New Hampshire! Thursday, January 8 - Fat Bike Night Ride
Location: Near Bedford, MA
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Ride for gravel, mountain & fat bikes
Distance: ~15 miles
Location/start time: Newfields, NH, 6:00pm
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Ride for fat bikes
Distance: ~16 miles, 90mins-2 hours of riding (will cut shorter if time will go over)
Price: Free and membership is not required if this is your first NEER ride; 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 an ideal route for the expected conditions. If the snow is soft, this route will be rideable still and it’s easy to cut it short if time goes long. There is dirt trail under most of the snow and ice. Be sure to ride studded fat tires (3.8” tires or bigger) as the conditions are appropriate for this amount of float over the snow.
Everyone will ride together at a good pace to stay warm, but we will not be riding fast, just moderate to stay warm and keep things safe.
Distance
16 miles
Parking
Address for your GPS:
85 Old Rte 108, Newfields, NH 03856
Pin of the exact spot to park in the large parking lot:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5FpYRvYUeDu4hvfN9
Route
We will email all who RSVP no later than 3pm the day of the ride with the route. If there are any modifications to the plan, we’ll email all who RSVP with information so be sure to check your email the day of the ride!
Start time, Estimated Ride Time
Start: 6pm, be ready to roll by 5:55pm
Ride time: 1.5-2 hours depending on trail conditions
Route Notes
There are no bathrooms or services at the start or along the route.
We discuss these with you prior to rollout.
After the Ride
We will have hot chocolates for all who attend at the end of the ride so plan to hang out in the parking lot after the ride (bring an extra hat and gloves) to be comfortable. This is a great time to hang out and talk about winter riding and meet others who live in this general area in NH who are winter cyclists!!
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
3.8” knobby, studded tires minimum. Wider tires are nicer!
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 1.5-2 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 that is not so bright and has a steady mode (non-blinking).
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.
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, a tube, a hand pump, things to fix tubeless flats if you run tubeless, 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.
Sun., Jan 11 - Plymouth, MA Fat Adventure Ride with Waffles!
Location: Plymouth, MA
Ride Type: Fat Bike Ride
Date & Time: Sunday, January 11, 9am
Distance: 4-6 hours riding
Location: Plymouth, MA
Ride Type: Beaches, trails, connecting roads all for fat bikes & a chance to shake down your winter fat bike with stuff on it setup!
Date & Time: Sunday, January 11
Distance: ~4-6 hours
Special details: We’re starting at the 3 Waves B&B and all get healthy/tasty waffles with real maple syrup & local, fresh coffee before the ride!
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
Special for this ride: we’re starting at the 3 Waves B&B and all get healthy/tasty waffles with real maple syrup & local, fresh coffee before the ride! Feel free to RSVP for the breakfast-only portion if you’re not a fat bike rider or up for this length of ride.
About the ride: This is a fat bike wonder ride on different terrain! Plymouth beaches and trails are a blast to ride! The route will include both for a varied experience. There will be some roads connecting the beaches and trails. We’re making the route an expected 4-6 hr ride time length. If you have time constraints, please let us know. Will try to include a short route version in case it goes long and you need to get back earlier.
With the recent weather, we have to assume there is ice on the trails so please bring your studded-tire fat bike.
Pace
Moderate endurance, some riders will have loaded fat bikes so they’ll be moving more slowly. If you’re a faster rider, you’re welcome to ride ahead or circle back. Beaches are always fun for all, go at your own pace!
Start Time
If you want breakfast pre-ride, that starts at 8am. We’ll plan on starting the ride between 9 and 9:30am (if food runs a little long, we won’t be militant about a prompt rollout at 9am).
Be ready to roll at 9am (and be flexible if rollout is a little after 9).
Just an FYI: Low tide is at 11:15am.
Parking
Will start at the 3 Waves B&B. All who RSVP will be given specific parking directions, will park at the B&B, there is space for all.
Route
We’ll share the route with all who RSVP via email 7pm the night before the ride.
Route Notes
Expect sand, sandy trails, could be prickly plants next to the trails (wear pants/long socks), it’s a long ride so bring lots of hydration and food. Refuel stops will be mentioned in the pre-ride email.
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
3.8” knobby, studded tires OR BIGGER. Wider tires are nicer! We’ll be on beaches so mountain bikes don’t have wide enough tires for these sections.
