Connecticut Coffee & Gravel, NEER x The Bike Shop
Details
DATE CHANGE - Now happening Saturday, November 15 at 9am due to nice weather Saturday!!!
Ride Type: Remote paved and dirt roads
Time & Date: Saturday, November 15
Starting Point: Willington, CT
Distance: ~50 miles
Price: Free
Your first NEER ride does not require membership, if it’s your 2nd ride or more, you MUST be a NEER member to participate for insurance reasons.
Description
This is a gorgeous, well-planned gravel route that serves up a New England mix of classic gravel, scenic farm roads, rolling paved stretches, cat 4 roads, carriage roads, some single and some double track too. Thank you to The Bike Shop - One Love Outdoors for curating this route and sharing it with us!
We’ll be riding with NEER riders and The Bike Shop has invited their local community to join as well, so it’ll be a wonderful mix of people out there!
You’re welcome to ride whatever bike you want as long as the minimum tire size is met, your bike is in safe working order, and you have tools/tubes in case of a mechanical.
Start Location
A free lot adjacent to The Bike Shop
Address:
Pace
There will be at least three groups, possibly more. One will be a moderate-quicker pace, for those who prefer an ~18mph road pace for 4 hours (pace will be lower than this since it’s gravel).
One group will average a solid “moderate” pace, this is appropriate for riders who are comfortable with 16-17mph average on road bikes for 4+ hours. This group will have a Super Domestique.
There is likely a “fun” pace group with a Super Domestique that will average a little less than the “moderate” group’s pace.
Your pace will be ~20-30% slower than your road riding pace.
We cannot shuttle riders anywhere, it’s your responsibility to have a plan in case your bike or legs stop working.
There may be little cell coverage in this area, so be aware of that.
We’ll send an email by 7pm the day before the ride, with the route, instructions, and details so you understand logistics and exactly what to do and where to go.
Waiver
If you’re a member of NEER, you’ve signed the waiver. If you think you haven’t signed it, please do it now: https://www.newenglandexpeditionriders.com/ride-waiver
Riding Rules
Be sure you’re up for the general riding rules: https://www.newenglandexpeditionriders.com/ride-rules
Preparation
Bring everything you need for mechanicals that pop up on gravel/mixed terrain rides. All the things you need for a flat, tubeless puncture, EXTRA TUBE even if you run tubeless, air, levers, chain breaker, chain pliers, multi tool, spare derailleur hanger if your bike uses these.
Be sure to bring anything else you might need taking into account the weather conditions this time of year, your personal circumstances, your health, etc.
You will want to come prepared with the equivalent of three full 26 ounce bottles of water, enough food to fuel the full ride distance, and fitness for the distance. There might not be a good resupply for the entire route. (We’re researching options now and will tell all who RSVP more in the pre-ride email.)
After the Ride
Bring a change of clothes and food to enjoy for the drive home. There aren’t a lot of food/drink options in this area.
The Bike Shop will be making lattes and will organize food to be brought in from a local establishment (think pizza). Bring cash if you want to join in on the food and drinks and fun social time together!
Proper Bike for this Ride
A road or gravel bike that has 38mm tires or wider. 40mm should be ideal. Mountain bikes will be a little overkill on much of the route. Narrower than 32mm are strongly discouraged. There is some loose gravel on the roads, and some sandy spots. Narrower tires are more likely to pinch flat and are less stable. If you’re not sure of your gravel riding ability, this isn’t the best first ride to take on.
Clipless pedals and shoes. These are important elements of bike control. Mountain bike pedals/shoes are appropriate; road pedals/shoes should not be used.
A bike that’s in safe working order. Make very certain your bike comes clean, lubed, safety checked with fresh brake pads, and tires in good shape. A bike that makes any unusual noises - from a squeaky chain to any kind of other noise should not be ridden prior to being evaluated and fixed by a professional mechanic.
Contact Information and How to Get Your Questions Answered
Email connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with any questions. Call 413-461-7433 the day of the ride to speak with the organizer on route. Please contact us via email prior to the day of the ride for all matters otherwise.
