Maine Gravel Adventure Ride
Location: Start and end in Cumberland, Maine
Ride Type: Gravel ride with both dirt and paved roads, possibly a few added trail sections for extra fun, nothing crazy
Date & Time: Sunday, June 14, 9am
Distance: ~55 miles
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: Start and end near Mighty Squirrel in Waltham, MA
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Ride for gravel, mountain & fat bikes
Date & Time: Friday, June 5
Distance: ~15mi
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.
Saturday Morning Mixed Terrain Ride
Location: Start and end near Bedford, MA
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain
Date & Time: Saturday, June 6
Distance: 50 miles
Location: Start and end near Bedford, MA
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain ride for gravel bikes or bikes with 40mm tires and bigger
Date & Time: Saturday, June 6
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 mixed-terrain ride leads cyclists to many back roads, plenty of dirt paths and trails for a total of 100km.
Pace: endurance zone 2-3 for most cyclists - if you can average 15/16mph on a road bike on a paved road for 2+ hours, you’ll be fit enough for this ride. The pace on a mixed terrain ride is much slower than a road ride so expect the ride to take 6+ hours to complete.
Distance
The ride is 50 miles in length.
Parking
In the large parking lot for offices just across from Revolution Hall:
3 Maguire Rd, Lexington, MA 02421
Link to the parking lot & where to actually park: PIN
Route
The route will be emailed to all who RSVP no later than 7pm the night before this ride.
Estimated Ride Time
~5-6 hours depending on lengths of stops at resupply and riding speed
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, plenty of 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! There will be a few spots you’ll wish you had your mountain bike, but most is doable on 40mm tires. No one is ever guilted if slower through a technical section or walking, it’s all good!
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
40mm knobby tires minimum. Wider tires are nicer! Ideal: 40mm or wider. We expect to see gravel bikes, hardtail mountain bikes, and fat bikes on this ride. Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. Do NOT ride road tires since you’ll be flatting out there.
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 on a mixed terrain ride like this one.
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 Endurance Mountain Bike Ride
Location: Start and end at Wompatuck
Ride Type: Mountain Bike Ride
Date & Time: Sunday, June 7 at 9am
Distance: 10-40 miles
Location: Start and end in Wompatuck, MA
Ride Type: Trails on Mountain Bikes or fat bikes
Date & Time: Sunday, June 7
Distance: As long as you want to ride! Options: 10-40 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 is the ride you need it to be for YOU. We’re starting the ride at 9am and riding, riding, riding at Wompatuck! We’re following the Landmine Classic route which stays in Wompatuck and this is a fairly technical, rough mountain bike ride. Ride until you don’t want to ride any longer, it’s not far or hard to get back to your car. Some people are training for endurance mountain bike events so will be interested in riding longer than others.
Pace
If you can maintain a 14mph average pace on the road (on a road bike) for 2+ hours, you have the fitness you need for this ride. This ride’s pace will be much much less than this since it’s a mountain bike ride. We’ll regroup periodically and not drop anyone.
Start Time
8:55am - Be ready to ride!
9:00am - Safety talk starts, then everyone rolls out
Distance & Estimated Ride Time
The ride is as long as you want to go. 10 miles all the way to 40 miles!
Time: this is up to you. You stop riding when you want to stop riding. We’re out there for the day so start with us then end when it’s time for you to be done.
Parking
Parking is free and ample at the parking lot, we’ll share the exact location with all who RSVP by 7pm the night before the ride.
Route
The route will be emailed to all who RSVP no later than 7pm the night before the ride.
After the Ride
Anyone who wants to hang out and talk about bikes after the ride is welcome to do so. Since everyone is finishing at a different time, we suggest bringing food and drink to enjoy post-ride for when you finish.
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
2.25” knobby tires OR BIGGER. Wider tires are nicer! This is a rougher mountain bike area.
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. We recommend about 80% of maximum rated tire pressure. Sometimes this is much too high, 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 Gravel & Gear: Day Ride & Bikepacking Options!
Location: Sturbridge, MA
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Bike Packing
Date & Time: Friday evening & Saturday June 19 & 20
Distance: various options
Price: $40 & $0 for just the ride - for NEER members only
Riders enjoy time sitting around a fire after a long day of great riding!
Location: Starts in Sturbridge, MA - Friday night for bikepackers and Saturday ride for those who want to come for the ride
Route: Bikepacking, mixed terrain, plenty of dirt under your tires
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain
Date & Time: Friday night & Saturday, 19-20 June 2026
Distance: ~5 miles Friday evening to get to camp, long and short route options for Saturday (the long route can be cut shorter for the short ride option)
Price: $40 per person for bikepacking. 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 bikepacking option is likely to fill up. No charge for those who come for the day of riding.