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. 8psi is usually max for fat tires, you’ll probably be happier somewhere around 6psi depending on the width of your tires and your weight.
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 & RSVP if you want to just come for waffles & coffee!
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.
First Snow Ride - 2025/2026
Location: Waltham
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Ride - Snowy trails & roads
Date & Time: The FIRST snowfall of the season!
Distance: ~10 miles
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Ride / Roads and snow-covered trails - over 80% of the ride is on dirt trails
Location: Waltham/Belmont. Exact location will be announced closer to when we expect the first snow to hit
Date & Time: Right after the first “official” snow hits!
Distance: ~10 miles, approx 2 hrs, condition-dependent
Price: Free, but you must be a NEER Member to attend (use this as your excuse to join up since we have a full year of awesome rides ahead!!!)
Please RSVP in the form below if you hope to join in on this ride. We’ll ask for a more definite RSVP once the “go time” becomes clearer
In 2017, we had a huge turnout for the first snow ride which hit early in the afternoon on a Saturday!
Important Ride Updates
Details: When the first snow comes to eastern Massachusetts, we ride in it regardless of the time of day or day of the week. This is our 11th year hosting this memorable and much-too-fun ride!
Starting/ending Location: The ride will begin in Belmont/Waltham. Exact location will be shared with all who RSVP.
Route: The route will be emailed to those who have registered if time permits. We’ll have at least one ride leader, possibly more, who will lead the way so it is not required for you to come with the route loaded.
Estimated time: ~2 hours
RSVP: Please RSVP below (at the very bottom of this page) so we know if you’re interested in this ride.
Required: Possibly studded tires. We will determine this based on conditions. You might as well get the studded tires on your bike now regardless of this possible requirement since they’ll be needed in the post-snow freeze/thaw cycle which brings ice.
New snow falling on the frozen ground will turn to ice. If the ground isn’t frozen, there won’t be ice yet.
Front and rear lights are required anytime we’re riding in hard-to-see conditions which includes falling snow and/or night.
Ride Notes: The pace is based on conditions. We don't ride too slowly because we'd get cold, we don't ride too fast because that wouldn't be safe with the snow. We will ride spaced out with a leader or two. Be sure to come prepared with the right bike & tires, and proper attire for the conditions and temperature.
The pace assumes riders who attend have adequate fitness to keep up on a 14mph avg road ride, if riders were on road bikes on a road ride. This is not that kind of a ride, of course, but that is the best way to describe the amount of fitness necessary to ensure you’ll have a good time.
Read on below, there is a lot to this ride and how it works. Be sure to understand it to be able to participate in it! KEEP READING - lots more information is further down this page.
Last Minute Information: We’ll send all who RSVP below an email - check your spam boxes and you’ll know if you’re getting our emails since we’ll email at least a day ahead to tell you where to go and further details.
Contact Information: Email - connect@rideheadquarters.com, Phone - (413)-461-7433 - we receive voicemails left at this phone number regardless of where we are.
Riding Rules
Everyone who chooses to participate in this ride must be comfortable with the protocols.
All of our Riding Rules apply. Read and digest them before the ride. All riders are expected to abide by these throughout the ride. All rules stated here on this page override any conflicting rules stated in our ride rule page.
Waiver: When you join NEER, you’ll sign a waiver that applies for the year. Only NEER members may participate in this ride.
First Snow Nitty Gritty Details
One of our favorite pastimes is riding in snowfall. You can hear the snow crunching under your tires. It’s such a quiet time; all sound is suppressed by the snowfall. No one is out on the roads and trails. The world feels primitive and peaceful.
The moment of the first snowfall is THE time to ride. We are leading a ride when this first snow hits!
We are ready. Are you?
Ride Synopsis
We are leading a ride that begins very soon (1-2 hours) after the first snow of the season begins. We define the first snow as having accumulation of approximately 1” of snow at “go” time, and the forecast must predict that it will snow for the duration of the ride. This means the prediction will need to be for 4+ hours of snow fall, at least.
We won’t be riding if the snow isn’t going to last for the duration of the ride.
Most important to note: GO time is decided with at least 1 hour of notice for you, more if possible. So be ready and keep checking your email for our updates to know when it will hit. We try to get ahead of notifying you when it sounds like it might be happening a day or two in advance, depending on the weather forecast.
