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.
