March 2024 Organizational Update!

The NEK Gravel project began as an effort to highlight the world-class gravel riding found in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom as a means for both increasing public health and introducing folks to gravel, as well as increasing economic activity in one of the state's most rural areas. With over 1,000 miles of gravel roads, cyclists in the Kingdom are treated to breathtaking scenic vistas, endless rolling hills, charming village centers, and a stunning landscape that includes both shady forest lanes and wide-open views on roads passing the area's many working family farms. NEK Gravel began as an economic development project and was made possible through funding from a Municipal Planning Grant awarded by the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development and a Rural Business Development Grant through USDA Rural Development. Additional funding was provided by the towns of Burke and Concord, VT as well as the Northern Forest Center.

NEK Gravel Inc. was founded to continue spreading the love of NEK gravel roads to the world at large, but with an expanded focus on forming connections between and among various riders of various experience levels right here in the NEK. This grassroots initiative aims to share the thrill of gravel riding with riders of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, while also helping foster a deep connection to the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage. We endeavor to help foster a respectful cycling community in which riders engage with pedestrians, motorists, landowners, equestrians, snowmobilers, trail runners, OHRV users, and other outdoor user groups safely and respectfully.

Lastly, we are pleased to announce that we have joined the Vermont Mountain Bike Association as a "Community Builder" program. Please consider joining one of Vermont's many mountain bike chapters and naming us as an "add-on." Your membership will support our efforts to help grow the sport of gravel in a grass-roots, safe, and responsible manner.