Bruce's story: Muddy Onion

BaseCamp athlete Bruce Bunn shared his experience at the 2026 Muddy Onion bike race in Vermont.

After a long indoor season with a "long plan" BaseCamp schedule, I took on the challenge of the Muddy Onion gravel grinder out of Montpelier, Vermont, yesterday. This is an early season event that kicks off the riding season in a big way. Notorious for its scheduling during the infamous mud season in these parts, this year was an exception. With blue skies and pastoral Vermont rural scenery, it was hard not to sit up and soak in the beauty of the Vermont countryside on firm, dry roads. Hardwood forests mixed with pine and spruce-lined ponds were on tap. Old farms and old New England homes lined the dirt roads.

Climbing was the order of the day. Immediately as you left the city of Montpelier, you ascended long climbs to reach the highlands to the north of town. On the course there were a handful of grueling climbs longer than a mile with mixed grades and punishing sections where the back wheel would slip if you tried to stand and mash. Punchy steeps lay around the bend of most any road. There were some sections with well-marked frost heave, but for the most part, descents and flat riding were a joy!

The event was well supported with well-marked route, pre-ride GPS download, and great food. There was a great group of vendors at the finish. People were friendly and engaging.