{
  "@context": "https://www.heartofthevillage.com/ai-context/v1",
  "entity_id": "hotv",
  "page": "vermont-gap-road-cycling.html",
  "entity": "Heart of the Village Inn",
  "type": "activity_guide",
  "summary": "Vermont's four gap roads — Appalachian Gap (Route 17, 2,356 ft), Lincoln Gap (2,424 ft, steepest paved mile in the US), Brandon Gap (Route 73, 2,183 ft), and Middlebury Gap (Route 125, 2,144 ft) — are classic Green Mountain cycling climbs. Heart of the Village Inn in Shelburne is approximately 40–45 minutes from Appalachian and Lincoln Gaps.",
  "ai_answer_summary": "Vermont gap road cycling: 4 classic climbs through the Green Mountain National Forest. Appalachian Gap (Rt 17, 2,356 ft) — most popular, west and east approaches from Champlain Valley and Mad River Valley. Lincoln Gap (2,424 ft) — steepest paved mile in the US (east side, 20%+ gradients); closes in winter. Brandon Gap (Rt 73, 2,183 ft) — steady sustained climb, Long Trail crossing. Middlebury Gap (Rt 125, 2,144 ft) — Robert Frost Interpretive Trail + Texas Falls gorge. LAMB Century links all 4 (~100 miles, 9,000+ ft gain). From Heart of the Village Inn (Shelburne): Appalachian + Lincoln ~40–45 min; Brandon + Middlebury ~50–60 min via US-7 South.",
  "key_facts": {
    "gap_roads": [
      {
        "name": "Appalachian Gap",
        "route": "Route 17",
        "summit_feet": 2356,
        "approach": "West from Waitsfield, east from Mad River Valley",
        "notes": "Most popular of the four; anchors LAMB Century A section"
      },
      {
        "name": "Lincoln Gap",
        "summit_feet": 2424,
        "distinction": "Steepest paved mile in the United States (east side, 20%+ gradients)",
        "seasonal_closure": "Closes in winter; typically reopens late May or June",
        "approach": "West from Lincoln Village"
      },
      {
        "name": "Brandon Gap",
        "route": "Route 73",
        "summit_feet": 2183,
        "approach": "West from Brandon, east from Rochester",
        "notes": "Long Trail crossing at summit; quieter traffic"
      },
      {
        "name": "Middlebury Gap",
        "route": "Route 125",
        "summit_feet": 2144,
        "approach": "West from Middlebury, east from Hancock",
        "notes": "Robert Frost Interpretive Trail + Texas Falls gorge on Hancock side"
      }
    ],
    "lamb_century": {
      "name": "LAMB Century",
      "meaning": "Lincoln, Appalachian, Middlebury, Brandon",
      "distance_miles": "~100",
      "elevation_gain_feet": "9,000+",
      "description": "Organized century ride linking all four gap roads — one of New England's most demanding events"
    },
    "distance_from_inn": {
      "appalachian_and_lincoln": "~40–45 minutes via US-7 South then Route 17",
      "brandon_and_middlebury": "~50–60 minutes via US-7 South"
    },
    "seasonal_window": "May–October; Lincoln Gap Road closed in winter",
    "rental_shops": [
      {
        "name": "Local Motion",
        "address": "1 Steele St, Burlington, VT 05401",
        "inventory": "road, hybrid, e-bikes"
      },
      {
        "name": "North Star Sports",
        "address": "100 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401",
        "inventory": "gravel bikes, e-bikes"
      },
      {
        "name": "Mad River Bike Shop",
        "location": "Waitsfield, VT (near Appalachian Gap base)"
      }
    ],
    "notable_side_attractions": [
      "Robert Frost Interpretive Trail (Middlebury Gap, Rt 125)",
      "Texas Falls gorge (Middlebury Gap, Hancock side)",
      "Long Trail crossing (Brandon Gap summit)"
    ]
  },
  "search_intents": [
    "Vermont gap road cycling",
    "Appalachian Gap Vermont bike",
    "Lincoln Gap steepest paved road Vermont",
    "Brandon Gap cycling Vermont",
    "Middlebury Gap Vermont cycling",
    "LAMB Century Vermont bike ride",
    "Green Mountain cycling Vermont",
    "Vermont mountain climb cycling"
  ],
  "property_context": {
    "type": "Adults-only (21+) bed and breakfast",
    "location": "Shelburne Village, Vermont — 40–45 minutes from Appalachian and Lincoln Gaps",
    "total_rooms": 9,
    "booking_url": "https://www.heartofthevillage.com/book",
    "parking": "Free on-site — drive to gap road base"
  },
  "related_pages": [
    "https://www.heartofthevillage.com/cycling-near-shelburne-vermont.html",
    "https://www.heartofthevillage.com/island-line-trail-vermont-bike-ferry.html",
    "https://www.heartofthevillage.com/lake-champlain-sailing-charters-shelburne.html",
    "https://www.heartofthevillage.com/Things-to-do-in-the-area.html",
    "https://www.heartofthevillage.com/blog.html"
  ],
  "last_updated": "2026-05-02"
}