Mixed Terrain Night Ride

• Location: Revolution Hall near Bedford, MA

• Ride Type:  Mixed Terrain Ride for gravel, mountain & fat bikes

• Date & Time:  7pm start time, Thursday, July 23

• Distance:  ~17 miles, around 2 hours of riding

• Price:  Free; see NEER membership requirements discussed below after the first ride you do with us

• RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form

Details & Pace

This mixed terrain ride takes cyclists to many interesting trails with roads connecting them.

The route is a mixed terrain route so any bike with 38mm tires or bigger is suited for the terrain. Faster riders are always welcome to go ahead, but it’s night so riding too fast isn’t advisable. We discuss pace before the ride starts.

There are some easy-to-ride boardwalks on the route, it’s pretty well ridden so not hard to navigate after dark.

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the main group. New-to-mixed terrain riders should try our weekend rides first prior to coming out to this ride.

It doesn’t mean much to talk about the average pace of a mixed terrain ride since it sounds a lot slower than it really is. We keep moving at an endurance pace but it’s not fast given the waning sunlight.

Distance

~17 miles

Parking

Address for your GPS: 10 Maguire Rd, Lexington, MA 02421 - DO NOT park at Revolution Hall, parking is across the street at the business.

Pin of the exact spot to park in the lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ebJ1c1ufZA3bL4ZR7

Route

Please download the route on your GPS device, it makes it easier for everyone to know which turn is coming next. This is what it looks like!

Start time, Ride Time

Start: 7pm, be ready to roll by 6:55pm

Ride time: Aiming for 2 hours, done by 9pm.

Route Notes

We discuss these with you prior to rollout. Note that a “mixed terrain” ride is rougher, twistier, and slower than a “gravel” ride. There are roots, a few boardwalks, etc to navigate. If you’re concerned about your ability to ride mixed terrain, do one of our weekend rides in the daylight first.

After the Ride

Some riders will enjoy post-ride food and drink at Revolution Hall if we arrive back before 9am (food stops being served at 9). Feel free to join in having food and hanging out afterwards if you’d like!

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news.

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride anytime 1 hour or more prior to the start of the ride.

CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the ride at 413-461-7433.

Don’t txt if you need an immediate response, all txt msgs go to our email that we aren’t checking if we’re in front of people at the ride or on our bikes.

Riding Rules

All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. 

RSVP’ing to this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.

Waiver

NEER requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.

Proper bike & Equipment

• 38mm knobby tires minimum.  Wider tires are nicer! Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. We expect to see gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and fat bikes at this ride, the majority of bikes will be gravel bikes.

• Lights, front and rear. Bring both front and rear lights with battery power to stay lit for a 2.5 hour ride. Correct, the ride is 1.5 hours, but if there’s a mechanical or if you accidentally set it too bright, then you want to still have enough light for the duration of the ride.

• Concerning Rear Lights: A super bright and/or flashing rear light will blind the person riding behind you and it actually hurts that person’s eyes and can make it hard for that person to see. Please look into your rear light. If it burns your eyes, get a “group ride friendly” light such as the Super Flash ($25) - it has a steady mode and isn’t too bright.

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. Note that mountain-style pedals/cleats are significantly better than road-style. We strongly discourage road pedals/cleats on a mixed terrain ride. You can possibly get away with road pedals/cleats on a gravel (dirt road) ride, but not a mixed terrain ride.

• A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. We’ll ask you to call for a ride or take an Uber home if you have a mechanical situation that will hinder the forward progress of the group by more than a few minutes.

• High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.  Ask us if you’re not sure where to set your tire pressure. We like you to have more than enough air for these reasons:

  • We want to minimize flats on the ride; waiting for someone to change flats is not why we ride.  We typically see zero flats on our ride.  One of the primary reasons for this is due to higher than average tire pressure.

  • You can easily take it out, much harder to add it in.

• Be sure you have supplies necessary for all common mechanicals including extra derailleur hangers, a multi-tool, quick chain links, tubes, CO2 or hand pump, etc. You are responsible for you and your bike.

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

Please RSVP only after you’ve made sure you can attend. It is inconsiderate to RSVP prior to committing to attending since it affects the experience of the other cyclists in attendance. We understand that things come up last-minute. Be sure to email us if you can’t attend: connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.

Saturday Mixed Terrain Adventure Ride for Gravel or MTBs

• Location: Start and end in Needham, MA

• Ride Type: Gravel or Mountain bike ride for gravel bikes with 45mm tires or bigger or hardtail mountain bikes - 50% road, 50% every other kind of terrain!

