SPRING Forward into Road Ride Season! Sunday, March 8
Date & Time: Sunday, March 8
Location: Start and end in Natick, MA
Ride Type: Road Ride
Distance: 57 miles
Location: Start and end at Elm Bank, Natick
Ride Type: 100% Paved Road Ride
Date & Time: Sunday, March 8, 9am start (remember we lose an hour overnight!)
Distance: 57 miles
Price: Free; NEER membership is only required after the first ride you do with us due to insurance.
RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form
Details
This is a fun road ride from Elm Bank in Natick (just over the border from Wellesley) and the route heads down to Diamond Hill Reservoir in Rhode Island and back!
We have a designated Super Domestique leading the last group to depart which will be rolling at a ~15-16 mph average endurance pace. Other pace groups will be 17-18mph and 18+ mph is possible if we have riders sign up for this pace.
Distance
57 miles
Parking
There is all-day parking at Elm Bank. 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 starting parking lot by 8:30am so look for the big, red van when you arrive. Please arrive with enough time to get ready that allows you to roll out on time with the group at 9am promptly.
Allow ~4.5 hours for the ride if you’re in the “endurance” pace group.
Route Notes & Food/Water Stops
Bring extra calories and 2 full water bottles.
There is one stop for food at a large grocery store a little over 1/2 way in the ride.
After the Ride
A Seven Cycles representative will be around post ride to host demo riders at Elm Bank and will be available to discuss new bikes with anyone who wants to meet up or hang out after the ride to do this! Be sure to email Seven at info@sevencycles.com if this interests you.
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 road bike with whatever size tires you enjoy riding that will allow you to keep pace with the group. 25mm tires or bigger road slicks are appropriate for this route. A gravel bike is acceptable if you want to ride it and feel you can keep pace with road riders.
If the roads are wet/messy, please mount a rear full-coverage fender. If you don’t have one, expect to ride at the back!
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. 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.
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.
Maneha 150 Bikepacking Weekend
Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, 2 & 3 May 2026
Location: Ayer, MA -> Hancock, NH & back
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Bike Packing
Distance: 75 miles in one day, or 150 miles over two days
Price: $95 -> $125
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: 75 miles in one day, or ~150 miles over two days
Price: $95 if registered by April 10, $125 after this until the registration deadline of April 29 if there campsites available at that point.
MUST BE A NEER MEMBER to participate 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 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.
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.
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!
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. 75 miles on Saturday and 75 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!
Autumn Overnight Bikepacking Weekend
Location: Fitchburg, MA
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Bike Packing
Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, 27 & 28 Sept 2025
Distance: ~50 miles each day
Riders enjoy time sitting around a fire after a long day of great riding!
Location: Starts in Fitchburg, MA, Ride to and camp to a campground in Philipston, MA then have a great ride back to your vehicle or the train back home in Fitchburg - route is a loop
Route: Bikepacking, mixed terrain, plenty of dirt under your tires, some paved roads as well
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain
Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, 27-28 September 2025, 9:30am & earlier rollouts Saturday. Back to the lot by 6:30pm Sunday.
Distance: ~50 miles each day
Price: $30 per person. 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 cost covers your spot in a campground that offers showers, water, electricity, campfire (NEER buys the wood for a group campfire)
Non-Riding family/friend option! See details below.
Description: The Autumn Overnight bikepacking weekend is a two-day and one-night event that covers almost ~100 miles of diverse terrain in New England. This ride is intended to be fun, give you a chance to enjoy bikepacking with others who love to bikepack, give you a nice way to do it for the first time if you haven’t done it before with a not-too-hard and not-too-climby route at a perfect time of year. The event is part bikepacking and part adventure ride.
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 fun mixed-terrain riding over two days
This is not a catered trip, we’re not bringing stuff to camp for anyone.
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’ll teach campfire starting at camp and keep the fire going to stay warm at night and in the morning before rolling out Sunday morning
We’re providing a comprehensive packing list so you know what to bring and are prepared for this and any bikepacking trip. We’ll email this to all who register!
Photo from a warm 2017 bikepacking trip called Maneha. The fire was hot and post-ride feasting/post-ride food coma Saturday night was memorable.
Maneha is the ride that started it all. We first scouted Maneha in 2010. It 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 a close relative of Maneha, the difference being that this ride isn’t catered and Maneha was.