Non-Riding family/friend option! See details below.
Description: The NEER Gravel and Gear is a great day ride and it’s combined with bikepacking for those who want to camp, test their gear, enjoy spending a nice Friday evening with other nice cyclists at camp prior to getting up the next day and having a full day on the bike. The pressure is not on Friday since getting to the campground is relaxed and very few miles from where everyone parks. If someone wants to camp but isn’t “there” yet with bikepacking gear, there is room at the campground for a couple of cars though we want to encourage everyone to load your bikes and jump in head-first on the bikepacking front!
This is a new route, we’ve never run this route before and it’s in an area where there’s not a lot of riding so you’ll see new places.
This is a great way to test your bikepacking setup, enjoy camping with others of similar cycling interests, and share the experience with your friends.
Enjoy ~50-100km of gravel riding on Saturday
This is not a catered trip, we’re not bringing stuff to camp for anyone but we do have the basics for fire starting and boiling water which you’re welcome to use.
We’re providing knowledge and ideas, ask questions and we’ll get you answers.
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.
Photo from a warm bikepacking trip fire and post-ride feasting/post-ride food coma Saturday night.
Route Information
Distance: Friday: short ride from your car/commuter lot to campground, Saturday: 100km route & shorter option available
Territory: Sturbridge, MA start/end
Gear Packing Options: You must bring your stuff on your bike BUT there is parking at the campground if you want to drive and bring your camp gear.
When:
19 & 20 June 2026. Friday evening and Saturday. You’ll be home Saturday evening. Note Juneteenth is June 19 and Father’s Day is on Sunday, June 21.
Friday night riders meet up at the parking lot (details will be shared with all who RSVP)
Where we start & Where we Camp:
The ride start is in Sturbridge, MA. There’s a commuter parking lot for your car to stay overnight. The parking lot is lit all night.
Riders who would like to come for the ride on Saturday will get specific directions as to where to park and where to ride so as to meet up at the start. You’ll get a start time so as to meet up with the bike packers before 9am.
Bikepackers will ride with their bikes loaded with their stuff on Saturday so as to test out their loading and setups, etc.
9am - Full group rollout from the campground for both the bikepackers and the day riders
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, etc. And everyone wants to have a fun day on the bike on a nice Friday afternoon - Saturday in June!
Registration:
For the bikepacking trip, please Register at the NEER store!
For the Saturday gravel-ride option only (no camping or bikepacking component), please RSVP on our usual RSVP Page.
Questions?Email us at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com
Who can do the NEER Gravel and Gear 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. There are no time cut offs, you’re welcome to take your time. As much as possible, we want people to ride together. However, when everyone has a loaded bike, people tend to get spread out on the route. Come prepared to ride alone and if it turns out that you get to ride with people, great! If you prefer to ride alone, no one will take it personally.
All who register to participate in this ride will receive the following pre-ride:
Equipment Checklist: This is a comprehensive list of what NEER recommends for participants to have on bike and body. It also includes a list of items we find useful on self-supported multi-day rides for your knowledge and you’re welcome to add whatever you wish for this ride.
Logistics, Route & Route Notes by 7pm Thursday, June 18: You’ll understand how the ride is being run, where you’re headed, where to be when. We’ll email everyone a week ahead with more details so no one will be in the dark the week of the ride.
Waiver: This ride is being insured by NEER’s insurance. Your NEER waiver covers your participation on this ride.
All details subject to change, all who register will receive every communication by email.
Ride with Your Friend Group or with the NEER Super Domestique
We’re happy if you and your friends want to ride together. There’s no need to ride with anyone specifically. NEER has a Super Domestique who will ride with a group who is riding at a moderate pace which translates from 16mph road riding to loaded bike meaning the average for this group will likely be 12ish mph.
Solo Riders
Solo riders must have their own GPS navigation device with backup battery to charge the unit if necessary.
Ride as fast or slow as you wish, it’s a little nicer if you’re a solo rider to head out earlier before everyone else so that you see others during the day and it’s a .
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 throughout the day for the safety and convenience this offers. This will take a little more battery life from your cell phone, so a backup battery is essential.
Non-Riding Significant Other Camping Option / Bringing your Family
Please let us know if you’ll have someone meeting you at camp. We have very limited space for bikepackers so while we love to extend this option on our bikepacking trips usually, it might not be possible for this one.
Contact Information - Call 413-461-7433 if it’s urgent
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 38mm 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!
