Williston, Essex, Westford, Fairfax, Underhill, Jericho
At 44 miles and 3,400 feet of elevation gain, this is a serious ride. But is also a ride that snagged us six towns. Not many rides do that, so well worth the extra effort.
We started this ride parking at the railtrail parking lot, across from the church, on North Williston Road. Ironically, this route never goes on the rail trail. It is a good place to park for it, though.
We headed out of Williston on toward North Williston, and crossed the Winooski River. After some level riding, and then a short downhill, this route climbs gradually, on both dirt and paved roads, for over 10 miles. There is one very steep downhill into Westford, so be careful.
You cruise along the winding Lamoille River for several miles before turning right onto the Allen Irish Hill road and climbing 500 feet in elevation into Underhill. These are really nice rural and residential neighborhoods.
It was along this section that I finally saw my first 251 mailbox, which I had been looking for ever since we began this challenge.
