Community Campout with Porcupine Bikes in Rupert, VT

Community Campout at Merck Forest & Farmland Center: A Net-Zero Bikepacking Adventure

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 7th, and get ready to embark on a unique outdoor experience at the Merck Forest & Farmland Center. This Community Campout is not just any camping trip—it’s a net-zero bikepacking event that’s designed to bring people together while minimizing our carbon footprint.

For just $5, participants can join this public event, riding their bikes from home or from Porcupine Bikes in Poultney, VT, to the picturesque Merck Forest & Farmland Center. The campout will take place at The Glen, a serene spot accessible via Old Town Road from the visitor center. A map is linked in the bio for easy navigation.

The concept behind this campout is simple yet impactful: ditch the car, grab your bike, and enjoy a weekend immersed in nature. By encouraging participants to leave their vehicles at home and pedal their way to the event, the campout embodies the spirit of sustainability. If you’re too far from Merck Forest to cycle the whole way, consider carpooling or taking advantage of alternative transportation options, such as the new train service from Burlington to Castleton, before joining the group ride from Poultney to Rupert.

For those interested in riding together, a group will depart from Porcupine Bikes (144 Main Street, Poultney) at 1 PM. The exact route will be shared before the event, so keep an eye out for details.

New to bikepacking? Don’t worry! Whether you need advice on what to pack or want to borrow gear, Porcupine Bikes is ready to help. Just shoot them an email at [email protected], and they’ll do their best to get you set up.

Need assistance planning your route from home? The team at Porcupine Bikes is happy to help with that too. Simply reach out, and they’ll provide guidance to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable journey.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and like-minded individuals in a beautiful setting. Bring something special to share with the group—a story, a snack, or whatever you feel inspired to contribute.

Ready to join? RSVP by emailing [email protected]. Let’s make this campout a memorable one, and do our part for the planet along the way.