Trail Mix Gravel Ride Middle Massachusetts - 100 km & 50 km
Location: Phillipston, MA
Ride Type: Gravel/Mixed Terrain Event Ride
Date & Time: Saturday, May 16
Distance: 32 mi & 100km options
Location: Start and end at Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, MA
Ride Type: Gravel & mixed terrain ride for your gravel, adventure, or mountain bike (any bike with 35mm or wider tires)
Date & Time: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Distance: 32 miles or 100 km options offered
Our 150-mile Extra Salty Trail Mix is happening Saturday, May 9, not on the same day as this event.
All are welcome if you’ve got the basics on bike and gear requirements covered. Your pace is your choice.
Theme: Enjoy a great day of gravel riding for the 100km riders.
Price: 100km: $75 if registered before May 1, $95 after this. Don’t wait until the last minute to register, it may fill up and we don’t want to turn anyone away.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, May 13 at 11:59pm. No exceptions.
Register at BikeReg.com
Details
We are hosting a really fun day of gravel and mixed terrain riding in the middle of Massachusetts, out of the really nice Red Apple Farm. Red Apple has opened their arms to our rides since the start of the pandemic and they bend over backwards to help us all be comfortable while on their property. Their food is tasty and there’s a big selection of food and drinks including wood fired pizza and tasty brews; their animals are friendly and welcoming too!
This is a great opportunity to get your riding friends together, spend the day on a dirt adventure, enjoy each other’s company, and simply enjoy a nice day out on the bike in an area you probably don’t ride much/at all!
There are options for riders so you get what you want and have a really fun, full day on and off the bike! Here are the basics:
Start with tasty coffee we’ve brewed for you at the start.
Parking is free and ample at the farm. There is water and bathrooms at the start as well. Riders have the farm to ourselves first thing in the morning at Red Apple.
Ride a well-vetted gravel route with your friends, a group of people who have similar speed aspirations for the day as you or ride solo.
Ride in an area without much traffic and where you're probably not riding otherwise.
Finish the ride with tasty, wholesome freshly made warm food, friends, and quality relaxation time. Food and drink are on your own at the end of the ride at Red Apple. This allows you to get what you want and if you would like to bring your own food, that’s fine. This keeps the price of the ride down, you get to eat and drink what you want, and still get a great social atmosphere post-ride. All good things!
Red Apple will be open until 9pm so all riders will be in well before the farm and food closes. Assuming it’s a nice day out, there are picnic tables outside, also plenty of tables inside.
There is no on-bike mechanical support. We're starting riders off with gaps so that slower riders will be passed by faster riders at some point and will allow more overlap which offers visibility for riders throughout the ride. Riders are expected to bring all tools necessary for mechanical situations. Keep reading for recommendations of what to bring with you.
This ride runs rain or shine.
If dangerous weather or forces out of our control cancel the event, we will give you a credit of some portion of your registration toward a future event that we run.
This is a low-budget yet very nicely put together event. We want to offer you a great day on the bike, high quality calories, and it’s a really fun way to start the gravel season. Note that NEER members get some $ off registration based on membership level, so if you become a NEER member prior to May 1, this offers you maximum value.
Refunds: if you tell us 5 or more days in advance that you can’t make it, we’ll give you a credit of 50% of your registration toward one of our future events. Otherwise, you’re welcome to transfer your registration to another rider prior to when registration closes for no additional charge via BikeReg’s rider transfer functionality.
Connect with your gravel riding friends! Make new friends for the season!!
Want to ride with your Friend Group or Ride Solo? Options abound!
Get your friends together and you get your own departure time. You’ll tell us when you register when you want to depart and who you want to ride with. You and your friends can stick together and enjoy this as a group. Or if you want to ride solo, that’s fine too.
Otherwise, we’re assembling groups to ride together based on the pace you sign up for.
Everyone who registers will receive an email by 7pm Thursday, May 14, 2024 (two nights before the ride) with route information and exact start time information along with parking instructions and more.
What You Get
Good communication and group organization, a way to ride in a neat area with others without being alone, having a quality social aspect to riding before and after the ride, know you’re supporting a sweet local farm that offers a comfortable experience!
A well-vetted route.
An opportunity to ride your bike on dirt roads, trails, and random back paved and broken roads.
Any bike that meets minimum tire size requirements (and is safe/tuned up!) is welcome at this ride.
The chance to share the day with your friend group, or ride with a group of people we match up based on expected pace, or ride solo without feeling alone.
No clock: this is not a race, it’s an opportunity to enjoy riding your bike, getting back to gravel and mixed terrain after a long winter. Take the time you want to out there, ride as fast or slow as you wish on the 100km route. Yes, this is a perk of the day. FUN is the idea. There are plenty of great events that have a clock happening this year. This isn’t one of them. We do expect the 150-mile riders to average a bare minimum of 10mph (including stops) only because we want you to get in before sunset!
