Pinkbike Primer: The EWS Heads to Burke, Vermont for the First Time

Aug 11, 2022
by Ed Spratt  
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After being cancelled and pushed back multiple times, the EWS finally arrives in Burke, Vermont for the first of two back-to-back US rounds. Here is everything you need to know before racing kicks off on Saturday.


The Venue



Burke, Vermont sits on the North-East coast of the USA and for its debut, EWS riders will face a full-on weekend of stages. The venue has hosted national races in the past but this week sees the chance for international riders to sample the flat out trails.


The Schedule


Round five of the 2022 EWS sees the season continue with riders facing the Pro Stage on Saturday before a full-on day of stages on Sunday.

Thursday, August 11

10:00-12:00 // Shakedown

Friday, August 12

09:30-17:30 // EWS Training

Saturday, August 13

09:30-11:30 // EWS Pro Stage Training
12:00-14:45 // EWS Pro Stage

Sunday, August 14

09:00-16:45 // EWS Race


The Stages


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Stage 1 (Pro Stage): 2.7km / 458.7m descent

Stage 2: 2.74km / 224m descent

Stage 3: 1.61km / 224m descent

Stage 4: 1.58km / 201.8m descent

Stage 5 (Queen Stage): 5.21km / 571.5m descent

Stage 6: 2.7km / 458.7m descent



The Weather


Another weekend of racing and another great forecast. Just like in Whistler last week, riders are set for warm weather and dry trails.

Friday, August 12

Pleasant with periods of clouds and sun // 21°C // 4% probability of precipitation // wind 11km/h

Saturday, August 13

Some sun, then turning cloudy; a beautiful start to the weekend // 22°C // 8% probability of precipitation // wind 11km/h

Sunday, August 14

Periods of sun and clouds // 23°C // 11% probability of precipitation // wind 7km/h

Weather forecast for Burke as of Thursday, August 11 from Accuweather.


What Happened at the Last Round?



Elite Women

1st. Harriet Harnden: 49:33.060
2nd. Morgane Charre: 49:37.500
3rd. Flo Espiñeira: 49:44.630
4th. Isabeau Courdurier: 49:54.710
5th. Andreane Lanthier Nadeau: 49:58.200
Elite Men

1st. Jesse Melamed: 41:14.340
2nd. Jack Moir: 41:30.370
3rd. Remi Gauvin: 42:06.720
4th. Matt Walker: 42:09.560
5th. Ed Masters: 42:09.610

U21 Women

1st. Paz Gallo Fuentes: 54:53.670
2nd. Ainsley Haggart: 55:42.540
3rd. Lauren Bingham: 56:13.680
4th. Erin Bixler: 56:15.410
5th. Lily Boucher: 56:29.570
U21 Men

1st. Seth Sherlock: 42:56.690
2nd. Emmett Hancock: 43:07.650
3rd. Lief Rodgers: 43:43.700
4th. Colby Pringle: 43:55.660
5th. Marcus Goguen: 44:04.050


Who is Leading the Overall Standings?


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Posted In:
Racing and Events Enduro Racing Pinkbike Primer Enduro World Series Ews Burke 2022


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115 Comments
  • 75 3
 One of the worst, steepest, death march climbs around is that Toll Road, they'll climb it twice!

For beer snobs, Hill Farmstead was rated #1 brewery in the world multiple times and is 30 minutes from here Smile cheers
  • 15 0
 I used to race downhill longboarding on that road back in 2013-2014-2015 and that shit was steep and fast, couldn't imagine pedalling up it...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cbPuRWCYoo
  • 20 40
flag sfrucian (Aug 11, 2022 at 11:57) (Below Threshold)
 After moving to Colorado, I now consider the toll road to be very mellow and easy in comparison to most climbing trails out here.
  • 23 2
 So I was intrigued and thus watched Junker92's video and if we're talking about the same road...I really don't think that most fit riders will have trouble pedaling up a smooth, asphalt road. I get the GoPro affect and all, still seemed pretty mellow climb. On Strava it's a CAT2 climb - 3+ miles - not easy for the average Joe. Now, if it was a rutted out, rocky, washboarded, dirt road that may be a different story.

I want that beer though.
  • 2 0
 Great beer, but better get in line now if you want any this weekend
  • 8 0
 @Billjohn6 I wondered about the climbs. The climbs play a significant factor in the races. A riders over all fitness can make or break their chances of a win. An acquaintance of mine just did the EWS at Whistler and told me he did 2700 vertical meters! I can do 500-600 on a good day without dying.

Why do you think the climbs aren't talked about or are considered interesting?
  • 10 0
 Having climbed most of the steepest roads in VT and NH, the climb is plenty doable by most people, especially these athletes, but it’s not mellow.

