There’s nothing like getting your bike out for a fresh, spring ride! As the snow melts and fills the rivers, these beautiful bodies of water become swollen — gushing and rushing with their fullness. Spring is a great time to get out your bike and take a ride.

Here’s just one of many great rides in "Five Great River Rides" in the spring issue of Vermont Life Magazine..

The river: The 46-mile West River in southern Vermont provides the setting for plenty of recreation, especially canoeing and kayaking. It begins at 2,040 feet above sea level in Mount Holly and ends in Brattleboro where it drains into the Connecticut River.

The ride: Park in the lot at the West Dummerston Covered Bridge. Turn north (right) onto Route 30, and follow the flat road 5.1 miles along the river all the way to Newfane. When you’re there, check out the many unique shops and eateries: the Newfane Country Store; Auntie M’s Attic and the Newfane Café and Creamery. Ride back the way you came.

Explore! Add a leg to your trip. As you return south on Route 30, take a right on Depot Road in Williamsville Station. Follow the beautiful Rock River. Go through a covered bridge and turn left on Auger Hole Road, where you’ll find Olallie Daylily Gardens.

For more great spring rides along rivers, read “5 River Rides” by Sky Barsch in the spring issue of Vermont Life. Brian Mohr’s photographs beautifully illustrate the routes.