Overview
The Autumn Overnight is a bikepacking ride on a mixed-terrain route. We're riding everything from primitive 'goat trails' to good paved roads. There are lots of nice, smooth dirt paths and roads too. Everyone goes the pace that works for each person, some people will be riding loaded fat bikes at the rear and others will have 40mm tires and have a lighter bike setup.
Route Information
Distance: About 50 miles each day. We’ll tell you the specifics of the route as we get closer to ride time. Be sure you have the fitness and ability to ride an unloaded gravel bike on mixed terrain/gravel 100km without excessive fatigue or body issues. This ensures you’ll have the baseline fitness and readiness for this trip.
Territory: Central MA, there’s not a lot in the areas where we’re riding either day.
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. The price stays the same regardless. Just let us know your plans so we’re aware, that’s all you need to do.
Gear Packing Options: There are no options: if you want it to eat, to sleep on, to wear, you’re carrying it with you! You are expected to have everything you need for a long-day ride on you where it comes to fixing mechanicals. This said, there is a nice place farm with food, drinks, woodfired pizza about a mile from the campground so you could cheat and grab dinner there. But be sure to bring it back to the campfire to enjoy the group dynamic with everyone!
When:
27 & 28 September 2025. Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s Grand Depart happens at 9:30am. Riders are encouraged to arrive at the start (a parking lot at a train station) no later than 7:15 so there’s time to deal with all of the stuff on the bike prior to 8am. Starting on time is important!
Sunday’s ride back begins when riders want to get moving, this will probably be around 9am though this will be discussed around the campfire prior to everyone heading off to slumber land.
Where we Start:
Wachusett Train Station. There is overnight parking offered here.
Train Schedule:
The outbound train from Boston leaves North Station at 7:45am and picks up riders all the way west, arriving at the Wachusett lot at 9:21am Saturday.
The inbound train to Boston from Wachusett picks up at 6:25pm, arriving back to North Station at 8:01pm. The last train Sunday is at 8:55pm though we expect all riders will have ample time to get to the 6:25pm train. The next earliest train is at 4:25pm for faster riders.
Where we Camp:
We have campsites reserved together for riders in the Lamb City campground in Philipston, MA. NEER buys wood for a fire/fires everyone can enjoy.
There are showers, picnic tables, electricity to recharge your electronics, campfire rings, a campground (small) store if you forgot something.
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 with nice people also out for the same? It’s important to do it while it’s still possible with the weather and campfires sure feel amazing at this time of year!
How:
Register at the NEER store!
Questions? Email us at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com
Who can do the Autumn Overnight 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. Riding 50+ 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 dark.
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 September 25: 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’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.
"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 this ride as a solo rider or with a team/self-organized friend group (AKA team) ahead of the NEER-led group. All of these ways of participating are fantastic and your choice. Solo riders and slower groups will be encouraged to start earlier than 9am so there’s some cross-over during the day. It’s early and understandable if people don’t want to start earlier than this!
The last group to depart will be Super Domestique-led, and the Super Domestique will be riding a loaded fat bike so it won’t be fast, but steady.
A 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 8pm.
We prefer if you start earlier (we will be at the start very early so it’s possible to leave earlier and have a send-off committee). It’s nicer to be solo in a rider sandwich somewhere rather than off-the-back solo for safety and all of the positive psychological benefits as well! We usually have all paces show up to our rides so there’s a good chance your pace will be similar to that of others.
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.
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 at no additional cost as long as you’re sharing a tent. Please let us know if you’ll have someone meeting you at camp.
If you’d like this to be a bigger family affair, we’ll ask you to make a reservation with the campground on your own and 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.
Sunday After the Ride back at the parking lot/train station
We’re expecting riders to arrive back at their cars/train at various times. Most people will be tired from the long weekend and just want to get home. There is no food there so bring some with you or have it in the car awaiting you for the few moments after you finish.
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!
In-Person Bikepacking Workshop
Knowledge sharing evening all about bikepacking!
Location: Seven Cycles in Watertown, MA. All who RSVP will get driving/parking directions.
Date & Time: Thursday, July 24 6:00pm-8:30pm
Price: Free, open to all. This will save you hundreds of dollars with good advice on gear and not having to waste time/money on making mistakes!
What we’re covering
This is an opportunity to bring your bikepacking gear, see what other people use, and if you don’t have anything yet, see what others are using and what works/what doesn’t work!
We’ll be sharing bikepacking advice on the following topics AND we want this to be a cross-pollination opportunity since so many people have ideas to contribute and experience to share as well!
How to pack your bike: dropbar and flat bar bikes, which bike should you use?