The ride will be 90 minutes to 2 hours in length total. The distance of the route will take into account how hard the snow is falling & how fast the ride will be.
The route is mixed terrain. Expect to be on- and off-road, on trails and through woods with some back roads too.
The pace of the ride will be high enough to keep everyone working hard. This way, everyone stays warm. This doesn’t mean we’ll be moving fast considering studded tires and winter setups aren’t exactly fast. No one gets dropped.
Here’s How We Plan for the First Snow
Be flexible. We have no idea when it’s going to snow. It’s most common for snowfall to occur during the afternoon but it could be 2am or any other time. A mindset focused on the ride, rather than when the ride will occur, is helpful.
Be ready. Have a Snow Essentials Duffel packed and with you at all times – we provide some content hints below. Have your bike ready to go.
The Right Tires: Studded tires may be required for this ride. Once the first snow falls you will very likely want to be riding studs for the rest of the winter since ice will be much more likely with the freeze/thaw of winter temps during the day and amount of precipitation.
Headlight & Taillight: Whether we’re riding at 2pm or 2am, you have to have at least one headlight and taillight to join us. Snowfall makes it really difficult for drivers to see cyclists. A headlight and taillight will help a great deal with visibility for everyone. Make sure you charge those lights a few days in advance. If you’re looking to upgrade your lights, we stock very good lights and can bring them to you already charged!
First Snow History
Last year, 2024/2025, the first snow hit on December 20 at 7:30pm and we had a great ride and 7 people were able to make it out for the festivities + perfect snow.
In 2024, the first snow hit on January 6 late in the day, we started riding late in the evening in the dark of night in Cambridge and experienced a city asleep while we soaked up the atmosphere…and the melted snow that turned to slush.
In 2023, the first snow hit on the MLK holiday, later in January - a Monday morning! We had a fun, small group come out and we enjoyed the morning from Revival Cafe.
In 2021, there was no first snow! It came Friday, January 7 of 2022 and we started riding at 7:30am, in deep, rideable fluffy power. About 20 people joined in the festivities and enjoy hot cocoa at the big, red van afterward!
In 2020, we were out on December 17 in a big snowstorm with a ride that started at 10:30pm. We started from Sherborn so it was hard for people to drive to it. However, it was magical and in the heart of the pandemic, it felt normal and so full of good feelings and community. Sharing hot chocolate around a fire after the ride was special.
In 2019, we were out on December 1st in the early evening with 30+ people. This was the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
In 2018, we were out from 9:30-11:30pm on a weeknight in mid-November with over 40 riders.
In 2017, we were out riding at 1pm on a Saturday afternoon with over 40 riders.
2016 was an 8am Monday morning ride, the hardest time to find riders and quiet trails/roads of all - but we still did it!
2015 - This was our inaugural year. We were out riding with a “go” time of 3am. People came as far and wide as Jamaica Plain to join in the festivities!
Knowing When the Snowfall Ride Moment Arrives
We’re emailing everyone who RSVPs for the ride with timing and details and we’ll post frequently on Instagram as well.
This is the hashtag to use with all photos you post: #rscfirstsnow
Tricks for Riding in the Snow
Traction: Snow riding is all about traction. Four ways of maximizing traction are:
Apply steady horsepower to the pedals. This is a lot more difficult than it appears. If you’re riding at 70 hp on a snowy trail, a change of 10%, or 7 hp, is a lot – and can be the different between maintaining your line and losing traction entirely. Practice steady horsepower output.
Keep your bike upright, even while turning. The more you lean into a corner, the less traction you have. Most tires have less tread and fewer studs toward the sides of the tire. Don’t lean your bike too much. Riding upright keeps you upright.
Tire pressure: Lower tire pressure provides better traction. Of course, you want to balance this with the possibility of getting a flat. We find that riding on an inch of snow is deceptive, in that you feel like the trail is really smooth, when in reality, all the obstacles are still there – and just as sharp – you just can’t see them, so your chance of getting a flat probably increases slightly.
Tires and treads: Studs are best. Wider is better than narrower. Treads are better than slicks.
Be careful. This may seem obvious but we see this as a fundamental issue each season in the first snow. Taking a tumble in the ice and snow can be problematic; these falls are fast, unexpected, and hard. Ride conservatively and don’t worry about winning.