• Date & Time:  Saturday, June 25, 7:00am start

• Distance:  84 miles (ways to cut shorter if too long)

• Price:  Free; see NEER membership requirements discussed below after the first ride you do with us

• RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form

Details

This mixed terrain adventure ride leads cyclists to every kind of terrain and these are connected by paved roads. SE NEMBA President, George Lester, developed this route so we’re riding it and having a great day of adventuring on it!

Those who like to be a bit underbiked at times will be fine on gravel bikes and 45mm + tires. Those who like to be overbiked on roads but have appropriate tires for the terrain should come out on your hardtail mountain bikes. Some trails could be overgrown this time of year. Use bug spray (or bring it)!

Distance

The ride is 84 miles in length in total if not cut short.

Parking

Directions to free parking will be shared with all who RSVP. We’ll start in Needham, MA

Route

The route will be emailed to all who RSVP no later than 7pm the night before this ride. Earlier RSVPs will receive the route earlier than this (like 7pm Thursday for those who have your RSVPs in by then).

Estimated Ride Time

~5-8 hours depending on lengths of stops at resupply and riding speed, easy to cut mid-ride. Roads will move along quickly, trails will be slower.

After the Ride

Some of us are likely to find food in Needham center prior to heading home.

Route Notes

This route offers a wide variety of terrain and trail types. Expect roots, rocks, pavement, and smooth dirt single and double track. If you’re not certain about riding something, walk it, it won’t be any slower to walk than to ride anything like that anyway! The route hasn’t been vetted in its entirety for many months so expect anything and if something doesn’t work, we’ll figure out a way around, nothing in this area isn’t not circumnigatable (is this a word?) :-)

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news.

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride anytime 1 hour or more prior to the start of the ride.

CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the ride at 413-461-7433.

Don’t txt if you need an immediate response, all txt msgs go to our email that we aren’t checking if we’re in front of people at the ride or on our bikes.

Riding Rules

All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. RSVP’ing to this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.

Waiver

New England Expedition Riders requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.

Proper bike & Equipment

• 40-45mm knobby tires minimum.  Wider tires are nice!

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. Note that mountain-style pedals/cleats are significantly better than road-style. No road pedals/cleats.

• A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. We’ll ask you to call for a ride or take an Uber home if you have a mechanical situation that will hinder the forward progress of the group by more than a few minutes.

• High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.  

• Be sure you have supplies necessary for all common mechanicals including extra derailleur hangers, a multi-tool, quick chain links, tubes, CO2 or hand pump, etc. You are responsible for you and your bike.

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

Please RSVP only after you’ve made sure you can attend. It is inconsiderate to RSVP prior to committing to attending since it affects the experience of the other cyclists in attendance. We understand that things come up last-minute. Be sure to email us if you can’t attend: connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.

Sunday Mixed Terrain Adventure Ride

• Location: Start and end in Lexington, MA

• Ride Type: Mixed terrain appropriate for gravel bikes or any bike with 38mm or bigger tires

• Date & Time:  Sunday, July 19, 9:00 start

• Distance:  44 miles but easy to cut short if you have time for less than this distance

• Price:  Free; see NEER membership requirements discussed below after the first ride you do with us

• RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form

Details

This mixed terrain ride leads cyclists to many trails, back roads, and random places all within a fairly short distance. There are lots of twists and turns starting in Lexington center, spanning only the closest towns so it’s easy to cut short if your schedule doesn’t allow for you to be out there for the ~4-6 hours this ride will take in its entirety.

Distance

The ride is 44 miles in length in total if not cut short.

Parking

Public lot in Lexington center or on side streets. Details will be sent to all who RSVP by 5:30pm Saturday evening prior to the ride.

Route

The route will be emailed to all who RSVP no later than 5:30pm the night before this ride.

Estimated Ride Time

~4-6 hours depending on lengths of stops at resupply and riding speed, easy to cut mid-ride.

After the Ride

Enjoy social time together at Rancatores for ice cream in Lexington Center where we eat, drink and chat about riding bikes and all subjects tangential to riding bikes!

Route Notes

This route offers a wide variety of terrain and trail types. Expect roots, rocks, pavement, and smooth dirt single and double track. If you’re not certain about riding something, walk it, it won’t be any slower to walk than to ride anything like that anyway! This is not that technical of a route, but if riders have not ridden their gravel bikes on anything but “champagne” gravel roads, this ride might be a bit much for a first mixed terrain ride. Gravel is not mixed terrain, these are different kinds of riding. If you’re wondering about the differences, email us at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news.

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride anytime 1 hour or more prior to the start of the ride.

CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the ride at 413-461-7433.