Post-ride, a happy participant chats with Mary McConneloug on right, 2-time Olympian at our Brutiful Cape ride that happens in the autumn. You never know who you’ll find out at our rides either riding or working!
Get your Friends Together to Ride Together!
We’re offering a separate rollout time for all friend groups so you can start together and stay together. Get your friends together and when you register, tell us their names. Your start time will not be more than 30 minutes different from the start time for the category you register for unless you request a different time.
If you don’t have friends who want to do the ride, that’s fine, we will get riders of similar paces to ride together or you’re welcome to ride solo. We prefer to start solo riders nice and early so you’re seeing others throughout the day and not the last rider out there.
Start Time Requests if different from the category start time
We’re happy to accommodate anyone’s start time requests unless it looks like it’ll get you back too early or too late (meaning you’d miss food or a welcoming committee) so please tell us your requests in your registration information. If you’re riding with a friend group and you request a specific time, we’ll assume everyone in your group is on board with the EARLIEST time requested.
Pace
If you choose to ride with a group of friends you or someone puts together, ride the pace your group prefers! We offer a start time for your group so that you can start separately and stay together.
If you’re riding solo, you’re welcome to ride the pace you want as long as you have time to complete the route before the sunsets (that’s pretty late for the distances of these rides). If you’re wondering about your pace and timing, email us.
If you select to ride with a group of people we assemble, then hopefully those who we match you with are around the same pace. There’s always a risk of the group being a little faster or slower than how you want to ride so come with the route loaded and be prepared. Our rides typically attract people in this category who want to ride with others so people will alter their pace a little to appease others in the group so as to have a pleasant group experience.
Speed Definitions, for those opting in to a group we assemble for this ride
Your pace will be well below these on a longer gravel/mixed terrain ride, but use this as a gauge as to who you are likely to enjoy riding with!
Fun: You usually average ~13-14mph on a road bike, on a paved road ride of 30 miles in length with the usual hilly terrain we find in New England.
Fun Plus : You usually average 15-16mph on a road bike, on a paved road ride of 30 miles in length with the usual hilly terrain we find in New England.
Moderate: You usually average 17mph on a road bike, on a paved road ride of 30 miles in length with the usual hilly terrain we find in New England.
Moderate-Fast: You usually average 18-19mph on a road bike, on a paved road ride of 30 miles in length with the usual hilly terrain we find in New England.
Fast: You usually average 20+mph on a road bike, on a paved road ride of 30 miles in length with the usual hilly terrain we find in New England.
Start Time
Start times that you see when you register are all approximate. We will roll out groups of friends, groups we assemble, and solo riders separately. You'll get an email with exact rollout times by 7pm Thursday prior to the ride.
We expect all riders to be done riding before sunset. People should arrive hours before this time.
Distances: 32 miles and 100km
32-mile riders will be given ride food at the start of the ride since they won’t see the the supported food stop along the route.
In the past, we’ve run a 150-mile ride on the same day as these distance options. This year, the 150 mile Extra Salty Trail Mix is happening May 9. See its Ride Page for details if you’d prefer this distance. It will be run a little differently than this ride.
Parking
Parking is in a large dirt lot that is free of charge. It’s a very short ride or ~4-minute walk to the bathrooms/starting area/Brew Barn from where you’ll park. It is very important not to park where Red Apple day visitors park. We send detailed instructions to get into the proper parking lot.
Toilets
Indoor bathrooms are open for all riders. We’ll be set up near these so it’s easy to access them and the person who is organizing the starting groups for roll-out.
Your pre-ride instructions will include specifics as to exactly where to find the toilets and the start location.
Route & Route Notes
The route and detailed instructions will be emailed to all who register no later than 7pm Thursday evening prior to the ride.
Route notes and special things to watch for or to expect are included in the email to riders. We never have you do anything we wouldn’t do ourselves!
We never seek out gratuitous climbs. However, since we’re in central Massachusetts, there will be plenty of climbs and descents, for that matter. Climb at your own pace and hills aren’t as bad!
Elevation: It’s approximately 6,200 ft of elevation gained over the 100km route.
Food & Water During the Ride
We’ll tell you all about this prior to the ride. We have a support person working a food stop mid-ride for the 100km riders. We provide a variety of tasty foods at this location as well as water to refill your bottles. The 100km riders will see the support person once mid-ride.
After the Ride
Enjoy food at the farm, ice cream, drinks on tap, and more. Red Apple has plenty of tables for hanging out together and the farm animals are right there, too. It’s a wonderful atmosphere for spending good time together!