No fenders: Snow time may seem like a great time to have fenders, but it’s not. Not only are fenders dangerous on mixed terrain – due to sticks and debris on the trail, it’s also likely that your fenders will get packed with snow and make your ride a lot tougher.
Batteries die. Batteries don’t like the cold so they power down a lot more quickly than on an autumn day. Three hours of battery life can become one hour – or worse – in the cold months. Keep your electronics warm – in your jacket or jersey, not in your saddle bag – until you need them. This includes your phone, backup battery, spare light, and your Garmin – if you’re not the ride navigator.
Likely Weather Conditions
It can’t snow if it’s too cold so it’s likely to be somewhere between 28 and 36 degrees. Also, you’re likely to get a bit wet as the snow melts on you; gear that leans toward rain protection can be useful.
Always Be Prepared: Snow Essentials Duffel
Have your Snow Essentials Duffel in your car – if that’s your mode of work transport – so you’re always ready to roll. In that bag, we recommend:
All the clothing you typically use for 30-40 degree riding. Clothing that likes wet conditions isn’t a bad idea, either. Note: We’re only including the gear that people often forget when they’re in a hurry, and riding in unexpected conditions. If you forget to put your bibs in your Snow Essentials Kit, we have no sympathy!
Headlight 100% charged and ready for 2.5 hours of use. Ideally, two headlights – one on your bars and one on your helmet.
Taillight batteries in good condition.
Winter shoes or your autumn shoes with overshoes.
Long thick wool socks
Helmet – with light mount ready to go.
Long finger gloves, possibly with liners.
Three season cap that covers your ears. A brim will be appreciated – it can help keep the snow out of your eyes.
Neck gator - doubles as a face covering.
Protective glasses if that’s your kind of thing for riding in a snowstorm.
High-vis vest if you like to be visible. If there’s ever a time to increase your visibility, it’s during a snowstorm; drivers have a really difficult time seeing cyclists through snowfall.
Towel to dry off after the ride.
Puffy jacket, a change of clothes that are warm and fleece-lined, warm cap and mittens feel so good post-ride!
We are Here To Help
We have just about anything you could need for winter riding, including:
Winter Bikes. There are considerations to be made where it comes to the bike you ride in the winter. We have bikes that are great all year, but are extra special for winter riding. Check out the Seven Cycles Treeline bike: summer mountain bike, winter fat bike. Titanium is a perfect frame material for a bike that’s going to see the salt and harsh conditions of winter. A winterized bike is also important. For example, if snow is allowed into the brake housing, your brakes will likely freeze up. We can winterize your bike to keep your rolling.
Lots of studded tire options. And the tubes needed for each tire size. We can help determine the ideal tire size for your bike and guarantee what will fit and what won’t. Not all studded tires are created equal. We can help determine the right price point for your riding needs.
Studded tire installation help. Studded tires are often the toughest type of tire to install because they’re thicker, stiffer, and sometimes are steel beaded. We’re happy to help.
Lights: We have the toughest winter lights available. We’ll help you determine optimal number of lumens for your needs. We’ll help you determine where the best mounting spot is on your bike or body. The best kind of taillight for visibility and longevity. So many options – all with different strengths and weaknesses.
Gloves: We have everything from lightweight full fingers to deep winter 45Nrth gloves and liners. We have an array of models and sizes to determine the ideal setup for your type of riding. We can help with determining which are best for wet weather, for glove liners, or for the coldest days. Lots of glove options for lots of kinds of riding.
Winter Shoes: We’ve got 45NRTH Wolvhammers in stock and will order more upon request. We’ll help you find the right size, and install cleats on your new boots, too.
We hope to see you in the first snow!
#rscfirstsnow
Come by at least 15-minutes early to the ride starting location so you can make any last minute bike adjustments. We’ll be there with the van with supplies, hand warmers, toe warmers, and any gear you’ve asked us to bring to the start for you!
RSVP with your interest in joining now!