Don’t txt if you need an immediate response, all txt msgs go to our email that we aren’t checking if we’re in front of people at the ride or on our bikes.

Riding Rules

All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. RSVP’ing to this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.

Waiver

New England Expedition Riders requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.

Proper bike & Equipment

• 38mm gravel tires or wider.  Wider tires are nice!

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. Note that mountain-style pedals/cleats are significantly better than road-style. Please don’t come with road pedals/cleats.

• A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. We’ll ask you to call for a ride or take an Uber home if you have a mechanical situation that will hinder the forward progress of the group by more than a few minutes.

• High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.  

• Be sure you have supplies necessary for all common mechanicals including extra derailleur hangers, a multi-tool, quick chain links, tubes, CO2 or hand pump, etc. You are responsible for you and your bike.

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

Please RSVP only after you’ve made sure you can attend. It is inconsiderate to RSVP prior to committing to attending since it affects the experience of the other cyclists in attendance. We understand that things come up last-minute. Be sure to email us if you can’t attend: connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.

Saturday Early Morning Mountain Adventure Ride

• Location: Start and end near Carlisle, MA

• Ride Type:  Mountain bike ride for hardtail or dual-suspension of 2.1” tires or bigger

• Date & Time:  Saturday, June 18, 7:00am start

• Distance:  50 miles

• Price:  Free; see NEER membership requirements discussed below after the first ride you do with us

• RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form

Details

This mountain bike adventure ride leads cyclists to many single-track trails starting in Carlisle. Back roads and some pavement connect the trail sections.

This is a route in two parts, it’s possible to join for the first ~25 miles and return to the car (or just return to your car to refuel water/food from your stash) before taking on the next ~25 miles.

Distance

The ride is ~50 miles in length in total if not cut short.

Parking

Directions to free parking will be shared with all who RSVP.

Route

The route will be emailed to all who RSVP no later than 7pm the night before this ride.

Estimated Ride Time

~5-8 hours depending on lengths of stops at resupply and riding speed, easy to cut mid-ride.

After the Ride

Enjoy social time together at Revolution Hall where we eat, drink and chat about riding bikes and all subjects tangential to riding bikes!

Route Notes

This route offers a wide variety of terrain and trail types. Expect roots, rocks, pavement, and smooth dirt single and double track. If you’re not certain about riding something, walk it, it won’t be any slower to walk than to ride anything like that anyway!

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news.

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride anytime 1 hour or more prior to the start of the ride.

CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the ride at 413-461-7433.

Don’t txt if you need an immediate response, all txt msgs go to our email that we aren’t checking if we’re in front of people at the ride or on our bikes.

Riding Rules

All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. RSVP’ing to this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.

Waiver

New England Expedition Riders requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.

Proper bike & Equipment

• 2.1” knobby tires minimum.  Wider tires are nice!

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. Note that mountain-style pedals/cleats are significantly better than road-style. No road pedals/cleats.

• A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. We’ll ask you to call for a ride or take an Uber home if you have a mechanical situation that will hinder the forward progress of the group by more than a few minutes.

• High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.  

• Be sure you have supplies necessary for all common mechanicals including extra derailleur hangers, a multi-tool, quick chain links, tubes, CO2 or hand pump, etc. You are responsible for you and your bike.

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

Please RSVP only after you’ve made sure you can attend. It is inconsiderate to RSVP prior to committing to attending since it affects the experience of the other cyclists in attendance. We understand that things come up last-minute. Be sure to email us if you can’t attend: connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.

Mixed Terrain Night Ride

• Location: Revolution Hall near Bedford, MA

• Ride Type:  Mixed Terrain Ride for gravel, mountain & fat bikes

• Date & Time:  7pm start time, Thursday, July 16

• Distance:  ~17 miles, around 2 hours of riding

• Price:  Free; see NEER membership requirements discussed below after the first ride you do with us

• RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form

Details & Pace

This mixed terrain ride takes cyclists to many interesting trails with roads connecting them.

The route is a mixed terrain route so any bike with 38mm tires or bigger is suited for the terrain. Faster riders are always welcome to go ahead, but it’s night so riding too fast isn’t advisable. We discuss pace before the ride starts.

There are some easy-to-ride boardwalks on the route, it’s pretty well ridden so not hard to navigate after dark.

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the main group. New-to-mixed terrain riders should try our weekend rides first prior to coming out to this ride.

It doesn’t mean much to talk about the average pace of a mixed terrain ride since it sounds a lot slower than it really is. We keep moving at an endurance pace but it’s not fast given the waning sunlight.