It will definitely put some extra lactic acid into the legs… hopefully there won’t be long wait times from the climb to their runs… that would make my legs go heavy/dead.
  • 20 5
 lol some people are salty that I called the climb mellow. It's paved! cmon now
  • 5 3
 @adnauseam: Because all of the folks battling at the top don't have issues with those climbs given their fitness. So yes, fitness does play a role of course but I don't think the climb or lack there of, depending on the course, impacts the top folks that much given they are all in crazy good shape.
  • 11 0
 @sfrucian: i think it was more the ColoRADo part of it. I'm from Northen NM so I can joke on all the Colorado come heres.
  • 15 1
 @sfrucian: Nearly 13% grade for the entire climb, and over 14.25% grade for the last 2.5 miles is mellow? Mellow maybe only to those who make a career of riding bikes.
  • 5 0
 @adnauseam: I raced the whistler ews100 and not only was it a big day, but most of that climb was a hike!
  • 14 1
 The Blackcomb road that they climbed up last week was unpaved and over 12 percent- which is steeper than the downhill for stage two. I think they'll be fine.
  • 5 0
 @VtVolk: There's a lot of really good beer here you don't have to wait in line for too
  • 2 0
 Technically the road is 13.7% grade on trailforks. www.trailforks.com/trails/toll-road.

