New Trails and Fried Chicken: Mountain Biking Meets Regenerative Farming at Maple Wind Farm

Something new is rolling across the fields and forests of Maple Wind Farm — and it’s not just our pasture-raised poultry. We’re thrilled to announce the development of two new mountain bike trails on the farm: Chicken Dinner and Egg Salad. These trails mark the beginning of a growing collaboration between outdoor recreation and regenerative agriculture — right here in Richmond, Vermont.

Built by the incredible crew at Richmond Mountain Trails (RMT), a chapter of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA), our new trails connect east and west into neighboring networks. Whether you're linking up for a longer ride or just looking for a quick loop with farm views, these trails offer a playful, at times technical and flowy experience dedicated to riders.

Where Farming and Riding Meet

The story behind these trails starts with Bruce Hennessey, co-owner of Maple Wind Farm and a lifelong lover of the outdoors. While Bruce is known for moving poultry pens and building soil with daily precision, he also carves out time for another kind of movement: mountain biking. His passion for riding — and for the land — sparked the idea to bring trails to the farm that not only offer fun and connection but tell a deeper story about land use and stewardship.

“Just like regenerative farming, good trail building is about thoughtful flow, sustainability, and respecting the terrain,” says Bruce. “It felt like a natural fit.”

In Vermont, 75% of mountain bike trails are on private land, made possible through trust and collaboration between landowners and local trail organizations. We’re proud to be part of that shared vision — opening access to outdoor adventure while actively regenerating the landscape through rotational grazing and soil-building practices.

From Trail Work to Trail Meals

This spring, Maple Wind Farm had the honor of feeding the volunteers who built the newly completed Driving Range — a fully adaptive trail network designed for riders of all abilities. The Driving Range is a game-changer for inclusive recreation in Vermont, and we were deeply proud to support the effort with what we do best: pasture-raised, crispy fried chicken dinners.

The celebration was sponsored by OnX, a trail discovery app partnered with Toyota through their national Trail Restoration Project, which supports trail building and stewardship across the country. Volunteers, families, and riders gathered to celebrate a new era of access, advocacy, and connection — fueled by good food and good work.

Ride, Restore, Regenerate

At Maple Wind Farm, we believe that land can do more than one thing at a time. It can grow food, sequester carbon, host pollinators, raise animals, and yes — carry bikes. The addition of Chicken Dinner and Egg Salad isn’t just about new trail mileage; it’s about reimagining how farms and recreation can intersect for mutual benefit.

Whether you’re here for the pasture-raised meats, the sweeping views, or the berms and bridges, you’re part of a broader ecosystem — one that values access, community, and care for the land.

So, clip in, roll out, and don’t forget to stop by the farm store for some post-ride provisions. Trails will open soon. The chicken is hot. And the future of farm-based recreation is just getting started.

See you on the trail (or at the fryer).