Distance

~17 miles

Parking

Address for your GPS: 10 Maguire Rd, Lexington, MA 02421 - DO NOT park at Revolution Hall, parking is across the street at the business.

Pin of the exact spot to park in the lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ebJ1c1ufZA3bL4ZR7

Route

Please download the route on your GPS device, it makes it easier for everyone to know which turn is coming next. All who RSVP will receive the route. It looks like this, but with the start at Revolution Hall!

Start time, Ride Time

Start: 7pm, be ready to roll by 6:55pm

Ride time: Aiming for 2 hours, done by 9pm.

Route Notes

We discuss these with you prior to rollout. Note that a “mixed terrain” ride is rougher, twistier, and slower than a “gravel” ride. There are roots, a few boardwalks, etc to navigate. If you’re concerned about your ability to ride mixed terrain, do one of our weekend rides in the daylight first.

After the Ride

Some riders will enjoy post-ride food and drink at Revolution Hall if we arrive back before 9am (food stops at 9). Feel free to join in having food and hanging out afterwards if you’d like!

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news.

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride anytime 1 hour or more prior to the start of the ride.

CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the ride at 413-461-7433.

Don’t txt if you need an immediate response, all txt msgs go to our email that we aren’t checking if we’re in front of people at the ride or on our bikes.

Riding Rules

All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. 

RSVP’ing to this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.

Waiver

NEER requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.

Proper bike & Equipment

• 38mm knobby tires minimum.  Wider tires are nicer! Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. We expect to see gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and fat bikes at this ride, the majority of bikes will be gravel bikes.

• Lights, front and rear. Bring both front and rear lights with battery power to stay lit for a 2.5 hour ride. Correct, the ride is 1.5 hours, but if there’s a mechanical or if you accidentally set it too bright, then you want to still have enough light for the duration of the ride.

• Concerning Rear Lights: A super bright and/or flashing rear light will blind the person riding behind you and it actually hurts that person’s eyes and can make it hard for that person to see. Please look into your rear light. If it burns your eyes, get a “group ride friendly” light such as the Super Flash ($25) - it has a steady mode and isn’t too bright.

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. Note that mountain-style pedals/cleats are significantly better than road-style. We strongly discourage road pedals/cleats on a mixed terrain ride. You can possibly get away with road pedals/cleats on a gravel (dirt road) ride, but not a mixed terrain ride.

• A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. We’ll ask you to call for a ride or take an Uber home if you have a mechanical situation that will hinder the forward progress of the group by more than a few minutes.

• High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.  Ask us if you’re not sure where to set your tire pressure. We like you to have more than enough air for these reasons:

  • We want to minimize flats on the ride; waiting for someone to change flats is not why we ride.  We typically see zero flats on our ride.  One of the primary reasons for this is due to higher than average tire pressure.

  • You can easily take it out, much harder to add it in.

• Be sure you have supplies necessary for all common mechanicals including extra derailleur hangers, a multi-tool, quick chain links, tubes, CO2 or hand pump, etc. You are responsible for you and your bike.

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

Please RSVP only after you’ve made sure you can attend. It is inconsiderate to RSVP prior to committing to attending since it affects the experience of the other cyclists in attendance. We understand that things come up last-minute. Be sure to email us if you can’t attend: connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.

NEER Bikepack to the Beach

Riders enjoy time sitting around a fire after a long day of great riding!

• Location: Various start locations: Arlington, MA & Winchester, MA (we’ll time it so that riders can jump into the ride at a location convenient for them - come up from the city, take the train, ride from your home!)

• Route: Bikepacking, mixed terrain, plenty of dirt under your tires

• Ride Type: Mixed Terrain

• Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, 1-2 August 2026

• Distance: ~43 miles for those starting from Arlington, ~37 miles for those starting from Winchester

• Price: $85 per person. Must be a NEER member to participate (this keeps the price down for everyone since we don’t have to buy extra insurance, become a member!) The ride is likely to fill up. When there aren’t spots left at camp, we can’t accept further registrations.

• Non-Riding family/friend option! See details below.

Description:  The NEER Bikepack to the Beach is a weekend two-day and one-night event that covers almost >70 miles of diverse terrain in New England.  This ride is equal parts challenge and fun.  The event is part bikepacking and part adventure ride.

The route takes fun, playful trails to Marblehead (ice cream and tasty food, anyone?), then riders head north to Winter Park Island, a special campground where riders will camp in a group cove (private from the rest of the campers), a short walk from the beach!

This is a great way to have a full weekend of riding, test your bikepacking setup, enjoy camping with others of similar cycling interests, and share the experience with your friends and family as well.