If I did my math right its 1,800' climbing day one and 5,200' on day two. That last 1,800' climb up that toll rode after climbing 3,600' certainly won't feel good, but I'd guess those EWS racers won't have too much issue with it, especially being paved.
  • 4 4
 @sfrucian: Why the NE gets all the action? CO,WYO,CA, PNW....so many possible prime locations would be great to see EWS do something westerly.
  • 1 0
 @jasbushey: This site has some stats. pjammcycling.com/climb/234.Burke%2520Mountain.
  • 7 0
 The toll road is one of those climbs that you dread at the start of the day, but you are really glad you did it since all of the trails you can get to from it are just awesome. Dead Moose Alley is a fantastic trail!
  • 10 0
 @HouseofDaedalus: and @EMR52 The issue isn't the average gradient. As that site show's there's a notable bit above 18% and it never really flattens out after that for a rest. I used to do uphill road bike races and Burke was notorious (harder than Mt. Washington IMO). If you go to hard in the steep section, you're in serious pain for the rest. Should be easier with lower (non road bike) gears and at a lower pace, but still, it's nothing to scoff at.
  • 2 1
 Your absolutely right. They could do something near Seattle and never have to ride the same mtn twice.@likeittacky:
  • 10 0
 @jasbushey: Burke is rad and this is literally the first EWS on the East Coast.....ever.
  • 3 0
 @withdignityifnotalacrity: I'm stoked to see it! I grew up 1 hour from here. Mountain biking trails were minimal growing up and its awesome to see it expanding. These trails look rad and makes me want to come home to check them out. And to have a stage at 450m in Vermont shows whats possible!
  • 9 7
 #1 brewery in the world? Is that like your "World series" NBL, where nobody in the rest of the world is invited to play? Smile
  • 2 6
flag Phipu FL (Aug 12, 2022 at 3:21) (Below Threshold)
 Best beer in the world according to who?
I once had the beer that was awarded best in the world by the New York Times, a Swiss beer... Did not have a lot to do with beer. Not ugly-ugly, but just not beer-worthy ugly. So I'm hesitant now if someone claims to have the best beer in the world...
  • 3 0
 @Phipu: It was according to the website ratebeer.com for whatever that's worth.
  • 2 2
 @als802: thx.
Just looked at the "top beers of all time list" and what makes me hesitant is the amount of US-beers.
My guess is, that the US-Americans just give out more 5-star ratings, while in other countries they are more nit-picking and give a 4.5 because the amount of CO2 maybe could be altered a small bit or the temperature 1°C lower or higher etc...
Just to be clear, this was now just speculation.
  • 3 0
 @Phipu: I think the ratings are probably biased based on the where the people who rate them are based too. Hill Farmstead is good beer, but in Vermont we have a ton of excellent breweries. Having not traveled the world, I am going to assume there are many else where too.
  • 1 0
 @BenLow2019: relax, strava
  • 2 1
 I don't get it : isn't there a chairlift that's climbing in the same spot ?
  • 1 0
 @sfrucian: truth.
  • 3 0
 @HouseofDaedalus: it’s not that bad at all. It’s a road, no obstacles, no loose dirt, sure it’s steep but it’s wide so you can do your own switchbacks to mellow and save energy. Sure it’s kinda steep but that’s what gearing and fitness are for. Ride more, drink less beers, and get out of Maryland and do a climb that’s hours to complete and you’ll think the same.
  • 2 1
 @likeittacky: the riding in NE is better and logistics are better for every European based racer and team.
  • 6 0
 @likeittacky: They have done Northstar in CA (2019) previously and they did CO several times in Aspen (2017 and 2018 ), Crested Butte (2015) and Winter Park (2013 and 2014). So they have hit the west, just trying the east coast now. It has never been held in the NE previously so I am not sure where the 'why is the NE getting all the action' is coming from....
  • 3 0
 @als802: Vermont has amazing beer. Hill Farmstead, Lawsons, Alchemist, Four Quarters, etc. And that's just scratching the surface.
  • 1 0
 @HouseofDaedalus: Have you ridden it?
  • 2 0
 @likeittacky: yeah but the western US has seen plenty of EWS action, new england should get some events - the riding is great.
  • 2 1
 @Struggleteam: People think I'm bragging I guess, but it's just true that the climb at Burke isn't much to think about - I've done it with 1st year bike riders and they only stopped a couple times. .
  • 1 4
 @5afety3rd: I've ridden all over North American and focus lots of time riding in New England including Burke which I've ridden countless times. 5k feet climbing a week is average at my local Frederick Watershed trails in Maryland. Beer guzzling and hours long road climbs, no thanks I have a demanding career outside biking. Though there's something to be said for Vermont's noteworthy breweries.
  • 2 1
 @HouseofDaedalus: Ok, then so you know that that toll road climb isn't a big deal. Seems you're just a little sore for some reason when you get all defensive like that.
  • 1 0
 Oh yea and Winter Park, vaguely
  • 1 2
 @5afety3rd: BS the riding is not necessarily better and "Better for Europeans" what a stupid answer. Racers from other remote areas of the world don't get or deserve the same?
  • 3 0
 @HouseofDaedalus: you know Burke runs a shuttle to the top right?
  • 2 0
 Ok, dude, your comment was stupid because every single EWS held in the USA has been in one of the states you were complaining about not having any EWS's.
  • 2 0
 @withdignityifnotalacrity: Exactly, that shuttle is clutch for getting to the top, especially when you're saving your legs for the miles of smiles Burke and region has to offer.
  • 2 0
 Can confirm. Toll road is brutal.
  • 1 0
 @sfrucian: Right on, i was informed here that i missed that there have been races in several western areas as well. No biggie but to say NE is better than places west as @5afety3rd did is just ridiculous.
  • 1 0
 @likeittacky: I’m from the good riding and I live west. We’re not talking about other areas, just NE, which isn’t remote.
  • 1 0
 @likeittacky: NE is better riding. But as big as west, but over all more fun and challenging. When I moved west I thought I’d get an eye opening of trail, there’s some decent ones, but I’ll pick NE any day over anything west. Especially if we’re talking lift access.
  • 4 0
 @5afety3rd: Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, your opinion, man.
  • 1 0
 Just watch the results of Sam Hill before and after short climbs introduction…
