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The Climb to the Castle is right around the corner, and the fall of hard training is upon us. The Masters squad made a return-trip to Road 101, our uphill training proving ground, to test their hard work on Sunday! With a cloudy and ominous sky, chilly temps and a brisk wind, it certainly felt like one of the first true “fall” workouts of the year. Up at the higher elevations in Smuggler’s Notch the leaves were even beginning to change their color.

Let the warmup begin! Scenic farms and mountain views abound

The MNC van was put into service, both as a transport vehicle from the Park and Ride in Richmond and as a shuttle vehicle for trips back down the hill…this is a steep climb that you do not want to ski down! Everyone got in 3 trips up the hill, with each interval measured out to about 2.3 miles of climbing. Amid that climbing was a mid of flatter and gradual terrain, followed by two steep switchbacks at the very end. Perfect for getting in a mix of different techniques. We of course brought along the camera to capture some video!

There is also a collection of photos to be found under our Flickr page within the MNC Masters Summer album!

Name the location or activity and MNC masters were out in force this past week.   With Thursday roller ski sessions in Williston and Richmond our athletes have been getting great video technique and training in advance of the coming season.

While climbing mountains by foot might be the original way to do it, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways. There happens to be some beautiful pavement on Wes White hill just outside of Richmond…of course that means you need to rollerski up it! Here is a photo and some cool bike-side footage captured by Liam.

Now that looks like some freshly-groomed pavement right there!

Over the weekend, many of our Masters formed their own groups for a variety of fun and challenging activities.

The self guided and motivated Women on Wheels (#wow) took to the roads in North Ferrisburgh for a sweet roll.   Even with a misplaced poll plant and some reported road rash, these ladies were undeterred.   I am sure Coach Andy is quite proud of how this group has progressed.

Also, on Saturday a small but intrepid crew took to the Hills again engaging in what Coach Liam likes to call Type 2 fun (aka #onyx workouts).  Starting early, the group departed from the Round Church from Richmond for a ride to the Monroe Trail head.  After a quick gear change, the group then hiked up to the top of Camel’s Hump for a snack and a well deserved down hill hike and bike back to the Richmond.   The group was rewarded with a stop at Stone Corral afterwards.

Not to be out done, another MNC crew assaulted the Bolton access road in the heat of the day.   With new pavement on the road and an iron will, Steve and Mike G. triumphantly skate rolled the 4 mile climb as they prep themselves for the Climb to the Castle.

With still plenty of weekend left, the Sunday Cycling Group (#sunday-cycling) had a wonderful gravel ride tour of Shelburne / Charlotte (route courtesy of Chris Trapini). From mountain to lake views and connector trail that goes through a tunnel under Rt. 7, this route was a definite crowd pleaser.

If any of this looks like fun, fell free jump in by watching our training doc or signing-up for the new Mansfield Nordic Slack app to find out what is going on this week.

It is not only the Juniors out an about the hills and roads of Vermont.  Buoyed with recently learned roller ski skills MNC’s own Women On Wheels took matters in their own hands and were burning up the roads of North Ferrisburg this past weekend.

Sunday, many other Masters toured the gravels roads of Hinesburg and Charlotte, the group split into two groups one looping back after 20 miles, the other tackling the climb on Momkton reduce before heading back.

There is still plenty if time to join in. So check out our summer summer training doc and sign up for Slack to get last minute notices.