Bag/stuff carrying systems
How to organize your stuff
Sleep systems
Tools, first aid, emergency equipment to bring
Food! Satisfying meals & easy cooking on the trail
Bring your recipes and/or ideas for foods you especially enjoy on the trail!
Quite a lot of knowledge (and gear) from backpacking translates to bikepacking! Many people have experience hiking/backpacking so remember to think to the gear and knowledge you’ve employed in this endeavor as well.
Bring your questions! What are you nervous about where it comes to bikepacking?
We expect to see all levels of people at this workshop with those who have no bikepacking experience to very experienced bikepackers and everyone in between! Your skill where it comes to riding a bike or riding off-road doesn’t matter at all for the purposes of this workshop. As long as you’re interested in bikepacking, you’re coming to a good place where it’s all about learning and sharing!
Gear Exchange
Do you have things related to bikepacking that you’ve bought that haven’t worked for you but might work for someone else? Someone might want to buy whatever it is. We encourage gear sharing and selling. If you have a sleeping blanket that’s too long, someone might want it! You get the idea.
We’re providing simple refreshments for all to enjoy. This will be a fun, very interactive evening for all!
You’ll leave this workshop knowing more than before with new ideas to employ.
You’ll also be super excited to get out there on a bikepacking adventure soon!
Ready for an overnight bikepacking trip with two great days of riding?
If you’re looking for a way to apply your new bikepacking knowlege and setup, we’re hosting a proper bikepacking ride August 9-10! Learn more about the ride and register at the Ride Page!
Questions about the workshop or bikepacking event? Email us at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com
RSVP now for this Bikepacking Workshop!
All who RSVP will receive driving/parking directions to Seven Cycles by 3pm Thursday, July 24.
NEER Makes Fire Bikepacking Weekend
Location: Athol, MA → Gil, MA
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Bike Packing
Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, 9 & 10 August
Distance: 75-80 miles each day
Price: $65
Riders enjoy time sitting around a fire after a long day of great riding!
Location: Starts in Athol, MA, Ride to and camp just north of Greenfield, MA, then return the next day
Route: Bikepacking, mixed terrain, plenty of dirt under your tires
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain
Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, 9-10 August 2025
Distance: ~77 miles day 1, 79 miles day 2
Price: $65 per person. 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 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 NEER Makes Fire bikepacking weekend is a two-day and one-night event that covers almost 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.
This is a new route that will look familiar for the first 1/4 and last 1/4 to some people, otherwise, it’s definitely something you’ve never experienced before!
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
This is not a catered trip, we’re not bringing stuff to camp for anyone. We’ve hosted a number of “101” bikepacking events in the past which are fun, but one way to step up your bikepacking readiness is to be thrown in the deep end!
We’re providing knowledge and ideas, ask questions and we’ll get you answers. You get an invitation to an evening gathering July 24 6pm-8:30pm at Seven Cycles in Watertown, MA to discuss bikepacking gear, loading the bike, sharing knowledge!
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. You receive this in your inbox as soon as you register!
Photo from a warm 2017 Maneha bikepacking trip fire and post-ride feasting/post-ride food coma Saturday night.
Maneha is the ride that started it all. We first scouted Maneha in 2010. It 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 a close relative of Maneha, the difference being that this ride isn’t catered and Maneha was.
This ride is equal parts challenge and fun.
Warning
This is a serious ride. Sign up and participate only if you truly respect the challenge, your body, the landscape, and your equipment.
Overview
NEER Makes Fire is a bikepacking endurance ride on a mixed-terrain route. We're riding everything from primitive 'goat trails' to good paved roads.
Route Information
Distance: About 150 miles. 77 miles on Saturday and 79 miles on Sunday. We’ll tell you the specifics of the route as we get closer to ride time.
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. The price stays the same regardless. Just let us know your plans so we’re aware, that’s all you need to do.
Gear Packing Options: There are no options: if you want it to eat, to sleep on, to wear, you’re carrying it with you! You are expected to have everything you need for a long-day ride on you where it comes to fixing mechanicals. This said, there is a grocery store in Greenfield where it’s easy to buy dinner & breakfast food ~4 miles before getting to camp so that’s a good option for those wanting to eat better at camp.
When:
9 & 10 August 2025. Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s Grand Depart happens at 8am. Riders are encouraged to arrive at the start (a parking lot near area businesses) in Athol no later than 7:15 so there’s time to deal with all of the stuff on the bike prior to 8am. Starting on time is important!