January 16-18: Three Day Hut-to-Hut Fat Bike Adventure Ride
Location: Carrabassett Valley, Maine, staying in huts
Ride Type: Multiple-day fat bike adventure ride
A catered weekend and opportunity for ultra endurance winter fat bike riders to test equipment
Ride Type: Fat bike hut trip
Date & Time: Friday, January 16-Sunday, January 18 (3 days, 2 nights)
Location: Carrabassett Valley, Maine, where the snow is the best and trails allow for incredible riding
Distance each day: Conditions dictate, options will be offered. Long ride option for Saturday of 40-50 miles.
Price: $450 per person. Open to NEER members due to insurance requirements. See what’s included, below.
Register now!
Details
This is a fun and potentially demanding fat bike 3-day adventure riding incredible trails in Carrabassett Valley, a winter wonderland, and staying in nice huts to go further and see more!
The huts are full service offering freshly prepared, hot breakfasts and dinners accommodating all dietary needs of participants. Lunch is either at the hut or they pack it so riders can enjoy lunch in the wild.
Included in the price is stuff-schelpping from parking lot to the first hut, then from one hut to the next, then getting your stuff back to your car at the end of the trip. This allows you to enjoy riding with only the things you need for the day, not sleeping bag, toiletries, and your change of clothes.
Read about what to expect at the huts!
We have 9 spaces reserved for attendees and 2 are already spoken for. We expect to sell out and have a waiting list. We have to have a firm commitment via full payment the first week in December since we have to pay in full to the huts the first week in December.
The first night, we’ll be at lovely Stratton Hut.
The second night, we’ll be at secluded, private Flagstaff Hut.
Distance and pace
Ride at your own pace. Fat bike riding in the snow is slow for the fittest riders. Everyone will start and end at the same places each day and night for camaraderie and we expect enough people of various fitness levels so that everyone will have company out there. There is one designated trip organizer/ride leader who will likely be riding a fully loaded bike allowing for slower riders to have company. Route options will be shared with participants for each day (a shorter and longer option), so everyone is welcome to take on the distances that are comfortable for each person. Saturday’s minimum distance requirement is 20 miles to travel from the first hut to the second hut. There will be a long option of 40-50 miles for those who want a big day of riding.
Schedule
Exact timing of activities and rides will be emailed to everyone a few days prior to the start of the trip. Snow conditions will be factored into route lengths and will be adjusted as appropriate.
Friday - Meet up at 9:30am, at parking lot where cars can spend the weekend, drop overnight stuff off
10am - Ride starts
Arrive Stratton Brook Hut, enjoy a hot shower!
Enjoy a hot, hearty Dinner prepared by hut staff
Saturday -
7:30am - Enjoy a hot, hearty Breakfast prepared by hut staff
Ride 8:30am - Long - 40-50 mile
10am - Shorter - 20 miles (this isn’t short!)
Enjoy sack lunch hut staff prepared on the trail!
Arrive Flagstaff Hut before dinner
6-6:30pm - Enjoy a hot Dinner prepared by hut staff
Sunday -
7:30am - Enjoy a hot, hearty breakfast prepared by hut staff
Ride - 9am - it’s ~15 miles to return to cars / longer option available
Enjoy the sack lunch hut staff prepared on the trail!
Monday is the Martin Luther King, Jr holiday so hopefully you don’t have to rush home Sunday night!
Are you training for an ultra winter cycling event?
If you’re an ultra winter cyclist preparing for future ultra events and want the challenge of sleeping outside in a bivvy and want to self-support (ie bringing and making most/all food on the trail), this is an option! You can still take advantage of the gear shuttle to get extra stuff to the huts and have stuff moved from one hut to the next to transport extra food and any extra gear you think you might want. This is an option at the bottom of the page where registration links appear.
Parking
Airport Trailhead. All attendees will receive driving directions to this parking lot. This is where you’ll bring your stuff so it can be transported to the first hut.
Routes
All routes will be emailed in advance of the weekend.
Complete Information
We will email all participants with full details at least 2 days prior to the trip, including routes of shorter and longer options. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions via email or txt.
If you need to arrive later on Friday and your stuff will miss the gear shuttle, we can arrange for you to get us your stuff prior to the trip (in the Boston area) and we’ll bring it up early so that it makes it to the hut.
Contact Information
Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this 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.
Our Super Domestique rides with a Garmin InReach in case of emergency that is out of cell phone range. We do this to facilitate rider safety. If you’re not riding with the Super Domestique, we ask that you follow the proposed route for the day and let us know if you’re planning on doing something different for safety. We always want to know where you are!