Red Apple has been wonderful to work with throughout the years and they’re really welcoming. We charge less for this ride so that you can purchase what you want from them. They also have a farm store we suggest you check out while you’re there. We want to support their business as much as we can by way of this ride! A lot of the food we provide to you mid-ride is purchased from Red Apple.
FOOD & Drinks Post-Ride
Check out the Red Apple Menu. There is also brick-oven wood-fired PIZZA! (These are two separate businesses at the farm, you can order from your ride and food will be ready for you when you arrive!)
What happens if it’s rainy?
This ride will happen rain or shine. Yes, it’s possible to have a great day out there regardless of rain.
The roads and trails won’t be affected by rain or tires rolling through on them except for possibly adding more puddles for riders to avoid. We aren’t riding sensitive trails or areas where it would be irresponsible for bikes to go when it’s wet.
Last-Minute Information
We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news via BikeReg.com so make sure you get communications from BikeReg!
Everyone will receive complete ride details before 7pm Thursday evening prior to the ride to their email. If you do not receive an email by 7pm Thursday, please email us so we know you haven’t gotten information. Please do not email prior to 7pm Thursday wondering where your information is because we probably haven’t sent anything to anyone yet and your email will just slow down our ability to release information to everyone.
Contact Information
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.
Waiver
The insurance for this ride requires a signed waiver. This will be shared with all who register to sign electronically. Please sign this electronically so we don’t have to fuss with it prior to the ride.
Day-of Registrations and Last-Minute Favors
We would have to charge a lot more for this ride if we needed to pay more people to staff this ride. Therefore, check-in has to be manageable for a single person. Please do not email a few hours before the ride asking for special favors or show up at the ride expecting to ride. It’s not fair to everyone else who registered ahead of time and have followed the rules. If you have a special circumstance, email at least 48 hours before the ride and we’ll work with you.
Proper bike & Equipment
A gravel bike is ideal, though a mountain bike, fat bike or even road bike with 35mm tires or wider is fine if you know you’ll be able to keep the pace you’re signing up for with that bike. Riders with tires on the narrower side will want to ride slower in spots. Ride what you’re comfortable with. You know your skill level and what you’re capable of. Either flat pedals or mountain-style clipless pedals (like Shimano SPD, for instance) should be used, no road pedals/shoes.
Required: A GPS computer with the route loaded ahead of time
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.
Required: All of the tools for typical mechanicals such as:
Flat fix tools and at least TWO spare tubes (yes, even if you’re running tubeless tires), air via CO2 canisters or hand pump, multi-tool
Very nice to have: Extra chain link, chain breaker, chain pliers
Nice to have: Change of socks if it’s a rainy/wet day
Spare derailleur hanger if your bike needs a spare
Extra clothes and storage capacity so adding/taking off layers is easy
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)
Extra battery and cords so you can plug in your GPS computer and cell phone to charge them in case they need more juice.
Required: Two full water bottles at the start of the ride
Front and rear lights if there is any chance you’ll be riding in the dark or in inclement conditions. Visibility is always a good thing for safety regardless.
Nice to have: Extra calories in your pockets
Change of clothes to wear after the ride so you’re comfy!
Maneha 150 Bikepacking Weekend
Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, 2 & 3 May 2026
Location: Ayer, MA -> Hancock, NH & back - take the train from Boston!
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Bike Packing
Distance: 150 miles over two days
Price: $95
Maneha riders at camp in NH.
Location: Starts in Ayer, MA, Ride to and camp in NH, then return the following day
Route: Bikepacking, mixed terrain, plenty of dirt under your tires
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain
Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, 2-3 May 2026
Distance: 82 miles Saturday, 74 miles Sunday = ~156 miles over two days
Price: $95 until sites fill up. Once the campground is full, we can’t take more people
MUST BE A NEER MEMBER to participate in the riding portion since NEER membership insurance covers this ride. This helps keep ride costs reasonable. Become a NEER member today for all of the benefits membership offers for a full year.
No late registrations will be accepted. This ride is likely to fill up. If there aren’t spots left at camp, we can’t accept further registrations.
Non-Riding family/friend option! See details below.
Description: The Maneha is a two-day and one-night event that covers ~150-miles of diverse terrain in New England. This ride is equal parts challenge and fun. The event is part bikepacking and part adventure ride.
It’s early season and the best time to start bikepacking. We’ll be spending April hosting training rides and clinics so everyone is ready when it’s time for this ride!
We’ve got a really fun route together, this is real bikepacking, nothing crazy technical, but a nice mix of terrain. There are a lot of enjoyable dirt roads and trails for both days.
