NEER Bikepack to the Beach
Location: Arlington & Winchester → Salem, MA
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Bike Packing
Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, 1 & 2 August
Distance: Various
Price: $85
Riders enjoy time sitting around a fire after a long day of great riding!
Location: Various start locations: Arlington, MA & Winchester, MA (we’ll time it so that riders can jump into the ride at a location convenient for them - come up from the city, take the train, ride from your home!)
Route: Bikepacking, mixed terrain, plenty of dirt under your tires
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain
Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, 1-2 August 2026
Distance: ~43 miles for those starting from Arlington, ~37 miles for those starting from Winchester
Price: $85 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. When there aren’t spots left at camp, we can’t accept further registrations.
Non-Riding family/friend option! See details below.
Description: The NEER Bikepack to the Beach is a weekend two-day and one-night event that covers almost >70 miles of diverse terrain in New England. This ride is equal parts challenge and fun. The event is part bikepacking and part adventure ride.
The route takes fun, playful trails to Marblehead (ice cream and tasty food, anyone?), then riders head north to Winter Park Island, a special campground where riders will camp in a group cove (private from the rest of the campers), a short walk from the beach!
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.
We’re offering two start locations: Arlington and Winchester with timing such that riders will ride from Arlington, then to Winchester, and then on to camp. With these start locations being convenient to Boston, it’s easy for those without cars to attend this ride.
Photo from the Winter Park camp website.
This is not a catered trip, we’re not bringing stuff to camp for anyone. We’ve found it very effective for riders to take on their first bikepacking trip having to be self-sufficient. Since we’re near civilization, it’s not a problem if one forgets something or doesn’t pack ideally.
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 not long after you register (assuming you haven’t already received it). We’re always adding and optimizing the list too!
Route Information
Distance: 37-45 miles on Saturday and a similar amount on Sunday to reutrn. It’s a loop, not the same out and back.
Territory: Ranges from deep woods to town centers.
Riding Options: We’ve reserved the group campsite area for the whole weekend Saturday through Monday morning. If you want to enjoy camp for longer on Sunday or stick around until Monday, you’re MORE than welcome to enjoy this special spot for all of that time!
The routes we share and timings we suggest are what the “group” will be doing. You are more than welcome to ride from your home to one of the two start locations (Arlington or Winchester) and add distance if you wish after arriving in Salem. The fee for this weekend is paying for your spot in camp and for the shared bikepacking experience.
You are more than welcome to get a lift home from the campground or have someone drop you off so that you can do a partial trip, there’s no shame in getting creative in making this work in your schedule and life!
Significant others/friends who are non-NEER are welcome to join at camp. There is space for cars for anyone who wants to drive, we just need to know if someone will be joining in rather than riding, it’s not a problem and we love it when non-riding family members can enjoy the shared camping as well.
We are not transporting anyone to the start or from the campsite back. There is no support vehicle.
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 are stores on the route so one can buy food rather than bring it with. Your choice!
When:
1 & 2 August 2026. Saturday and Sunday. Riders choosing to meet up in Arlington should be ready to roll by 7:55am. Everyone will ride to Winchester Center where there’s overnight parking (details will be shared with all who register).
Grand Depart is in Winchester at 9am.
Sunday’s ride back begins when riders want to get moving. A Super Domestique will accompany those who want to do a group ride rolling at 9am. If riders want to add mileage or get an earlier start, that’s fine. Riders are often up very early at camp and want to get moving.
Where we start & Where we Camp:
Arlington: near the Arlington Reservoir, we’ll share exact meet-up details with all who register.
Winchester: We’ll share details of overnight parking with all who register; there are lots in Winchester that allow this.
We’re camping in a nice campground, Winter Island Park in Salem, MA.
We have campsites reserved together for riders in this campground. NEER buys wood for a fire/fires everyone can enjoy.
There is electricity (not at the campsites, but there are plugs, you won’t want to plug in your phone and walk away). There is potable water, restrooms, and showers for everyone’s use.
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 this 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. The terrain is “playful” meaning you’ll ride paved roads, dirt paths, single track trails, some more technical terrain that any gravel bike can handle, but is beyond what we’d call “gravel.”
"The staff did a remarkable job on a complex event. I can't wait until next year!" - C.B.
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 and all for the weekend at the campsite. That person should register (or you can register for both of you) and mention who is not riding. If someone is joining for the day and not staying overnight, it’s not necessary to pay anything (since they aren’t taking space at the campsite), just send an email instead.
Contact Information - You’ll receive a cell number in email
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 40mm 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!