Preparation
This is unlike our other rides. It’s very important to come prepared with all necessary equipment and have a bike that is tuned and completely ready for what this ride entails. Clothing appropriate for the temperatures is important and remember that overheating on very cold days can happen so layers are important. Everyone who registers will receive a packing list and guidance on proper gear.
Waiver
NEER requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.
Proper bike & Equipment
Fat bike with tires 3.8” or wider.
A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and fully tuned up by a professional mechanic. Have a plan in case your bike or legs stop working. Note there are a lot of dead cell phone areas in the areas where we’ll be riding.
All necessary equipment and supplies - we’ll email a comprehensive list so you know what is necessary well ahead of time. This list includes bringing a sleeping bag (summer weight is fine) for sleeping in the hut beds.
Lights - front and rear, back up lights and back-up batteries (cold batteries don’t work like warm ones do)
Optional and fun! Stove - ability to make water from snow in cold temps
Register Now
All spots are spoken for, but if you sign up for the waitlist, there’s always a chance someone who has committed can’t make it so you’ll be the first to know if this happens.
Fat Bike Weekend Getaway in Bethlehem, NH
Location: Bethlehem, NH
Ride Type: Fat bike snow rides, 1-3 days
Date & Time: Friday, Feb. 13-Sunday, Feb. 15
Distance: Various distances appropriate for conditions with lunch stops and breaks included
Enjoy this Winter Wonderland!
Imagine this whole area under a beautiful blanket of snow! This is the house you will be staying in Bethlehem this year.
Location: Bethlehem, NH & surrounding nearby towns - an easy 2.5 hour drive north of Boston
Dates: Friday, Feb 13-Sunday, Feb 15
Not required to stay in the NEER house, feel free to come up for 1, 2 or 3 days
Price to ride with NEER: Free if it’s your first ride with us. The price to stay in the shared home and NEER membership requirements are discussed below.
Details
This area is picturesque and offers some of the most fun fat bike riding we’ve found, quite accessible from the Boston area!
Bike the North Country, a non-profit organization in Bethlehem, Littleton, and Franconia, is the sponsor of a Fat Bike Poker Run event over this weekend and we overlay enjoying their event with riding together, staying in a shared rental house, having a great time with camp fires, making food together, and sharing in the joy that snow and fat bike brings everyone. The reality is that we’re typically riding mid-day Sunday when the poker game is happening so riders are likely to miss it, but not really feel like they’re missing it since the riding is so good!
The benefit to us in riding here at the same time as the Poker Run is that these trail systems are really nicely groomed for this event, so it’s the way to find the best conditions of the trails. Besides, it’s fun to find poker chips out on the trails! We ask that you either participate in the Poker Run registration or make a donation to the grooming efforts in this area.
NEER is leading rides Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday at groomed PRKR, Bethlehem, and Franconia trails so everyone has others to ride with and there is a good ride plan to execute together.
Detailed Information and Ride Schedule
We will email all who express interest in the rides with further information so you know how everything will be organized.
NEER has organized groups for the past two years and each year has been exceptionally great. Thus, we received MANY requests to offer this again.
Reserve Your Spot in the NEER House
Reserve your spot in the NEER house right away! Every spot was reserved within a couple of days of us offering this option last year and we ended up with a terrific group of people sharing food, conversations about adventures, campfires, and so much fun riding too!
Sauna for everyone to enjoy in the snowy landscape.
Kitchen in the house where conversations of adventures will be had!
View from the NEER House.
What you get with your NEER house spot:
Healthy snacks and tasty roasted apples ala mode Friday and Saturday evenings
Hearty, healthy, tasty breakfasts Saturday and Sunday morning - prepared for you by NEER! Includes real maple syrup, wholesome tasty pancakes (think whole grains, nuts and berries baked in!) and eggs + fresh fruit + coffee made with quality freshly ground beans
Dinner Saturday evening, healthy and tasty!
Campfires! We bring the wood, you enjoy the heat and the beautiful surroundings with friends old and new
This house includes a sauna. Enjoy to your heart’s content!
Reserve your spot with one of the options below! The sooner you reserve, the better. Some of the quantities of these will change depending on who registers for what since there’s a house max of 13.