Sunday’s ride back begins when riders want to get moving, no later than 8am.
Where we start & Where we Camp:
The Grand Depart is in Athol, MA. There’s a parking lot for your car to stay overnight near area businesses and empty store fronts so it’s fine to leave cars for two days. The parking lot is lit all night.
We’re camping in a nice campground, Barton’s Cove, in Gil, MA. The route is a loop, not an out-and-back so both days offer a variety of mixed terrain riding.
We have campsites reserved together for riders in this campground. NEER buys wood for a fire/fires everyone can enjoy.
The campground is minimal, it’s mostly only open to tent sites and those using the campground for boating during the day. There is NO electricity and NO potable water so we’ll buy water in Greenfiled to bring with us for cooking.
There are showers!
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 with nice people also out for the same?
How:
Register at the NEER store!
Questions? Email us at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com
Who can do the NEER Makes Fire 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. This is a difficult ride. Riding 75-80 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 dark.
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.
Special camp mug: Every good bike packer needs a camp mug! This mug can be placed directly over the fire to heat water, it’s easy to strap to your bags, and it’ll be etched to commemorate this bikepacking weekend too! Retail value: $30
Invite to a Bikepacking Gear Clinic and Hands-on Session at Seven Cycles Thursday evening, July 24 6-8:30pm.
Logistics, Route & Route Notes by 7pm August 4: 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’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.
"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 this ride as a solo rider or with a team/self-organized friend group (AKA team) ahead of the NEER-led group. All of these ways of participating are fantastic and your choice. Solo riders and slower groups will be encouraged to start earlier than 8am so there’s some cross-over during the day. It’s early and understandable if people don’t want to start earlier than this!
The last group to depart will be Super Domestique-led, and the Super Domestique will be riding a loaded hardtail mountain bike so it won’t be fast, but steady.
A 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 8pm.
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. AND there is no electricity at camp so you’ll need electricity to last you 2 days!
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 at no additional cost as long as you’re sharing a tent. Please let us know if you’ll have someone meeting you at camp.
If you’d like this to be a bigger family affair, we’ll ask you to make a reservation with the campground on your own and 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.
Sunday After the Ride back in Athol, MA
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. There is a nearby Market Basket, Red Apple Farm is right down the street (drinks, ice cream, woodfired pizza), and a few restaurants are close to where parking is located.
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!
NEER Season Kick Off Ride! Adventure Gravel Ride
This is the NEER Season Kick-Off weekend and we have a lot of great riding in store for you! Ride out of our favorite farm, Red Apple Farm, on Saturday, if you’d like, camp with us Saturday evening (very close to the farm), and we’re offering yet another terrific mixed terrain Ride Option on Sunday! Sunday’s ride is intended to give people the chance to test bikepacking equipment and loading the bike (not required to participate).
Saturday’s Ride Description
Join us for incredibly beautiful cycling on the back roads of central Massachusetts! There are TWO distance options for you for this ride! Choose a 77-mile route or 55-mile route to enjoy.
There are numerous views of Mt Modnadnock during this ride for the 77-mile riders!
This ride is full of dirt roads, with nice paved roads as well. Most of the route is back roads, away from traffic and people. Keep reading to understand the logistics. This ride starts at Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, MA.
This is a group or solo ride, depending on how you want to ride it. You may get a group of your friends together, you may request to ride with others who are likely of your similar cycling pace and experience, or you’re welcome to ride it alone, though you’re hardly alone when there are so many people on the same route. We hope solo riders are interested in starting earlier so that you’re ahead of the others rather than behind
There is little to no cell coverage on many parts of the routes.
Be absolutely certain you’re up for the rules of this ride. Read this page in its entirety and visit the links, so you know exactly what’s what.
Due to insurance requirements, this ride is only open to NEER members. You may become a NEER member, so it’s not too late. NEER rides all fall and winter, if you’re worried about what’s going to become of your cycling life, we recommend joining NEER!
Ride Options:
Get a Group of Friends Together to Ride!
Ride with your friends at whatever pace you and your friends like to ride. Let us know you’d like to do this when you register, we ask who is riding with who.
Ride with New-to-You People Option
Ride with people of your riding speed, but you don’t have to know anyone prior to the ride! This is an option for you if you’d like to ride with a group, but don’t have friends riding or simply want to meet new people who are of a similar strength. We do our best to group you together.
Ride Solo
You’re also welcome to ride solo. We prefer if you are a solo rider that you choose an earlier start time so that there are riders behind you, for the purposes of safety and everyone seeing people out there on the route.