Maine Gravel Adventure Ride
Location: Start and end in Cumberland, Maine
Ride Type: Gravel ride with both dirt and paved roads, possibly a few added trail sections for extra fun, nothing crazy
Date & Time: Sunday, June 14, 9am
Distance: ~55 miles
Location: Start and end in Cumberland, Maine (20 mins from Portland)
Ride Type: Gravel ride, mixed surface with pavement and dirt expected, unlikely anything crazier than dirt roads
Date & Time: Sunday, June 14, 9:00am
Distance: ~55 miles-ish (exact distance will be as much as 15 miles longer than this)
Price: Free; see NEER membership requirements discussed below after the first ride you do with us
RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form
Details
This is an adventure ride for your gravel bike! We’re using a route that’s vetted and there could be some extra adventure-y portions if we decide to do some off-shoot trails from the nice route. Nothing crazy, nothing will take people out of your comfort zone. Distance is ~55 miles. We’ll send along the route and details of final expected mileage (and if there are options for cutting the route, we’ll details in the pre-ride email).
We have a designated Super Domestique leading the last group to depart (if there is more than 1 group) which will be rolling at a peppy endurance pace. If you’re good for a 16 mph average road ride on pavement for 4 hours then you have the fitness to keep pace with this group (this is not a road ride so the pace will be much less than 16mph with gravel tires, bikes, dirt roads and whatever interesting terrain comes our way).
Parking
There is all-day parking at the start. Details will be sent to all who RSVP by 7pm the evening before the ride.
Route
The route will be emailed before 7pm the evening before the ride to all participants.
All riders should load the ride on a GPS computer so everyone knows where we’re going and it makes splitting into groups easier.
Start Time & Estimated Ride Time
We’ll be at the start by 8:30am. Please arrive with enough time to get ready that allows you to roll out on time with the group at 9am promptly.
Allow 8 hours for the ride and stops, it’s an adventure and it’s hard to guess as to the finish time. We will be deliberate at food stops to allow everyone time to eat/drink/rest, but not doddle endlessly since we know people need to get home before too late!
Route Notes & Food/Water Stops
Bring extra calories and 3 water bottles or a hydration pack + bottles. It’ll be hot and extra hydration and calories are important when in a new place. We’ll let everyone know where water/food refills will be, but overprepare so if a store is unexpectedly closed, it’s not the end of the world.
Last-Minute Information
We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news if there is any. We email ALL RSVPs by 7pm the evening before the ride. If you don’t see an email by 7pm the evening prior to the ride, be sure to email us so we can get you the information.
Contact Information
Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride anytime 1 hour or more prior to the start of the ride.
CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the ride at 413-461-7433.
Don’t txt if you need an immediate response, all txt msgs go to our email that we aren’t checking if we’re in front of people at the ride or on our bikes.
Riding Rules
All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. RSVP’ing to this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.
Waiver
We require a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.
If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.
Proper bike & Equipment
Bring your gravel bike with whatever size tires you enjoy riding ~38mm or bigger that will allow you to keep pace with the group.
Clipless pedals and shoes. These are important elements of bike control. Since we are riding near to each other on the road, platform pedals don’t offer necessary bike control for this kind of riding.
A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. Ubers are unlikely out here, be sure to come very well prepared so any mechanical can be fixed on the route. Bring all of the usual gravel-ride supplies, extra tubes, air, tools, spare derailleur hanger if your bike needs one (these are specific to your model bike, no one will have an extra for you).
Our Super Domestique rides with a Garmin InReach so that the world can be contacted in case of being away from cell service.
You are responsible for you and your bike.
RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!
Please RSVP only after you’ve made sure you can attend. It is inconsiderate to RSVP prior to committing to attending since it affects the experience of the other cyclists in attendance. We understand that things come up last-minute. Be sure to email us if you can’t attend: connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.
Maine Mountain Bike & Gravel Weekend Getaway - August 8 & 9
Location: Start and end in/near Freeport, Maine
Ride Type: Mountain and gravel options
Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, August 8 & 9
Distance: 3-4 hours for the mtb ride, gravel: various
Location: Start and end each ride near Freeport, Maine (20 mins from Portland)
Ride Type: Saturday: Mountain bike, Sunday: Gravel ride
Date & Time: Saturday, August 8 & Sunday, August 9
Camping option: Backyard of hosting NEER member & other campgrounds & inns are nearby for those staying the weekend
Also enjoy a BBQ Saturday evening at home of hosting NEER member! All contribute $ toward the food and festivities.