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.
Enjoy ~150 miles of mixed-terrain riding over two days
Arrive to the start easily from Boston or Porter, Belmont, Waltham, Lincoln or Concord via the commuter train for the 9am departure (a $10 weekend pass pays for you and your bike!)
We’re providing campfire and campfire treats
You’re staying at a campground (there’s no wild camping in this part of NH) so enjoy their showers, bathrooms, arcade, pool, camp store, etc.
You’re bringing camp food you want to enjoy at camp, and breakfast to enjoy around the campfire, cooked with your camp stove or water you boil using the fire.
There is a nice market close to camp so it’s easy to buy your dinner and breakfast if you don’t want to bring these foods with you. They have prepared foods there also.
Self-sufficiency is important! We are not providing 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 as soon as you register!
Photo from a warm 2017 Maneha fire and post-ride feasting/post-ride food coma Saturday night.
This is the ride that started it all. First scouted in 2010, the Maneha has evolved over the years and has brought a terrific bikepacking experience to riders of all backgrounds and experience levels together and to cool places.
This ride is equal parts challenge and fun.
See Photos from the last Maneha bikepacking trip!
Warning
The Maneha 150 is a serious ride. Sign up and participate only if you truly respect the challenge, your body, the landscape, and your equipment. Your speed doesn’t matter! Your confidence does. Ask us if you’re nervous about any aspect so we can work with you to get you prepped and ready in advance!
It is FINE to ride your own pace and on your own. We prefer if you want to take your time that you start before the organized group or take a friend! We will worry about anyone who hasn’t shown up to camp at sunset and since we’re on our bikes, it’s not possible to go in search of someone in a car.
Overview
The Maneha 150 is a bikepacking endurance ride on a mixed-terrain route. We're riding everything from primitive 'goat trails' to good paved roads.
We’ve lightened up the rough riding so it’ll be more on the “gravel” end of the spectrum rather than mixed terrain or mtb. This will help your riding speed as well, it won’t take quite as long to get to camp though expect with the climbing and dirt roads, it will take hours still.
Route Information
Distance: About 150 miles. Probably around 82 miles on Saturday and 74 miles on Sunday. We’ll tell you the specifics of the route as we finalize the route. We’ve done a lot of scouting and riding in the areas you’ll be for Maneha so can confidently say you’ll be on at least 50% dirt (lots more time spent on dirt than pavement) and there will be ~75 ft/mile elevation gain on average. Sunday is an easier route back than Saturday.
Territory: Ranges from deep woods to town centers.
Riding Options: Two day, Saturday only, Sunday only - if you have a non-riding friend or loved one coming up to meet you, you’re welcome to ride one day up and get a ride home. We are not transporting anyone to the start or from the campsite back to the starting lot.
When:
2 & 3 May 2026. Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s Grand Depart happens between 7am and 9am.
Sunday’s ride back begins when riders want to get moving, no later than 10am.
Where:
The Grand Depart is in Ayer, MA. There’s a parking lot for your car to stay overnight in Ayer. This is at the commuter train lot, so it’ll be easy for all who take the train to the start.
We’re camping in a nice campground in Hancock, NH, then riding back to Ayer. The route is a loop, not an out-and-back so both days offer a variety of mixed terrain riding.
We have a whole section of the campground reserved for riders so there is privacy for our group and everyone will have a nice area to pitch a tent and relax. There is a group fire ring for a big fire and individual fire pits are available for everyone as well.
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 early in the summer?!
How:
Must be a NEER member, it’s worth being a NEER member for a full year of rides, at least 1 weekly email with good advice, tips, tricks, news of upcoming rides, discounts on event rides, gear and bikes & much, much more! Register at Bikereg.com.
Questions? Email us at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com
Who can do the Maneha 150?
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 in the Maneha 150. This is a difficult ride. Riding 75-miles of mixed-terrain feels about three times that amount of road riding. If your bike is loaded, it feels even further. There are no time cut offs, you’re welcome to take your time. We do want you to be in to the campsite before sunset which is around 7:45pm.
All who register to participate in this ride will receive the following pre-ride:
Equipment Checklist: This is a comprehensive list of what NEER recommends for participants to have on bike and body. It also includes a list of items we find useful on self-supported multi-day rides for your knowledge and you’re welcome to add whatever you wish for this ride.
Logistics, Route & Route Notes by 7pm April 29: You’ll understand how the ride is being run, where you’re headed, where to be when.
This information will help you prepare your bike, mind, and spirit for the adventure ahead. It includes recommended food and rest stops along the route. The information also includes tips on how to navigate difficult trails.