We’re offering two start locations: Arlington and Winchester with timing such that riders will ride from Arlington, then to Winchester, and then on to camp. With these start locations being convenient to Boston, it’s easy for those without cars to attend this ride.

Photo from the Winter Park camp website.

• This is not a catered trip, we’re not bringing stuff to camp for anyone. We’ve found it very effective for riders to take on their first bikepacking trip having to be self-sufficient. Since we’re near civilization, it’s not a problem if one forgets something or doesn’t pack ideally.

• Self-sufficiency is important! We are not providing mid-ride support. You are expected to be able to fix mechanical issues or ride with friends who can help each other out.

• We’re providing a comprehensive packing list so you know what to bring and are prepared for this and any bikepacking trip. You receive this in your inbox not long after you register (assuming you haven’t already received it). We’re always adding and optimizing the list too!

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Route Information

• Distance: 37-45 miles on Saturday and a similar amount on Sunday to reutrn. It’s a loop, not the same out and back.

• Territory: Ranges from deep woods to town centers.

• Riding Options: We’ve reserved the group campsite area for the whole weekend Saturday through Monday morning. If you want to enjoy camp for longer on Sunday or stick around until Monday, you’re MORE than welcome to enjoy this special spot for all of that time!

• The routes we share and timings we suggest are what the “group” will be doing. You are more than welcome to ride from your home to one of the two start locations (Arlington or Winchester) and add distance if you wish after arriving in Salem. The fee for this weekend is paying for your spot in camp and for the shared bikepacking experience.

• You are more than welcome to get a lift home from the campground or have someone drop you off so that you can do a partial trip, there’s no shame in getting creative in making this work in your schedule and life!

• Significant others/friends who are non-NEER are welcome to join at camp. There is space for cars for anyone who wants to drive, we just need to know if someone will be joining in rather than riding, it’s not a problem and we love it when non-riding family members can enjoy the shared camping as well.

  We are not transporting anyone to the start or from the campsite back. There is no support vehicle.

• Gear Packing Options: There are no options: if you want it to eat, to sleep on, to wear, you’re carrying it with you! You are expected to have everything you need for a long-day ride on you where it comes to fixing mechanicals. This said, there are stores on the route so one can buy food rather than bring it with. Your choice!

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When:

1 & 2 August 2026.  Saturday and Sunday. Riders choosing to meet up in Arlington should be ready to roll by 7:55am. Everyone will ride to Winchester Center where there’s overnight parking (details will be shared with all who register).

Grand Depart is in Winchester at 9am.

Sunday’s ride back begins when riders want to get moving. A Super Domestique will accompany those who want to do a group ride rolling at 9am. If riders want to add mileage or get an earlier start, that’s fine. Riders are often up very early at camp and want to get moving.

Where we start & Where we Camp:  

Arlington: near the Arlington Reservoir, we’ll share exact meet-up details with all who register.

Winchester: We’ll share details of overnight parking with all who register; there are lots in Winchester that allow this.

We’re camping in a nice campground, Winter Island Park in Salem, MA.

We have campsites reserved together for riders in this campground. NEER buys wood for a fire/fires everyone can enjoy.

There is electricity (not at the campsites, but there are plugs, you won’t want to plug in your phone and walk away). There is potable water, restrooms, and showers for everyone’s use.

Why:  

Bikepacking trips are hard to find and it’s nice to have the opportunity to test your equipment, figure out how to pack your bike, and isn’t it fun to get two big days on the bike with nice people also out for the same?

How:

Register at the NEER store!

Questions?Email us at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com

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Who can do this ride?

Any fit and competent cyclist with equipment that meets our minimum requirements and who is willing to abide by basic riding safety rules may participate. The terrain is “playful” meaning you’ll ride paved roads, dirt paths, single track trails, some more technical terrain that any gravel bike can handle, but is beyond what we’d call “gravel.”

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"The staff did a remarkable job on a complex event. I can't wait until next year!" - C.B.

Display your location

We will have ALL riders display their location on the route via Life360 (not necessary to pay for an account for this), it helps us know where everyone is. This will take a little more battery life from your cell phone, so a backup battery is essential. AND there is no electricity at camp so you’ll need electricity to last you 2 days!

Non-Riding Significant Other Camping Option / Bringing your Family

Your non-riding spouse or significant other is welcome to join you and all for the weekend at the campsite. That person should register (or you can register for both of you) and mention who is not riding. If someone is joining for the day and not staying overnight, it’s not necessary to pay anything (since they aren’t taking space at the campsite), just send an email instead.

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Contact Information - You’ll receive a cell number in email

Email us with questions at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.

CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the ride at 413-461-7433.