We are glad to start you off earlier than the advertised starting times so that you’ll see others all day long, yet still get to ride solo.
Riders stop for a food break in central Massachusetts on an especially huge NEER adventure ride.
Food & Drinks
There are food/water stops on the route. There will not be any staffed food or water stops on the ride. Since we don’t have to hire anyone to work this ride, there is no fee to ride.
Photo courtesy of Red Apple Farm. Sunset at the farm.
See the Red Apple Farm’s Brew Barn website and Menu!
By not charging you for food, it’s your choice as to how much and where you eat post-ride. We recommend doing business at Red Apple farm. They generously welcome us with open arms, give us parking, bathrooms, water, and access to their store, and prepared food. They have a huge selection of goods in their store and the Brew Barn makes tasty food. They hosted us throughout the pandemic and have been EXTREMELY generous in sharing their farm and time with us.
The Brew Barn is open 9am-8pm. They serve breakfast sandwiches at 9am.
Details
Ride Type: Remote paved and dirt roads, some mix of surfaces, but almost entirely rideable with little/no technical skill.
Time & Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Ride start times between 8:30am and 9:30am
Starting Point: Red Apple Farm - Phillipston, MA
Distance: 55 miles and 77 miles
What you get
A gorgeous, well-planned route: Route file for your GPS computer, parking directions/instructions.
Staffed starting location with water, toilets, friendly people and sweet farm animals
Peace of mind knowing there are other riders on the same route & others to ride with if you like. You and your friends can have your own start time and ride so you know who you’re riding with if you wish too!
Option to purchase breakfast, lunch or dinner and beer or non-alcoholic drinks at the end of the ride at the farm, nice place to hang out with each other and spend the afternoon. Invite your non-riding loved ones and friends to come join you for the after-ride picnic at Red Apple!
Price - No charge
You MUST be a NEER member (a Cat 4 NEER membership is $50 for a full year of hosted rides of all varieties, and there are lots of additional benefits to being a member) - details on joining are here). This is a requirement of insurance, otherwise, we would be unable to host this or any bike ride.
No day-of registrations
Parking & Start Location
Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, Massachusetts. Exact details and location information are emailed to registered riders by 7pm the THURSDAY before the ride. There is a special parking place for our group. Don’t drive a car that sits low to the ground (like a sports car) as there may be rocks in the parking lot, it’s not a paved lot.
Camping Option & Sunday Loaded Ride Option
We have camp sites reserved at nearby campground Lamb City Campground so that everyone who wants to camp after the ride, enjoy camp fires together, enjoy being next to a calm lake, talk about the season ahead (yes, it’s just the start for many riders), this is a really fun time together. This also allows you to be close so that you are right there ready for Sunday’s loaded bike ride option!
When you RSVP, please mention that you would like to camp.
Price for camping: we’re taking the price of the camping reservation, adding in the cost of fire wood and dividing by the number of people who are sharing the space. We’re expecting this to be in the neighborhood of $50-75 per person.
Sunday Ride Option!
Ride one or both days, depending on what you’d like to do. Check out the details of the Sunday ride option on its RIDE PAGE.
Estimated drive time
About 60-80 minutes from most parts of the greater Boston area
Route Information
Like all of our routes, it’s adventure-filled, but also very appropriate for gravel bikes. You’ll ride plenty of dirt roads, trails, and what’s pavement will be on the quiet roads. Thank you to Singlespeed Kenny for providing Saturday’s routes for us to enjoy!!
The routes have been vetted within the past 6 months. However, it’s still healthy to bring a spirit of adventure - if a road is closed for whatever reason, you’ll need to figure out how to re-route.
Be sure you’ve got the route and at least one back-up power source to charge your GPS unit and phone during the day. Do not plan on having cell service since there are quite a few portions of the ride with weak to no service.
Safety & Dealing with Mechanicals
Every rider is expected to follow the rules of the road at all times. This means obeying stop signs and staying to the right-hand portion of the road.
If we think you’re being unsafe, you will be asked to leave the ride. You will not be invited to return to any group rides as well. This applies for all aspects of cycling and general behavior.
We are NOT providing a roving mechanic. That means you should bring all of the tools and supplies necessary for possible mechanical situations. There are other riders out on the route and we hope people will assist each other in case of a problem.