  • 2 0
 @jasbushey: it's like arguing over what's better pizza, all pizza is good and better than no pizza, but we all have our preferences.
  • 2 0
 @5afety3rd: for real. No one place will ever satisfy everything so it's not worth arguing about.
  • 1 0
 @sfrucian: New England is super satisfying, so satisfactory in fact, that it crushes all arguments to the contrary.
  • 20 0
 Ahh, the NE, where the the roots and and rocks are never ending. If you look closeley, you might see soil
  • 8 0
 As a NE rider, can confirm. So much techy riding
  • 16 0
 is as close as Richie will get to a home race?
  • 23 0
 Stage 5 is named after him (DH trail for the OG's though). I'd consider that home court.
  • 10 0
 From last week, a home race for Melamed, to this week: a home race for Rude. Should be interesting!
  • 18 3
 I hope Bernie hands the winner the trophy and flowers
  • 60 0
 He’ll be there but word is Bernie will distribute the winnings equally, not just to the top 1% of the competitors.
  • 6 0
 @bridgermurray: and he'll be working the BBQ the whole day
  • 14 0
 @bridgermurray: he'll be making sure the riders are provided with proper healthcare
  • 1 0
 Well paid well paid.@bridgermurray:
  • 1 14
flag yupstate (Aug 12, 2022 at 6:26) (Below Threshold)
 @mattg95: With other people's hard-earned money.
  • 2 0
 @yupstate: what a small-minded viewpoint
  • 15 5
 What happened to two day racing ??? Ohhh that s right the money-making 100/80 let’s get mugs to ride the same course for 3x a normal race .
  • 2 0
 This Big Grin
  • 11 1
 Ready for pros to destroy my strava times
  • 3 8
flag pargolf8 (Aug 12, 2022 at 6:46) (Below Threshold)
 #stravadouche
  • 1 0
 @pargolf8: You know what, have a thumbs up - STRAVAAAAA!
  • 8 0
 www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz7Qxme36Tg
  • 2 0
 Richie made that course look buttery - and he handled the shark fin rock with ease.
  • 2 0
 An all time edit, so good!
  • 7 3
 Can you please also include a guide to the essential 27 things pinkers will be moaning about this weekend. Will the complaints about live timing begin before the racing has started, or after? I always arrive late to that party and it obviously makes me very angry. I'm also curious if we have consensus about the coverage being really good or if people prefer the old days when you'd wait 2 months for the paper copy of MBA to get the results and a few photos? Since there might be some PBA contestants racing, is it ok to complain about PBA too? On a related note, is everyone at Pinkbike really happy that Discovery is now the corporate evil everyone likes to hate on instead of Outside?
  • 2 0
 Or instead you could compare coverage to 3 years ago, when it was undoubtedly far superior.
  • 5 0
 Rode that queen stage trail back in 2019, what fun that was. Will never forget the deep section of loam...and the climb to the top at 6am.
  • 5 0
 Pretty sure the Toll Road climb is impossible without Hill Farmstead beer to motivate!
  • 6 0
 The tiki bar burritos arent as good as they used to be
  • 12 0
 The 3Ts ain't as good as they used to be.
  • 10 0
 @hatton: too soon
  • 4 0
 The gobbler sandwich at the country store is the people’s champ of KT all-day fuel
  • 1 0
 @hatton: ;(
  • 4 0
 I was stoked to see some previews about a place I'd ridden and so far, the only thing up on youtube is a sad little clip of one stage?
  • 12 0
 Yeah EWS coverage as suck tremendously this year, only one stage preview. Wait for Moi Moi TV or Jesse videos for that, they are money !
  • 5 0
 @fedfox: First EWS on the East Coast. Vermont's fascinating MTB culture and terrain. f*cking Kingdom Trails alone are rad. THere are hours of content to mine here and all we get is 9 minutes of Rude Awakening and a couple publicity shots of Burke. Le Sigh...
  • 2 0
 There’s a lot of stuff out there if you look, MTBTravelReview, Project Northeast and TransNewEngland for starters. Including POV footy.
  • 1 0
 @iduckett: Right, I am talking specifically about this round of EWS.
  • 1 0
 @withdignityifnotalacrity: Ah right, I guess not much from the EWS official channel. But yea, still quite a few POV vids of Upper/Lower J-Bar, Jester, Rude Awakening, and Black Forest (for anyone looking).
  • 4 0
 I’m no detective, but I’m pretty sure that’s the Whistler weather report.
  • 2 0
 copy pasta strikes again! The link is accurate, but the text is not.
  • 2 0
 Sorry I accidentally left a mention of Whistler in there. The weather was accurate earlier today but it looks like the forecast has changed now.
  • 4 0
 Why does it take sooo many columns to explain who's winning a bike race?
  • 5 0
 Go Jill Kintner!
  • 4 0
 I really hope she races, I really think if she was 100 percent in enduro she will win the series or at least a top 3, such a capable rider.
  • 3 0
 Totally agree she is so fast. Her calendar looks so busy i doubt she could complete a whole ews year. It would be fun if she did. It would definitely shake up the women's field. @fedfox:
  • 1 0
 Saw the EWS youtube channel coverage of practice, and the trails actually looked super fun. Lots of interesting rock formations. I wasn't sure about this round, but it may be pretty good!
  • 3 0
 Vermont in August is a dream !
  • 1 0
 I hope you're right, I'm headed there soon!
  • 3 0
 @dsciulli19: August 2011, one of the best riding days of my life, then my wife got hit by a tree while hiking up to pulpit rock - but thats another story.
  • 1 0
 Funny watching how different they’re lines and speed are to each other lol, shows you the difference between a ex pro and your everyday mtb lol
  • 1 0
 I'm confused. One of the videos showed a track walk on 'Freeride', but is not reflected in the stages overview. Oversight?
  • 1 0
 All this talk of the climb… it’s not bad it only takes a couple minutes! youtu.be/vm8AfzRd6wY
  • 1 0
 Anyone else at the Tiki bar just chillin?
  • 2 1
 Anyone know what is up with Katy Winton?
  • 2 0
 She had some posts up on instagram about it a while ago. Sounds like she got a bit burned out and needed a break. Taking some time off to reset and get in a good place where she feels the drive and ability to hit that 100%.
  • 2 1
 @wilsonians: right on. Hope she gets what she needs.
  • 1 1
 Nice shot of some poison parsnip in the foreground of the photo up top.
  • 3 0
 Looks too white for parsnip. Queen Anne's lace, maybe? The parsnip problem is real, however
  • 1 0
 @VtVolk: Gotta see a close-up of the stems to know for sure. As the saying goes: 'the queen has hairy legs'.
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