Distance: Saturday: 3-4 hours mtb, Sunday: 3-4 hours gravel (champagne gravel)
Price: Free; see NEER membership requirements discussed below after the first ride you do with us
RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form
Details
This is a hosted weekend of enjoying the great trails and roads in the Freeport, Maine area! NEER member Matt M lives here, knows the trails and roads and is treating NEERs to a great weekend of riding!
Saturday will be a great mountain bike ride with options for smoother, flowier trails and more “New England” classic trails. 3-4 hours in duration. It’ll be easy for riders to be on the trails of their liking. There are two ride leaders showing the way.
After the ride Saturday, all who want to join in for food and drinks at local breweries in Freeport are welcome to hang out.
Saturday evening, Matt is hosting a BBQ at his house, all will contribute via a fun group shopping trip for food and it’ll be a great night of BBQ, campfire, and all who want to stay over in tents in Matt’s backyard are welcome. Everyone who RSVPs will be offered additional information and options where it comes to staying over if desired.
Come for one or both days - not necessary to be there for both days, your schedule dictates what you come for! It’s all great, it’ll be a weekend of people coming/going and connecting!
Saturday is the Mainely organized gravel ride for anyone who wishes to participate in this.
Sunday: Matt has a prepared a champagne gravel route that’s a fun option for a group ride, starting near Freeport. This is more champagne gravel in nature, approximately 3 hours ride time.
RSVP for one or many aspects of the weekend; everyone will receive details for all of it an you can fit what you want into the weekend!
Parking / Starting locations
Details will be shared with all who RSVP.
Routes
Routes will be shared with all who RSVP for one or both days. Expect these by 7pm Thursday night prior to the weekend.
Start Time & Estimated Ride Time
Saturday morning: 10am start
Sunday morning: 9am start
Route Notes & Food/Water Stops
All will be shared with RSVPers. This is an area not too far away from food/water so it’s not necessary to go too loaded, though 2 or 3 bottles of water and extra calories is always a good idea.
Last-Minute Information
We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news if there is any.
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
For the mountain bike ride: hardtail or dual suspension bikes are all fine. The mountain bike ride is cross country in nature meaning it’s not overly technical. 2.25” tires or bigger are adequate.
For the gravel bike ride: watch for details. Typically, we ride 40mm tires or bigger on gravel, but the route may be smooth enough gravel for 35mm or bigger to be adequate. We’ll let you know what to expect!
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. Platform are fine for mtb riding if you’re used to using these.
A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. Ubers are unlikely out here, be sure to come very well prepared so any mechanical can be fixed on the route. Bring all of the usual gravel-ride supplies, extra tubes, air, tools, spare derailleur hanger if your bike needs one (these are specific to your model bike, no one will have an extra for you).
Our Super Domestique rides with a Garmin InReach so that the world can be contacted in case of being away from cell service.
You are responsible for you and your bike.
RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!
Please mention in your RSVP if you’re thinking about camping and/or participating in the group BBQ so we have numbers and a general idea of how many to expect.
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.
NEER Gravel & Gear: Day Ride & Bikepacking Options!
Location: Sturbridge, MA
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Bike Packing
Date & Time: Friday evening & Saturday June 19 & 20
Distance: various options
Price: $40 & $0 for just the ride - for NEER members only
Riders enjoy time sitting around a fire after a long day of great riding!
Location: Starts in Sturbridge, MA - Friday night for bikepackers and Saturday ride for those who want to come for the ride
Route: Bikepacking, mixed terrain, plenty of dirt under your tires
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain
Date & Time: Friday night & Saturday, 19-20 June 2026
Distance: ~5 miles Friday evening to get to camp, long and short route options for Saturday (the long route can be cut shorter for the short ride option)
Price: $40 per person for bikepacking. 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 bikepacking option is likely to fill up. No charge for those who come for the day of riding.
Non-Riding family/friend option! See details below.
Description: The NEER Gravel and Gear is a great day ride and it’s combined with bikepacking for those who want to camp, test their gear, enjoy spending a nice Friday evening with other nice cyclists at camp prior to getting up the next day and having a full day on the bike. The pressure is not on Friday since getting to the campground is relaxed and very few miles from where everyone parks. If someone wants to camp but isn’t “there” yet with bikepacking gear, there is room at the campground for a couple of cars though we want to encourage everyone to load your bikes and jump in head-first on the bikepacking front!
This is a new route, we’ve never run this route before and it’s in an area where there’s not a lot of riding so you’ll see new places.
This is a great way to test your bikepacking setup, enjoy camping with others of similar cycling interests, and share the experience with your friends.