Come out with a freshly tuned up bike, fresh sealant in your fresh tires, have electronic bikes charged fully, shifter lever batteries checked for freshness, lube those chains! Check your spare tubes to be sure they will hold air. If you’re in doubt about this, take new tubes. It’s not worth getting stuck out there.
Most mechanicals are easily avoidable by taking proper care of your equipment in advance of the ride.
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.
We will not shuttle riders anywhere, it’s your responsibility to have a plan in case your bike or legs stop working.
We’ll send a very detailed email by 7pm the Thursday before the ride, with the route, instructions, and details so you understand logistics and exactly what to do.
Preparation
What to bring, we recommend:
Everything necessary for common mechanicals. Items include:
2 x tubes
Hand pump
Co2 cartridges & Co2 inflator
Tire levers
Boot/dollar bill if your tire gets ripped
Patch kit
1 pair of quick links compatible for your chain
Chain pliers
Chain breaker
Multi-tool (if your chain breaker is on your multi-tool, even better)
If your bike uses a replaceable derailleur hanger, be sure to have an extra that is compatible with your bike
Rain jacket - this works well for chilly descents too
2 x 26 oz water bottles, more if it’s going to be hot
Food/nutrition in case you need a zap of energy before the food stop
Proper Bike for this Ride
40mm tires are best suited for the ride. Err on the side of bigger, especially if you’re newer to gravel riding. Feel free to use bigger tires. Your gravel bike is the most appropriate bike for the ride. Mountain bikes and flat-bar bikes are welcome. Narrower than 28mm tires are strongly discouraged. There is some loose gravel on the roads. Narrower tires are more likely to pinch flat and are less stable than 28mm or bigger. We welcome mountain bikes, fat bikes, and any bike that you feel comfortable completing the distance on in the time frame allotted for the ride.
Clipless pedals and shoes. These are important elements of bike control.
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. If it's wet on the road or raining, please put a rear fender on your bike to keep you from getting wet. If you’ll be riding with others and it’ll be wet, please be nice to your co-riders and use full-coverage fenders.
Weather
We will ride rain or shine. Dangerous weather (like an electrical storm) cancels the ride or postpones the start time.
Last Minute Information
We will email everyone who registers with the latest information if last minute details change.
Unregistered riders, riders who are not members of NEER, or riders who haven’t signed the liability waiver may not participate.
If you have financial reasons to be unable to pay, please email us so we can accommodate you. We want everyone to ride who wants to ride.
Waiver
New England Expedition Riders requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.
Contact Information
Email connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions. We will email you the cell phone number of the contact person who will be present at the beginning of the ride and available during the ride.
Riding Rules, What to Bring, How Our Rides are Different
All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules.. Note: ALL rules stated here on this page override any conflicting rules you see on our typical ride rules.
Sunday Adventure Road Ride
Location: Start and end in Natick, MA
Ride Type: Road ride with 25% dirt
Date & Time: Sunday, August 25
Distance: 71 miles
Price: Free
RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form
Location: Start and end at Elm Bank, Natick
Ride Type: Road ride with 75% pavement/ 25% dirt trails & roads appropriate for ROAD bikes
Date & Time: Sunday, August 25, 8am start
Distance: ~71 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
Does it feel like gravel riders get all of the adventures? Think again! This is an adventure ride for your ROAD bike!! The route has some dirt on it (~25%), but it’s terrain appropriate for 25mm tires or bigger, gravel bikes are not necessary.
This is a fun road ride with adventure built in for your ROAD bike (gravel bikes are welcome, but absolutely not required). 25mm tires or bigger will work great on this terrain.
The ride starts at Elm Bank in Natick, MA and heads south west to Blackstone, a lovely area for a great ride!
We have a designated Super Domestique leading the last group to depart which will be rolling at a ~15-16 mph average endurance pace. Other pace groups will be 17-18mph and 18+ mph is possible if we have riders sign up for this pace.
Distance
~71 miles
Parking
There is all-day parking at Elm Bank. 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 7:30am. Please arrive with enough time to get ready that allows you to roll out on time with the group at 8am promptly.
Allow 6 hours for the ride which equates to 4.5 hours of riding and 1.5 hours of stopped time.
Route Notes & Food/Water Stops
Bring extra calories and 3 water bottles if you can fit this much water, depending on the temperature of the day and your hydration needs. There are food/water opportunities here:
Mile 24.9 - Lots of food options
Mile 52 - Muffin House Cafe - this is a little off-route, but there doesn’t appear to be many other options on the return route
After the Ride
Enjoy cold root beers at the big, red van! We’ll be sticking around to host demo riders at Elm Bank!
