Details
Ride Type: Remote paved and dirt roads
Time & Date: Saturday, June 24 - 7am-9am Rollout**
**If weather is an issue for Saturday, June 24, we’ll look at requiring a 7am start or running a ride elsewhere at lower elevation nearer to the Boston, MA area (Sunday is looking worse than Saturday) - a GO/NO GO decision will be emailed to all who register by 12pm Friday before the ride.
Starting Point: New Boston, NH
Distance: 65 miles / 105 km
Price: Free
Price: $0, but you MUST be a NEER member to participate
What you get
Gorgeous, well-planned route with others out there on it at the same time: Route file for your GPS computer, parking directions/instructions.
The route has not been vetted this year. It worked last time we hosted a ride here 2 years ago, but things can change. Bring your spirit of adventure!
Co-adventurers, you’re not out there alone. If you’re a slower rider, we suggest selecting an early rollout time so riders are behind you for most/all of the day.
Start Location
Starting Point: New Boston, NH
Route Information
Here is some general information about the route:
Distance: 65 miles
We will share the route and ride details no later than 7pm Friday, June 23 to all who RSVP before then who are NEER members, since that is a requirement for this ride.
The route has not been vetted this year so there’s a chance a road is closed or a trail is closed or conditions have changed since we vetted it. This route is not that likely to present big navigation challenges given its location and the roads/trails we’re taking.
Ride With Your Friends, Ride With a Group We Put Together, Ride Solo
Get your friends together to ride! It’s way more fun riding with a friend group than alone. It’s also safer.
PLEASE let us know when you RSVP that you want to ride with your friend group so we can get you rolling before everyone else.
If you want to ride solo, please plan to start earlier in the morning so that riders will be behind you for most/all of the day. It’s safer this way. Please tell us this in your RSVP.
There will be one group averaging a solid “moderate” pace to depart last at 9am. This is not necessarily a sweep group. Everyone up for a solid moderate pace is welcome to join in this group. These are riders who are usually comfortable with a 16-17mph pace on a 4+ hour road ride for comparison purposes. The pace will be less since the terrain is mixed with plenty of dirt and elevation and everyone is riding a bigger-tire bike.
Your pace will be ~20-30% slower than your road riding pace.
There is no ride leader, even if you ride with a group; you’ll be following your GPS computer, therefore owning a GPS computer is a must with at least one back-up power source.
Drink plenty of water considering how hot it may be! This is common sense for any ride, especially smart when you’re riding further away from people who can give you a ride home.
We will not shuttle riders anywhere, it’s your responsibility to have a plan in case your bike or legs stop working.
There is little cell coverage in this area, so be aware of that.
We’ll send a very detailed email by 7pm the day before the ride, with the route, instructions, and details so you understand logistics and exactly what to do.
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, your personal circumstances, your health, etc.
You will want to come prepared with extra food, water, and fitness for the distance. The route file will show where food/water stops are located. These aren’t fancy (think: Dunkin Doughnuts).
After the Ride
Bring a picnic in a cooler in your car and camp chairs. We’re parking at a school near the center of New Boston. It’s not particularly beautiful, but it’s still a nice place to hang out.
Proper Bike for this Ride
A road or gravel bike that has 32mm tires or wider. 32mm tires will work for riders on this route based on what we saw of the roads last year. 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.