We are just a 5 days away from the Bennington Area Trail System (BATS) 2nd Annual Trail Mix. We consider this a community event and way to meet other like-minded folks, as you get to know the trails out our backdoor. Come learn what your local non-profit trail managing organization, BATS, is all about!
UPDATED 5/4: Join us at the Bennington Area Trail System’s on Saturday, May 6th at Southern Vermont College’s Everett Mansion. Come check out what your local non-profit trails group, BATS is all about, join our effort, and learn about some of our trail plans for the season!
Meet us at the Everett Mansion and the Upper Lot at SVC for all activities!
The event is free to the public! There will be lots going on and something for everyone! RSVP STRONGLY ENCOURAGED, but not required.
Rain or Shine! Some activities can be moved indoors if rain, and as always, dress for the weather and activity you choose to participate in.
Updates will be posted on the Trail Mix event page and on our website! 2nd Annual Trail Mix Flyer Legal Size
SCHEDULE (12pm-6pm)
Ongoing MTB Group Rides- Rides going off all day for adults and kids dependent on number of people
Ongoing Kids Bike Rodeo Safety Clinic with local law enforcement (maybe possible Strider bike demos and loaner bikes for kids, but bring a bike if you have one! If your child does not have a helmet, we will have some available)
Ongoing Gear Demos– Thanks to Highlander Cycle, Berkshire Outfitters, Orgin8 Bikes, Nature’s Closet and Salomon Footwear
Ongoing Amazing Raffle, and Food Truck (burgers, dogs, taco truck, and non-alcoholic beverages, and special brews from The Alchemist and Madison’s Brewing while supplies last. Special edition Pint Glasses available pre-sale $8 and day of $10- must be over 21, or we can get you some lemonade!
Time TBD Trail Work/ Green Up Day– Either while on a walk, or in a separate event (To be announced) we will have a small trail maintenance project, or garlic mustard pull, or grab a Green Up Bag and bring your gloves and help pick up some trash along the SVMC and BATS Trails
1:00 PM Trail Run/Walk with SVC Cross Country team members
1:00 PM Women’s Mountain Bike Ride with BATS Board of Directors member, Silvia Cassano and Mary Hannah Parkman of BFF Adventures
2:00 PM Family Fun Walk Meet at SVC and then carpool down the hill to the Southwestern VT Medical Center Trails- Led by BATS member, Amanda Monks and a SVC Cross Country Team member. It’s an easy trail, but no strollers, just backpacks and carriers, as the surface is natural. Plan for up to 1.5 hours max.
2:30PM Momma Walk on the BATS Trails/Carriage Rd with BATS Member Mom’s with their kiddos
3:00 PM Trail Run with local Olympian Andy Newell
4:00 PM Social Hour(s) Begin at Everett Mansion
4:00 PM Brad DeBoer of BATS, Speaker, Mansion Theatre
4:10 PM Andy Newell- Guest Speaker, Mansion Theatre
Note: Everything meets at SVC’s Everett Mansion walkway (there will be a sign) and upper parking lot and patio area unless otherwise noted.
-Pace is determined by the leader, but all participants will be able to choose their own adventure/pace and communicate that to the leaders. Participation is at your own risk as outdoor activities can have hazards, be prepared and only do what you know you can handle. If riding bikes on trails, you MUST have a HELMET!
There will be a local member of law enforcement available to lead a bicycle safety clinic for kids. Some affordable helmets will be available/free. Bring a bike, but we may have a few for loan. There will be bike and running shoe demos from Berkshire Outfitters, and Nature’s Closet. Highlander Cycle will be on hand. Raffles with prizes from regional businesses.
Burgers, dogs, tacos and more will be available from the SVC Food Truck! Bring money.
Limited quantity (see our pre-sale) of legendary Alchemist Brewing beer, and the new, delicious Downtown IPA from Madison’s Brewing. Spirits of Old Bennington will have free tastings.
Bring your sense of community and adventure, the appropriate outdoor attire/gear (or demo some), and get out on the trails, or join us for camaraderie and some eats around 3:30 or 4pm on the patio of the Everett Mansion.