Waiver: This ride is being insured by NEER. You’ll see a waiver to sign electronically before the ride, it will likely show up in your inbox.
All details subject to change, all who register will receive every communication by way of BikeReg.com email so be sure you’re receiving BikeReg.com emails.
"The staff did a remarkable job on a complex event. I can't wait until next year!" - C.B.
Ride with Your Friend Group
You can ride the Maneha 150 as a solo rider, with a team/self-organized friend group, or ride with a NEER leader who is riding at an “endurance” pace and will be the last group to depart. Both ways of participating are fantastic. Solo riders and slower groups will be sent off earlier so as to have as much cross-over with other riders throughout the day.
A Maneha team consists of as many riders as you want to assemble to take this on together.
The team must have at least two people with GPS units for navigation along with backup batteries for the GPS units.
The team members commit to riding together and finishing together.
Solo Riders
Solo riders must have their own GPS navigation device with backup battery to charge the unit if necessary.
Ride as fast or slow as you wish, we just want you to be at camp no later than 7:45pm.
We hope you’ll want to start earlier in the morning so as to have groups riding behind you, it’s safer and should something happen to your bike, it’s easier to have others somewhere near on the route.
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.
Camping
A Maneha rider sorts her stuff prior to rollout Sunday morning.
We’ll be staying at a nice campground in Hancock, NH. This campground has a big area for all of the Maneha riders to stay within close proximity of each other. It has nice facilities and plenty of space for our group.
There is a salt-water pool for swimming if you’d like to take a dip! Bring your swimsuit if you want to use the pool. There are nice bathroom and shower facilities and an indoor recreation area near where we’ll be camping so it’s really comfortable.
Non-Riding Significant Other Camping Option / Bringing your Family
Your non-riding spouse or significant other is welcome to join you for the weekend at the campsite. This option is found within the BikeReg.com registration and is priced to assume you both will share a tent. If you’d like this to be a bigger family affair (that necessitates more than 1 campsite), we’ll ask you to make a reservation with the campground on your own.
Each campsite is big enough for 6 people and two tents.
We’ll credit you for the campsite space you won’t be occupying. Email us separately if this applies to you and we’ll figure it out.
The Meaning of "Maneha 150"
Maneha: [ˈmä-nāʹ-jə] An abbreviation of the two states through which the route meanders: Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
150: The total route distance in miles; about 75 miles on Saturday and about 75 miles on Sunday.
Parking
Parking is at a commuter lot in Ayer. Overnight parking is fine and it’s a covered parking garage and uncovered lot space as well. It’s $8 to park for the full weekend.
Sunday After the Ride back in Ayer
We’re expecting riders to arrive back at their cars at various times. Most people will be tired from the long weekend and just want to get home. It’s nice to have a welcoming committee, but don’t expect one.
Everyone who registers for this ride automatically receives train schedules for Saturday and Sunday so you can see when the trains back to Boston depart. In the past, there has been a 5pm and 7pm train. One of these should work for everyone. The return ride will take less time than the ride up since it’s a little more downhill than up on Sunday.
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 35mm 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 1 GPS computer. Friend groups should plan to ride together both days.
Required: Backup battery to charge GPS computer and phone during the ride. (There is electricity to recharge things at camp, bring wall outlets for your charging cables!)
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 such as:
Flat fix tools and at least TWO spare tubes (yes, even if you’re running tubeless tires), air via hand pump, multi-tool
Very nice to have: Extra chain link, chain breaker, chain pliers, Spare derailleur hanger if your bike needs a spare
Extra clothes for riding and for camp along with storage capacity on your body/bike so adding/taking off layers is easy
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)
Required: Two full water bottles/other vessel with at least this much water at the start of the ride
Required: Front and rear lights, 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.
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!
Nice to have: Camp chair that you carry on your bike up to camp! There are spaces to sit at camp, but camp chairs are more comfy.
FOOD: Dinner and breakfast are foods you bring with you or buy at a store not far from camp. Pre-ride instructions will tell you about a market not far from camp so you don’t have to bring these meals with you if you don’t want, but you will want either a backpack or extra room in your bags to carry groceries to the campground!
Nutrition for Cyclists: a Road Map to Cycling Performance
Thursday, April 30, 7pm-9pm - Livestream session! Recording will be shared with all who register whether or not you attend.
An incredibly informative conversation with Kristen Arnold MS, sports dietitian who works for pro team EF Education–EasyPost, is a cycling coach, retired professional athlete, and team sport director.
This is a 90-minute presentation + 30 minutes Q&A.
