The bikers are coming!  The bikers are coming! It’s not Paul Revere, it’s the Slate Valley Epic coming to Poultney on July 31st, 2021.

The Slate Valley Epic is basically a bicycle ride.  Actually, it’s a competition.  It’s a 40+ mile, over 5,000 feet vertical mountain bike race on Vermont’s newest and best single and double-track trails in Poultney, VT.

The race is limited to 150 participants, and when sign-ups opened it sold out in less than a day.  Riders will be on the trail from a few hours to all day, depending on their skill level.

But they won’t come alone.  They’ll bring their spouses, significant others, kids, relatives, friends – and may spend the weekend.

So get ready to welcome some new faces to Poultney – shopping at our businesses, eating at our restaurants, and looking for things to do.  Of course, area residents are welcome to come to Poultney, too.

Poultney businesses are offering discounts, special deals, free promotional items, open houses, and who knows what all?  The following are already participating, more to come:

• Williams Hardware
• Hermit Hill Books
• Original Vermont Store
• Brookside Pub
• Poultney Public Library
• Needful Things
• Taco Experiment
• East Poultney General Store
• Picket Fence Antiques
• Colburn’s Automotive
• Full Belly Deli

It’s a good weekend to spend in Poultney.  Stone Valley Arts has a display titled “Portrait Of A Community” from July 2 to August 29.  Pianist and vocalist James Brough will appear at the Front Porch Music Series at 6 PM Friday night.  Historical Society museums in East Poultney are open Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM.  For kids, check out    poultneyrecreation.com   to see what’s going on.

Then two weeks after the Epicr – on East Poultney Day, Saturday August 14th –  there will be runners on the trails instead of bike riders – so plan for that, too.  (We’ll get back to you with more about this later).

The Poultney Area Chamber of Commerce wants to welcome you to Poultney.  Below is a list of what businesses in the downtown and outlying areas are ready to do for you this weekend

Williams Hardware is holding a Bag Sale for the riders.  Bring your official Slate Valley Trails swag bag from Slate Valley Trails Epic Challenge to Williams True Value Hardware and get 25% off any non-sale item you can fit into it.

Hermit Hill Books has a special display of bicycle books, cards, and more.  Patti is also providing 20% off coupons to the riders.

The Original Vermont Store is holding a Christmas in July Sale.  The famous Poultney Fudge will be on sale, along with 15% in off the Christmas room.  They will also have table set up on the porch with a quick craft for kids to go along with the Christmas in July theme.

Brookside Pub, just over the river in Hampton, NY will provide business cards and coupons for a 10 percent discount for the rider swag bags.

The Poultney Public Library will have a special display out.  Their Stuffed Animal Sleepover is Friday night, but you have must registered your animal Friday in order to participate in the “Return of the Animals” celebration at 11 AM Saturday.

Taco Experiment has a special on tacos:

The East Poultney General Store will donate a 10 percent off coupon, to go in the riders’ bags.

Picket Fence Antiques in East Poultney will offer a 20% discount on July 31st, a really generous offer.

Colburns Automotive has donated business cards for the riders’ swag bags.  Dan works on all kinds of vehicles.

The Full Belly Deli will donate business cards and a coupon for a free pizza to the rider swag bags.

Needful Things Thrift Store will be holding a sale on July 31st.

At Taps Tavern, VMBA members will get one free appetizer with the purchase of another menu item.

Bentley House Bed and Breakfast is providing brochures for the riders’ bags, a 10 percent discount for anyone who books a room for the “EPIC Celebration” (you must mention Epic Celebration when you book). They will also hold an Open House from 2 PM to 4 PM on July 31st for anyone who wishes to tour the inn.

Green’s Sugarhouse will donate coupons for the swag bags, which can be used in person or online.

Northland Real Estate is donating brochures for the riders’ bags.

Keyser Energy is providing information for the swag bags.

Green Mountain Nugget AirBnB is providing items for the rider’s bags.

Durkee Insurance Agency (Farm Family Insurance) will donate items for the swag bags.

It’s a good weekend to spend in Poultney.  Pianist and vocalist James Brough will appear at the Front Porch Music Series at Stone Valley Arts at 6 PM Friday night, July 30th.

Stone Valley Arts also has a display titled “Portrait Of A Community” from July 2 to August 29.

Historical Society museums in East Poultney are open Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM, with hundreds of artifacts from their vast collection on display.  And you can always choose one of their guided historic walking, driving, biking tours in person, or visit their website for a virtual tour.

For kids, check out Poultney Recreation and this site to see what’s going on in Poultney.

This is the first year of the EPIC Celebration, but we expect to grow the event.  Remember to put it on your calendar for next year, too, whether you ride or not.  Good luck in the race!