Don’t txt if you need an immediate response, all txt msgs go to our email that we aren’t checking if we’re in front of people at the ride or on our bikes. Ring our phone please with urgent anything!!!

Riding Rules

All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by these Rules. Registering for this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.

Proper Bike & Equipment

There are quite a few bikes and setups that work great for bikepacking and gravel riding on terrain you’ll find on this ride. Your choices will potentially impact your speed relative to others. We don’t care how fast/slow you ride, this is up to you, as long as you are on a safe bike with minimum basics and arrive before sunset on both Saturday and Sunday.

• Required: A bike with 40mm tires or wider. Mountain, gravel, fat, CX bikes are all acceptable. Ideally, the bike will have 40mm knobby tires or bigger.

• Required: Flat pedals or mountain-style pedals should be used, no road pedals/shoes.

• Required: A GPS computer with the route loaded ahead of time if you’re riding solo. If you’re riding with a friend group, the group must have 2 GPS computers among members.

• Required: Backup battery to charge GPS computer and phone during the ride. (There is no electricity to recharge things at camp.)

• Required: Sign-on to Life360 or other service that you share with us so we can see your location you when you’re riding. We’ll share connection info with you in the pre-ride information email.

• Required: A bike that’s in safe working order that has been recently tuned and is free of creaking and squeaking. The chain should be lubed just prior to the ride. Squeaky chains and noisy bikes are unacceptable because it means there is something wrong with your bike and more might be wrong.

• Required: All of the tools for typical mechanicals. These are on the Gear Checklist you’ll receive when you register. Lots of extra “nice to haves” are on the Checklist too!

• Required: Cell phone and a plan to get back to your car in case your bike or body stops working - we cannot offer rides to anyone (per insurance requirements) and there won’t be a vehicle on the route.

• Required: Two full water bottles/other vessel with at least this much water at the start of the ride

• Required: Front and rear lights (do not need to be turned on if visibility is good but available), reflector on ankle or pedal (this is now required per MA law at dusk and later). Visibility is always a good thing for safety regardless of weather or time of day. Lights are important at camp too!

• Nice to have: Extra calories in your pockets to get you to stores where you can buy more.

• Change of clothes to wear after the ride at camp and for sleeping so you’re comfy!

Maine Gravel Adventure Ride

• Location: Start and end in Cumberland, Maine (20 mins from Portland)

• Ride Type:  Gravel ride, mixed surface with pavement and dirt expected, unlikely anything crazier than dirt roads

• Date & Time:  Sunday, June 14, 9:00am

• Distance:  ~55 miles-ish (exact distance will be as much as 15 miles longer than this)

• Price:  Free; see NEER membership requirements discussed below after the first ride you do with us

• RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form

Details

This is an adventure ride for your gravel bike! We’re using a route that’s vetted and there could be some extra adventure-y portions if we decide to do some off-shoot trails from the nice route. Nothing crazy, nothing will take people out of your comfort zone. Distance is ~55 miles. We’ll send along the route and details of final expected mileage (and if there are options for cutting the route, we’ll details in the pre-ride email).

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the last group to depart (if there is more than 1 group) which will be rolling at a peppy endurance pace. If you’re good for a 16 mph average road ride on pavement for 4 hours then you have the fitness to keep pace with this group (this is not a road ride so the pace will be much less than 16mph with gravel tires, bikes, dirt roads and whatever interesting terrain comes our way).

Parking

There is all-day parking at the start. Details will be sent to all who RSVP by 7pm the evening before the ride.

Route

The route will be emailed before 7pm the evening before the ride to all participants.

All riders should load the ride on a GPS computer so everyone knows where we’re going and it makes splitting into groups easier.

Start Time & Estimated Ride Time

We’ll be at the start by 8:30am. Please arrive with enough time to get ready that allows you to roll out on time with the group at 9am promptly.

Allow 8 hours for the ride and stops, it’s an adventure and it’s hard to guess as to the finish time. We will be deliberate at food stops to allow everyone time to eat/drink/rest, but not doddle endlessly since we know people need to get home before too late!

Route Notes & Food/Water Stops

Bring extra calories and 3 water bottles or a hydration pack + bottles. It’ll be hot and extra hydration and calories are important when in a new place. We’ll let everyone know where water/food refills will be, but overprepare so if a store is unexpectedly closed, it’s not the end of the world.

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news if there is any. We email ALL RSVPs by 7pm the evening before the ride. If you don’t see an email by 7pm the evening prior to the ride, be sure to email us so we can get you the information.

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride anytime 1 hour or more prior to the start of the ride.

CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the ride at 413-461-7433.