The details of each registratation type are explained once clicking “Purchase” so you can see more of each of these before making your selection.
Contact Information
Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions.
CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the weekend at 413-461-7433.
Don’t send a txt msg 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.
RSVP for the Rides
RSVP for the ride(s) you want to do over the weekend if you won’t be staying in the house, so we know when to expect you and you’ll get all of the riding information!
Martha’s Vineyard Off-Road Adventure Tour with Mike and Mary - Spring 2026
Location: Martha’s Vineyard
Ride Type: Adventure mixed terrain
Date & Time: Spring 2026
Price: $150
Location: Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Adventure - ride trails, dirt roads, ancient paths, and back roads with the day catered by Mike and Mary with homemade, tasty food to delight hungry riders
Date & Time: Re-scheduled to Spring 2026 when it’s warm and Mike & Mary are back in town!
Distance: ~40 miles
Max attendance: Registration is capped at 35 riders
Price: $125. Register at BikeReg.com. Open to everyone! (NEER membership not required.)
If you’re interested in doing a private ride or tour of the Island with Mary at a separate time, please email Mary at:
marymcconneloug at fastmail.com (replace “at” with “@” when you email her!)
Details of this Special Adventure Tour with Mike & Mary
Come join mountain bike legends, Olympian Mary McConneloug and pro Michael Broderick, for a fun day of riding bikes on and off road on charming Martha’s Vineyard! They are taking riders on a mixed terrain tour showcasing some of their favorite quiet back routes over ancient trails and roads with an emphasis on cool trails that are hiding all over the island. Highlights include full immersion into the natural island beauty, cycling to remote areas, offering views from a favorite high point and a beach stop to take in the Atlantic Ocean. Riding will be fun at a moderate pace; all riders will enjoy a solid day on the bike at a moderate (not slow) pace. This should not be a rider’s first gravel or mixed terrain ride, participants should be experienced cyclists with experience riding on dirt and mixed terrain.
What You Get
An exciting full day adventure on bikes with Mike & Mary, professional cyclists who have a lifetime of adventures to share and who continue to live their dream racing all over the world.
A day to just ride and enjoy nature, experience the incredible mixed terrain riding on Martha’s Vineyard.
Nice welcome gathering with refreshments to start the day.
Hot, homemade meal served at the end of the ride.
All diets and preferences are accommodated.
Opportunity to enjoy ferry crossings of the Vineyard Sound which offer picturesque calm during the trip to/from the island. (Tickets for the ride aren’t included in event price.)
A morning greeter where you park in the morning prior to catching the ferry.
There are 3 ride guides and 2 professional mechanics on the ride so you’re well taken care of though we want you to come with tuned and ready bikes!
An intimate cycling experience with locals, a chance to meet some new friends and gain knowledge of special places to ride off-road on Martha’s Vineyard!
Food & Water During the Day
After arriving to Martha’s Vineyard on the ferry, Mike and Mary will greet riders and treat everyone to coffee and tea and some homemade wholesome treats to eat.
There will be food & water stops during the ride where riders may fill water bottles or purchase food if desired.
Riders will enjoy something to eat prepared by Mary prior to departing the ride/catching the ferry for those who are taking it back to the mainland.
All dietary preferences are accommodated, we ask for this information when you register.
Martha’s Vineyard riders having the time of their lives with Mike and Mary and crew!
Price
$125 for the experience, ride, and everything Mike & Mary are providing in terms of homemade food, hot drinks and baked goods at the start of the ride, hot tasty food at the end of the day and mid-ride food too.
Refund Policy
Cancellations up to 2 weeks in advance will be refunded 50%. If the ride can’t be run due to dangerous or miserable weather (forecast of light rain doesn’t cancel), a rain date will be announced and if participants can’t make the new date, a 50% refund & 50% credit will be issued.
Parking for People Coming from the Mainland & Ferry Details
For riders coming from off-island, there are a number of free parking lots a short bike ride away from the ferry. Everyone who registers will receive detailed information about where to park, where to meet up with each other and when to ride over to the ferry. A NEER Super Domestique will be at the lot to get everyone together for the ride to the ferry terminal.
Riders will be taking the 9:30am ferry which arrives Vineyard Haven at 10:15am.
