up a logging road. A mile or so into the climb featured an unexpected aid station and the Grounded Nebraska hype squad. We paused to take a swig of a Coke, eat some fruit Newtons, chat with the homeowner, and pet his adorable, wiggly dogs before continuing up the mountain.

… and now the not so great

If I’m being super honest, I didn’t get the party vibe. I didn’t get the inclusive vibe. The event felt like a hollow husk of what Rasputitsa is known for.

When we showed up to get our bike plates and drop off non-perishable goods for a community donation, it wasn’t acknowledged; we put our stuff down on the table while the volunteers chatted behind the table. We got checked in very quickly, but no further information given about where the expo booths were located.

The rest stop fare selection was meager – water, maple syrup, and potato chips. No port-o-potties. I didn’t see any EMS or SAG. For $160 registration fee, I expected more options – even if I was in the last quarter of the riders out on course.

(I was not feeling well due to aforementioned stress-induced GI issues; I almost didn’t ride but decided I could always make a decision at the first rest stop. When I asked a volunteer if there was a way to get back to the start, the only vehicle designated as a potential option was at the next aid station with no plan to come back to the first aid station. I decided to keep riding and hope I didn’t feel worse.)

The thick mud at the start was like “of course. rasputitsa; impassable mud season. I get it” – the thick mud at the end of the ride felt casually unnecessary. Believe me, I really enjoy challenging conditions and perk up when the road tilts skyward. I didn’t love dragging my bike through the thick mud while trying to keep my shoes on my feet when I’m within 2 miles of the finish.

Someone might say that is part of the charm; I won’t die on this hill. Perhaps another day I would have loved it.

When we finally rolled over the finish line, no one was cheering; a handful of volunteers were standing around talking to each other. We wanted to rinse off our bikes, but the line was long and our sweat was starting to freeze so we rode back to our accommodations for a hot shower and then getting dinner.

In Closing

Did we accomplish something significant? Yes.

Is this the hardest thing I’ve ever done? No.

Would I recommend Rasputitsa to a friend? MAYBE.

I get the sense that Rasputitsa used to be a wild party good time; this year felt like the exact opposite. The price is high and I didn’t feel like I got my money’s worth.

We didn’t participate in the shakeout ride (I had a 6 hour drive to get to Jay); we skipped the concerts in favor of hanging out and talking; we skipped the Day After day at the waterpark; we didn’t go watch the film. So it’s not like there weren’t things to do; I just don’t think those make the ride experience.

Maybe I was spoiled attending Mid South last year and being absolutely blown away by how real the hype is. Maybe I missed Rasputitsa’s heyday, like seeing the Misfits when it’s really only one guy from the original band. Did I really see the Misfits?

Although the Grounded Nebraska team was a true highlight and genuinely the best. Their event was on my radar after Mid South last year; now I plan to attend in the next year.

I wanted to have a great time. Likely dealing with GI issues for 40 miles influenced some of this; fortunately, I was feeling much better by the time the hills started in earnest, which was a relief. I ended the ride on a high note.

I’m super conflicted. It cost a lot of money and time to attend this event and I’m not sure I got what I came for: a great day on the bike in a raucous party atmosphere.

I’ve got another event next weekend so hoping to end my three-week run of spring classics on a high note.

See you out there!