Don’t txt if you need an immediate response, all txt msgs go to our email that we aren’t checking if we’re in front of people at the ride or on our bikes.

Riding Rules

All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. RSVP’ing to this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.

Waiver

We require a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.

Proper bike & Equipment

• Bring your gravel bike with whatever size tires you enjoy riding ~38mm or bigger that will allow you to keep pace with the group.

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. Since we are riding near to each other on the road, platform pedals don’t offer necessary bike control for this kind of riding.

• A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. Ubers are unlikely out here, be sure to come very well prepared so any mechanical can be fixed on the route. Bring all of the usual gravel-ride supplies, extra tubes, air, tools, spare derailleur hanger if your bike needs one (these are specific to your model bike, no one will have an extra for you).

• Our Super Domestique rides with a Garmin InReach so that the world can be contacted in case of being away from cell service.

• You are responsible for you and your bike.

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

Please RSVP only after you’ve made sure you can attend. It is inconsiderate to RSVP prior to committing to attending since it affects the experience of the other cyclists in attendance. We understand that things come up last-minute. Be sure to email us if you can’t attend: connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.

Mighty Squirrel Mixed Terrain Night Ride!

• Location: Mighty Squirrel, Waltham, MA

• Ride Type:  Mixed Terrain Ride for gravel, hardtail mountain & fat bikes

• Date & Time:  Friday, June 5, 7pm start time, done by 9pm

• Distance:  2 hours of riding, ~15 miles-ish

• Price:  Free; see NEER membership requirements discussed below after the first ride you do with us

• RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form

Details & Pace

This is a more playful route and ride than our night mixed terrain rides that start at Revolution Hall. Less technical riders should ride mountain bikes (hard tail mtbs are appropriate) or fat bikes, technical gravel riders will have fun on the route!

There are rocks, roots, boardwalks, road crossings, and short sections of road to ride.

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the group. New-to-mixed terrain riders should try our weekend rides in the daylight first prior to coming out to any of our night rides and this route is not appropriate for new-to-gravel or new-to-mixed-terrain riders.

It doesn’t mean much to talk about the average pace of a mixed terrain ride since it sounds a lot slower than it really is. We keep moving at an endurance pace.

Distance

~15 miles

Parking

Address for your GPS: 411 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452

Pin of the exact spot to park in the lot - it’s not next to the Mighty Squirrel since that’s for their customers: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7EWmn2YTh66Nj2Xj6

Route

The route will be emailed to all who RSVP at least 2 hours prior to the ride.

Please download the route on your GPS device, it makes it easier for everyone to know which turn is coming next.

Start time, Estimated Ride Time

Start: 7pm, be ready to roll by 6:55pm

Ride time: Expect this to take close to 2 hours.

Route Notes

We discuss these with you prior to rollout. Note that a “mixed terrain” ride is rougher, twistier, and slower than a “gravel” ride. There are roots, rocks, a few boardwalks, etc to navigate. If you’re concerned about your ability to ride mixed terrain, do one of our weekend rides first.

After the Ride

Some riders will enjoy hanging out and enjoying food/drink at the Mighty Squirrel. It’s a Friday night so it’ll be hopping there. Invite your family to come join you post-ride!

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news.

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride anytime 1 hour or more prior to the start of the ride.

CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the ride at 413-461-7433.

Don’t txt if you need an immediate response, all txt msgs go to our email that we aren’t checking if we’re in front of people at the ride or on our bikes.

Riding Rules

All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. 

RSVP’ing to this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.

Waiver

NEER requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.

Proper bike & Equipment

• 40mm knobby tires minimum.  Wider tires are nicer! Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. We expect to see gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and fat bikes at this ride, the majority of bikes will be gravel bikes.

• Lights, front and rear. Bring both front and rear lights to be seen - this ride is early enough that lights shouldn’t be necessary, it’s always a nice idea to have them.

• Concerning Rear Lights: A super bright and/or flashing rear light will blind the person riding behind you and it actually hurts that person’s eyes and can make it hard for that person to see. Please look into your rear light. If it burns your eyes, get a “group ride friendly” light such as the Super Flash ($25) - it has a steady mode and isn’t too bright.

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. Note that mountain-style pedals/cleats are significantly better than road-style. We strongly discourage road pedals/cleats on a mixed terrain ride. You can possibly get away with road pedals/cleats on a gravel (dirt road) ride, but not a mixed terrain ride.

• A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. We’ll ask you to call for a ride or take an Uber home if you have a mechanical situation that will hinder the forward progress of the group by more than a few minutes.

• High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.  Ask us if you’re not sure where to set your tire pressure.

