Rider profile: Ross Scatchard

• Age 34, lives in Stowe.

• Occupation: Employee at Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm, Nordic Center at Edson Hill, and Stowe Youth Cycling head coach.

• Years riding a mountain bike: 22.

• Favorite trail(s) to ride: It’s so hard to pick a favorite trail. I love riding new trails with friends and exploring the landscapes Vermont has to offer. If I had to describe a favorite type of trail, I would call it an old-school flow trail. Some good examples are Lauren’s Loop and Callagy’s Trail. 

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Why those trails?

Lauren’s Loop has been around for quite a while and I remember as a young teen practicing different technical sections of the trail and loving the challenge of finding a flowy line over the rocks and roots. 

What do you see and feel as you’re on that ride?

On a good ride, you get to see and feel a bit of everything. Different forest types, wildlife, changing seasons, tired legs, adrenalin, fresh air, and a happy body and mind.

On a nice, sunny day, there is also a spot near the top of Lauren’s where you can get the best pine needle aromatherapy. 

What would you tell other riders about why those trails are special?

These trails are on conserved land or town land and we are very fortunate in Stowe with the amount of outdoor recreation we can enjoy. Knowing that these areas of forest are protected for everyone to enjoy is a great benefit of living here. I am very appreciative of the public access and conservation work the town and local nonprofits have achieved. 

In talking with other riders, where do you tell them they can get the most from their sport: 

• Novices: As far as places to ride — Trapps (Greenway Loop, Stepping Stone, Chuck’s Corkscrew) and Cady Hill (Charlie’s, Cady Hill Connector, Upper Florence, Bears).
• Intermediates: Cady Hill, Trapps, Adams Camp.
• Advanced: Riding to the Cabin at Trapps and making a loop of Adams Camp trails and back down Growler and Tapline is a good challenge. If riders are looking for something with more elevation, I suggest Perry Hill in Waterbury. 

Another place where riders of all abilities can see a benefit and improvement is through a lesson or coaching. There are several great offerings in the Stowe area and a couple of hours can go a long way to increase confidence and fun on the trails.

Why do you love mountain biking?

I love mountain biking because it gives you a fast, floating feeling on the trails that is just so darn fun. When everything clicks between rider, bike and trail, that feeling is hard to beat.