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 road bike with whatever size tires you enjoy riding that will allow you to keep pace with the group. 25mm tires or bigger are appropriate for this route. A gravel bike is acceptable.
If the roads are wet/messy, please mount a rear full-coverage fender. If you don’t have one, expect to ride at the back!
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. 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.
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.
Maneha 150 Bikepacking Event
Maneha riders make their way to 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, 1-2 June 2024
Distance: 75 miles in one day, or ~150 miles over two days
Price: $195 if registered by May 23, $225 after this until the registration deadline of May 26 if there campsites available at that point. No late registrations will be accepted. Also, the 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.
We’ve put together a new route, you’ve never ridden it before.
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 a simple, but warm and tasty dinner once you arrive at the campground in New Hampshire Saturday evening
We’re cooking up a tasty breakfast for Sunday morning for you to enjoy before getting back on your bike for the return journey
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. 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.
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.
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. 75 miles on Saturday and 75 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.
Gear Packing Options: Bikepacking or NEER transports your gear to the campsite - you do NOT have to do this fully loaded. You are expected to have everything you need for a long-day ride on you where it comes to fixing mechanicals, but not your camping gear or change of clothes for after the ride or Sunday’s ride back.
When:
1 & 2 June 2024. 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. We are serving breakfast before the rollout back.
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:
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 8pm (sunset is at 8:15pm).
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 May 25: You’ll understand how the ride is being run, where you’re headed, where to be when and how to make sure you don’t miss dinner or breakfast that we’re preparing for you!
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 USA Cycling. 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 or with a team/self-organized friend group. 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 8pm.
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
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. We will prepare food for you and your significant other just as we’re doing for all riders for dinner and breakfast. 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, we’ll ask you to make a reservation with the campground on your own and 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. 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 for sure. We’ll let you know if this can be arranged. For now, expect we’ll suggest somewhere for after-ride changing clothes and snack so you’ll be able to safely and comfortably drive home.
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. There’s 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.
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 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 2 GPS computers among members.
Required: Backup battery to charge GPS computer and phone during the ride. (There is 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 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!
Burning Snowflake GRAVEL Event Ride
Join us for incredibly beautiful cycling on the back roads of central Massachusetts!
The distance offered will be determined after we scout the condition of the dirt roads in central Massachusetts.
Imagine you a little more bundled than this but with this similar kind of smile on your face!
This ride is full of dirt roads, with nice paved roads as well. Most of the route is back roads, away from traffic and people. Keep reading to understand the logistics. This ride starts about a 1 hour drive west from Boston so most people will need to drive to the start.
This is a group or solo ride, depending on how you want to ride it. You may get a group of your friends together, you may request to ride with others who are likely of your similar cycling pace and experience, or you’re welcome to ride it alone, though you’re hardly alone when there are so many people on the same route.
There is little to no cell coverage on many parts of the routes.
Be absolutely certain you’re up for the rules of this ride. Read this page in its entirety and visit the links, so you know exactly what’s what.
Due to insurance requirements, this ride is only open to NEER members. You may become a NEER member, so it’s not too late.
There is NO fee to join in this ride, rather it’s an opportunity for you to become a NEER member or renew your membership for a full year of adventures on your bikes! This is the first of many gravel rides and events we’re hosting this year.
Get a Group of Friends Together to Ride!
Ride with your friends at whatever pace you and your friends like to ride. Let us know you’d like to do this when you register, we ask who is riding with who. ALSO if you’d like a different start time, let us know and it’s highly likely it’ll work out very well for all of us.
Ride with New-to-You People Option
Ride with people of your riding speed, but you don’t have to know anyone prior to the ride! This is an option for you if you’d like to ride with a group, but don’t have friends riding or simply want to meet new people who are of a similar strength. We do our best to group you together.
Ride Solo
You’re also welcome to ride solo. We prefer if you are a solo rider that you choose an earlier start time so that there are riders behind you, for the purposes of safety and everyone seeing people out there on the route.
We are glad to start you off earlier than the advertised starting times so that you’ll see others all day long, yet still get to ride solo.
Food & Drinks
We will ensure we are finishing at a place that offers food and drinks so you can refuel and enjoy some after-ride socialization before making the trip home.
Photo courtesy of Red Apple Farm. Sunset at the farm.
Details
What you get
A gorgeous, well-planned route: Route file for your GPS computer, parking directions/instructions.