• Be sure you have supplies necessary for all common mechanicals including extra derailleur hangers, a multi-tool, quick chain links, tubes, CO2 or hand pump, etc. You are responsible for you and your bike.

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

Please RSVP only after you’ve made sure you can attend. It is inconsiderate to RSVP prior to committing to attending since it affects the experience of the other cyclists in attendance. We understand that things come up last-minute. Be sure to email us if you can’t attend: connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.

Maine Mountain Bike & Gravel Weekend Getaway - August 8 & 9

• Location: Start and end each ride near Freeport, Maine (20 mins from Portland)

• Ride Type:  Saturday: Mountain bike, Sunday: Gravel ride

• Date & Time:  Saturday, August 8 & Sunday, August 9

• Camping option: Backyard of hosting NEER member & other campgrounds & inns are nearby for those staying the weekend

• Also enjoy a BBQ Saturday evening at home of hosting NEER member! All contribute $ toward the food and festivities.

• Distance:  Saturday: 3-4 hours mtb, Sunday: 3-4 hours gravel (champagne gravel)

• Price:  Free; see NEER membership requirements discussed below after the first ride you do with us

• RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form

Details

This is a hosted weekend of enjoying the great trails and roads in the Freeport, Maine area! NEER member Matt M lives here, knows the trails and roads and is treating NEERs to a great weekend of riding!

Saturday will be a great mountain bike ride with options for smoother, flowier trails and more “New England” classic trails. 3-4 hours in duration. It’ll be easy for riders to be on the trails of their liking. There are two ride leaders showing the way.

After the ride Saturday, all who want to join in for food and drinks at local breweries in Freeport are welcome to hang out.

Saturday evening, Matt is hosting a BBQ at his house, all will contribute via a fun group shopping trip for food and it’ll be a great night of BBQ, campfire, and all who want to stay over in tents in Matt’s backyard are welcome. Everyone who RSVPs will be offered additional information and options where it comes to staying over if desired.

Come for one or both days - not necessary to be there for both days, your schedule dictates what you come for! It’s all great, it’ll be a weekend of people coming/going and connecting!

Saturday is the Mainely organized gravel ride for anyone who wishes to participate in this.

Sunday: Matt has a prepared a champagne gravel route that’s a fun option for a group ride, starting near Freeport. This is more champagne gravel in nature, approximately 3 hours ride time.

RSVP for one or many aspects of the weekend; everyone will receive details for all of it an you can fit what you want into the weekend!

Parking / Starting locations

Details will be shared with all who RSVP.

Routes

Routes will be shared with all who RSVP for one or both days. Expect these by 7pm Thursday night prior to the weekend.

Start Time & Estimated Ride Time

Saturday morning: 10am start

Sunday morning: 9am start

Route Notes & Food/Water Stops

All will be shared with RSVPers. This is an area not too far away from food/water so it’s not necessary to go too loaded, though 2 or 3 bottles of water and extra calories is always a good idea.

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news if there is any.

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride anytime 1 hour or more prior to the start of the ride.

CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the ride at 413-461-7433.

Don’t txt if you need an immediate response, all txt msgs go to our email that we aren’t checking if we’re in front of people at the ride or on our bikes.

Riding Rules

All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. RSVP’ing to this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.

Waiver

We require a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.

Proper bike & Equipment

• For the mountain bike ride: hardtail or dual suspension bikes are all fine. The mountain bike ride is cross country in nature meaning it’s not overly technical. 2.25” tires or bigger are adequate.

• For the gravel bike ride: watch for details. Typically, we ride 40mm tires or bigger on gravel, but the route may be smooth enough gravel for 35mm or bigger to be adequate. We’ll let you know what to expect!

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. Since we are riding near to each other on the road, platform pedals don’t offer necessary bike control for this kind of riding. Platform are fine for mtb riding if you’re used to using these.

• A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. Ubers are unlikely out here, be sure to come very well prepared so any mechanical can be fixed on the route. Bring all of the usual gravel-ride supplies, extra tubes, air, tools, spare derailleur hanger if your bike needs one (these are specific to your model bike, no one will have an extra for you).

• Our Super Domestique rides with a Garmin InReach so that the world can be contacted in case of being away from cell service.

• You are responsible for you and your bike.

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

Please mention in your RSVP if you’re thinking about camping and/or participating in the group BBQ so we have numbers and a general idea of how many to expect.

Please RSVP only after you’ve made sure you can attend. It is inconsiderate to RSVP prior to committing to attending since it affects the experience of the other cyclists in attendance. We understand that things come up last-minute. Be sure to email us if you can’t attend: connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.