$25 per person
Thursday, April 30 7pm-9pm EST
Livestream via Zoom
Join us for an incredibly informative conversation with Kristen Arnold MS, RDN, CSSD is a board-certified sports dietitian who works with pro teams such as EF Education–EasyPost, she is a cycling coach, retired professional athlete, and pro team sport director.
Kristen Arnold MS RDN, CSSD
Instagram: @sportsnutritionforwomen
website: https://sportsnutritionforwomen.com/
This sports nutrition talk dives into practical, science-backed fueling strategies to help you unlock stronger performances, faster recovery, optimized overall health, and consistent daily energy.
We are paying Kristen for her insights. In no way is this an advertisement for any particular brand of sports products or her or affiliated services. You’re getting special access to information that is difficult to get otherwise.
What blood tests should you get done at your annual physical exam? What additional testing should you get done and where in terms of blood testing and performance testing that will be useful to helpf you reach your cycling goals?
This session unpacks the latest research on how to fuel effectively around training, events, and throughout the day so you can get more out of every ride. She will emphasize the longer rides, hardest days, biggest events since these are when riders find the limits of the usual nutritional guidelines.
Highlights Include:
Energy availability
Foundational nutrition needs
Fueling for performance
Gut health
What blood tests to get from your doc/other sources
Performance testing that shows you what you need nutritionally
How to eat for endurance events and races & ultra endurance events too
How to eliminate cramps during and after hard rides
Get your specific questions answered
Kristen will discuss how to individualize your approach based on ride duration, intensity, and personal tolerance, taking the guesswork out of what and when to eat.
You’ll leave with clear, actionable strategies you can immediately apply to daily life, training, and race day to ride stronger and feel better doing it.
You’ll get your questions answered during this session. You want to know everything from how to fuel your training rides to avoiding gut rot on the Unbound 200 race. You suffer from cramps when you ride or are haunted by them hours later. How much protein should you be taking in on ultra endurance events? Exactly how many carbs per hour need to be getting ingested and how does this change with the level of intensity? She has a 90-minute presentation prepared (much of it based on your questions) and the last 30 minutes will be all Q&A time.
Kristen will address all of your burning questions with insights she’s gained throughout her career, all backed by thorough study of the research and hands-on experience with her professional athletes.
The insights Kristen will share are applicable to men and women. She has the additional level of expertise to specifically look at studies with female athletes offering her even deeper knowledge of athletes needs and their differences.
Kristen has been practicing sports dietetics since 2015 in her private practice, sportsnutritionforwomen.com where she and her team work with recreational to professional athletes and teams. Her practice is centered around empowering women through evidence-based sports nutrition coaching and information. She has worked with hundreds of athletes and teams from recreational fitness enthusiasts to Olympians, both men and women.
Currently Kristen is a Team Nutritionist for EF Pro Cycling, world tour cycling teams, and a sports RD for Eternal Co, healthcare for athletes company.
Register Now!
EVERYONE who registers will be emailed a link to join the session and will receive a full recording of the session. Register if you aren’t able to attend to receive a full recording (and have the opportunity to submit questions ahead of time). The full session will only be available to those who register. The recording will be available later for a higher cost (because it takes admin time to share it with those who want access to the information later).
Watch this incredibly informative presentation by Kristen Arnold MS, RDN, CSSD who is a board-certified sports dietitian, cycling coach, retired professional athlete, and team sport director.
Date: Thursday, April 30 at 7:00pm EST
You will receive connection information to the Zoom call via email once we confirm your order (during the next business day). If you can’t attend: You and all who register will receive a recording of the session for replay at your leisure & you can submit your questions ahead of time to be answered during the session so it’s okay if you can’t be there to watch it live.
Mixed Terrain Night Rides!
Location: Start and end Revolution Hall
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Ride for gravel bikes
Date & Time: Thursdays: June 18, July 2
Distance: ~15mi
Location: Revolution Hall near Bedford, MA
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Ride for gravel, mountain & fat bikes
Date & Time: 7pm start times, dates: Thursday, Thursday, June 18, Thursday, July 2
Distance: ~15 miles, no more than 2 hours of riding (trying to keep it closer to 90 minutes)
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, we discuss how we manage this before the ride starts.
There are some easy-to-ride boardwalks on the route, it’s pretty well ridden so not hard to navigate when the sun is gone.
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
~15 miles
Parking
Address for your GPS: 10 Maguire Rd, Lexington, MA 02421
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.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40871313
Start time, Estimated Ride Time
Start: 7pm, be ready to roll by 6:55pm
Ride time: Aiming for 90 minutes, possibly a few minutes beyond this depending the pace of the group and if there are mechanicals.
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 first.
After the Ride
Some riders will enjoy post-ride food and drink at Revolution Hall. 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
35mm 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.