Staffed starting & finishing location with water, toilets, friendly people and sweet farm animals
Staffed food stop with water, your drop bag if you’re doing the 150 mile, and a few additional calories for you to enjoy
Peace of mind knowing there are other riders on the same route.
Option to purchase breakfast, lunch or dinner and beer or non-alcoholic drinks at the end of the ride at the farm, nice place to hang out with each other and spend the afternoon. Invite your non-riding loved ones and friends to come join you for the after-ride picnic at Red Apple!
Price
Free
You MUST be a NEER member (a Cat 4 NEER membership is $50 for a full year of hosted rides of all varieties, and there are lots of additional benefits to being a member) - details on joining are here). This is a requirement of insurance, otherwise, we would be unable to host this or any bike ride.
No day-of registrations
Start Location
We will update you on the specifics. It’ll be a ~1 hr drive from Boston.
Route Information
Like all of our routes, it’s adventure-filled, but also very appropriate for gravel bikes. You’ll ride plenty of dirt roads, trails, and what’s pavement will be on the quiet roads.
Expect elevation in the 75 ft. per mile range.
Safety & Dealing with Mechanicals
Every rider is expected to follow the rules of the road at all times. This means obeying stop signs and staying to the right-hand portion of the road.
If we think you’re being unsafe, you will be asked to leave the ride. You will not be invited to return to any group rides as well. This applies for all aspects of cycling and general behavior.
We are NOT providing a roving mechanic. That means you should bring all of the tools and supplies necessary for possible mechanical situations. There are other riders out on the route and we hope people will assist each other in case of a problem.
Come out with a freshly tuned up bike, fresh sealant in your fresh tires, have electronic bikes charged fully, shifter lever batteries checked for freshness, lube those chains! Check your spare tubes to be sure they will hold air. If you’re in doubt about this, take new tubes. It’s not worth getting stuck out there.
Most mechanicals are easily avoidable by taking proper care of your equipment in advance of the ride.
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.
We will not shuttle riders anywhere, it’s your responsibility to have a plan in case your bike or legs stop working.
We’ll send a very detailed email by 7pm the night before the ride, with the route, instructions, and details so you understand logistics and exactly what to do.
Since many details are up in the air, many more details will be shared with all on this page by Monday, February 5.
Preparation
What to bring, we recommend:
Everything necessary for common mechanicals. Items include:
2 x tubes
Hand pump
Co2 cartridges & Co2 inflator
Tire levers
Boot/dollar bill if your tire gets ripped
Patch kit
1 pair of quick links compatible for your chain
Chain pliers
Chain breaker
Multi-tool (if your chain breaker is on your multi-tool, even better)
If your bike uses a replaceable derailleur hanger, be sure to have an extra that is compatible with your bike
Rain jacket and warm gloves, chemical hand/foot warmers, neck warmers, etc in case the temps change on you
2 x 26 oz water bottles minimum.
Food/nutrition in case you need a zap of energy before the food stop
Proper Bike for this Ride
40mm tires are best suited for the ride. Err on the side of bigger, especially if you’re newer to gravel riding. Feel free to use bigger tires. Your gravel bike is the most appropriate bike for the ride. Mountain bikes and flat-bar bikes are welcome. Narrower than 28mm tires are strongly discouraged. There is some loose gravel on the roads. Narrower tires are more likely to pinch flat and are less stable than 28mm or bigger. We welcome mountain bikes, fat bikes, and any bike that you feel comfortable completing the distance on in the time frame allotted for the ride.
We will let you know if studded tires are recommended or required.
Clipless pedals and shoes. These are important elements of bike control.
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. If it's wet on the road or raining, please put a rear fender on your bike to keep you from getting wet. If you’ll be riding with others and it’ll be wet, please be nice to your co-riders and use full-coverage fenders.
Weather
We will ride rain or shine. Dangerous weather (like an electrical storm) cancels the ride or postpones the start time.
Last Minute Information
We will email everyone who registers with the latest information if last minute details change.
Unregistered riders, riders who are not members of NEER, or riders who haven’t signed the liability waiver may not participate.
If you have financial reasons to be unable to pay, please email us so we can accommodate you. We want everyone to ride who wants to ride.
Waiver
New England Expedition Riders requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.
Contact Information
Email connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions. We will email you the cell phone number of the contact person who will be present at the beginning of the ride and available during the ride.
Riding Rules, What to Bring, How Our Rides are Different
All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules.. Note: ALL rules stated here on this page override any conflicting rules you see on our typical ride rules.