At the end of the day, riders will be back at Vineyard Haven around 3pm making the 3:45pm ferry the earliest ferry ride possible to return on. Be prepared to take the next ferry in case it’s not possible to get back in time for the 3:45pm departure or if you’re having such a nice time you want to stick around a little longer.
Ferries run nearly every hour until the last ferry which is ~9:30pm.
Route, Distance, Pace
This is a guided experience so no one needs to have the route, but a route file will be provided and a shorter option will be provided as well via GPS file. No one is getting dropped or lost. The route will be appropriately adjusted if the weather or time requires. The route length is 40 miles.
The pace will be moderate throughout the day, it’s important to keep riding to stay warm. The ride assumes riders have the ability to ride 15-17 mph on a road bike (this is not a road ride, it’s just a way to state speed/fitness levels), and the ride assumes riders have experience riding mixed terrain (mixed terrain is a little more twisty, turny and sandy than gravel), but this is not an overly technical route. As long as riders have experience riding some dirt on a gravel or mountain bike and fitness for a 15-17mph road pace, this ride is within the scope of riders’ abiities.
Terrain Details
Mostly off road paths, trails, dirt roads, and some pavement, very light traffic. Most trails are not overly technical, but there will be more emphasis on super fun trails this year than in previous editions of this adventure ride. There is a fair amount of sand on the roads and trails. You’ll see some secret spots very few people have visited!
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
Required: A bike with tires 38mm wide or bigger. The bigger, the better!
Required: A bike that’s in safe working order that has been recently tuned and is free of creaking and squeaking.
Required: All of the tools for typical mechanicals such as:
Flat fix tools and at least one spare tube (yes, even if you’re running tubeless tires), air via CO2 or hand pump, multi-tool
Extra chain link, chain breaker, chain pliers
Spare derailleur hanger if your bike needs a spare
Extra clothes and storage capacity so adding/taking off layers is easy
Required: Cell phone
Required: Two full water bottles at the start of the ride
Required if coming from off-island: Front and rear lights that have at least 1.5 hours of run time.
Nice to have: Extra calories in your pockets
About Mary McConneloug!
Mary is a 2 x Olympian (Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008), 4 x US National MTB Champion and also the 2017 Masters Enduro MTB World Champion. She loves to get creative in the kitchen, fueling their days with good healthy foods. Mary loves the outdoors, riding in new places where the car cannot go. She manages many of the fine details necessary to run their professional race team.
Mary loves to cook, garden and is learning to surf. She is an advocate for healthy active lifestyles, and sharing that with others! She has coached herself from the beginning and has her own coaching and mentoring business. She holds a nutrition based philosophy combining lifestyle balance and periodization training techniques to reach fitness goals.
About Mike Broderick!
In Mike’s 30+ years of competitive bike racing, he has ranked among the top of his field in Cross Country, Cyclocross, mixed team stage racing (with Mary) and most recently in the Masters Enduro World Series. Legendary for his technical handling skills and fitness, Mike has raced on the US National Team for over 10 years alongside Mary. He earned the Masters Enduro MTB World Champion Title in 2016. His mechanic skills have stood by him as he continues to tune and refine both his and Mary’s race machines. He earned his University degree with a Bachelor in English and minor in Art from Springfield University, MA (1995). Mike was born and raised in Chilmark, MA and has always enjoyed riding in the woods, shredding dirt and surfing waves since he was a kid.
More about Mike and Mary, The A-Team!
Mike was born on Martha’s Vineyard, MA and Mary was born in Fairfax, CA. They met at a MTB race in Northern California during the Spring of 1999. Their first date, a 70-mile road ride out to Point Reyes National Seashore set the back drop for a life time of adventures on the bikes - which they continue to enjoy today. Their second date was a week long road trip to race at the NORBA National XC in Big Bear, CA…. They were smitten from the start, by each other and the challenge of racing, riding bikes and pushing their limits to improve. They have supported each other, creating their own 2 person team, alongside a handful of great companies (which includes Seven Cycles), pursuing many disciplines of off road cycling - mainly XCO, cyclocross, stage race and Enduro. For the past 26 years Mike and Mary have built their life around sustaining a career in racing bikes and continue to be involved at domestic and international events and sharing the ride.
Still going strong, both Mike and Mary were the 2024 USAC Masters 50+ Enduro National Champions in their respective fields!