Canadian bicyclists make way to safety

At some point, the group got separated, and two of the adults and all the youths made it back to the starting point. However, after waiting for the Taits for 60 to 90 minutes, and unable to raise them by cellphone, the group called Vermont State Police at about 8 p.m.

It was getting dark, the Taits had no lights with them, and they were not fully familiar with the trail. So, the Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team, Waterbury Back Country Rescue Team and Waterbury Fire Department began a search, working along the trail from either end, both on foot and with all-terrain vehicles.

Shortly after the search began, state police learned the Taits were at the Billings Mobil gas station on Route 100 in Waterbury, just off Interstate 89.

The Taits told police that, although it was dark, they were able to use their mountain bikes as "guides" to keep them heading downhill, and walked toward the sound of the interstate, which they could hear. After several hours, they emerged from the woods on I-89 and walked to Exit 10, ending up at the Mobil station, which happened to be across from the Best Western Plus hotel where they were staying.

The Taits were tired but not injured in any way, and were safely reunited with their group.