Enjoy ~50-100km of gravel riding on Saturday
This is not a catered trip, we’re not bringing stuff to camp for anyone but we do have the basics for fire starting and boiling water which you’re welcome to use.
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’re providing a comprehensive packing list so you know what to bring and are prepared for this and any bikepacking trip.
Photo from a warm bikepacking trip fire and post-ride feasting/post-ride food coma Saturday night.
Route Information
Distance: Friday: short ride from your car/commuter lot to campground, Saturday: 100km route & shorter option available
Territory: Sturbridge, MA start/end
Gear Packing Options: You must bring your stuff on your bike BUT there is parking at the campground if you want to drive and bring your camp gear.
When:
19 & 20 June 2026. Friday evening and Saturday. You’ll be home Saturday evening. Note Juneteenth is June 19 and Father’s Day is on Sunday, June 21.
Friday night riders meet up at the parking lot (details will be shared with all who RSVP)
Where we start & Where we Camp:
The ride start is in Sturbridge, MA. There’s a commuter parking lot for your car to stay overnight. The parking lot is lit all night.
Riders who would like to come for the ride on Saturday will get specific directions as to where to park and where to ride so as to meet up at the start. You’ll get a start time so as to meet up with the bike packers before 9am.
Bikepackers will ride with their bikes loaded with their stuff on Saturday so as to test out their loading and setups, etc.
9am - Full group rollout from the campground for both the bikepackers and the day riders
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, etc. And everyone wants to have a fun day on the bike on a nice Friday afternoon - Saturday in June!
Registration:
For the bikepacking trip, please Register at the NEER store!
For the Saturday gravel-ride option only (no camping or bikepacking component), please RSVP on our usual RSVP Page.
Questions?Email us at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com
Who can do the NEER Gravel and Gear 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. There are no time cut offs, you’re welcome to take your time. As much as possible, we want people to ride together. However, when everyone has a loaded bike, people tend to get spread out on the route. Come prepared to ride alone and if it turns out that you get to ride with people, great! If you prefer to ride alone, no one will take it personally.
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 Thursday, June 18: You’ll understand how the ride is being run, where you’re headed, where to be when. We’ll email everyone a week ahead with more details so no one will be in the dark the week of the ride.
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.
Ride with Your Friend Group or with the NEER Super Domestique
We’re happy if you and your friends want to ride together. There’s no need to ride with anyone specifically. NEER has a Super Domestique who will ride with a group who is riding at a moderate pace which translates from 16mph road riding to loaded bike meaning the average for this group will likely be 12ish mph.
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, it’s a little nicer if you’re a solo rider to head out earlier before everyone else so that you see others during the day and it’s a .
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 throughout the day for the safety and convenience this offers. 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
Please let us know if you’ll have someone meeting you at camp. We have very limited space for bikepackers so while we love to extend this option on our bikepacking trips usually, it might not be possible for this one.
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!
Maneha 150 Bikepacking Weekend
Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, 2 & 3 May 2026
Location: Ayer, MA -> Hancock, NH & back - take the train from Boston!
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Bike Packing
Distance: 150 miles over two days
Price: $95
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: 82 miles Saturday, 74 miles Sunday = ~156 miles over two days
Price: $95 until sites fill up. Once the campground is full, we can’t take more people
MUST BE A NEER MEMBER to participate in the riding portion 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 staying at a campground (there’s no wild camping in this part of NH) so enjoy their showers, bathrooms, arcade, pool, camp store, etc.
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.
There is a nice market close to camp so it’s easy to buy your dinner and breakfast if you don’t want to bring these foods with you. They have prepared foods there also.
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.
See Photos from the last Maneha bikepacking trip!
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!
It is FINE to ride your own pace and on your own. We prefer if you want to take your time that you start before the organized group or take a friend! We will worry about anyone who hasn’t shown up to camp at sunset and since we’re on our bikes, it’s not possible to go in search of someone in a car.
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. Probably around 82 miles on Saturday and 74 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!
Scenic Seacoast NH Road Ride
Date & Time: Sunday, March 22, 9am start
Location: Newfields, NH
Ride Type: Road Ride, 73 miles
Date & Time: Sunday, March 22, 9am start
Location: Start and end in Newfields, NH
Ride Type: Road Ride, all pavement expected
Distance: 73 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
We have the distinct privilege to ride a nice section of a route that the New England Randonneurs (NER) are including in a very special much longer ride in September! Affiliation with NER is not necessary to join in this ride, it’s just a fun way to be involved in one of their rides and see/experience this beautiful route!
We have a designated Super Domestique leading the last group to depart which will be rolling at a ~15-16 mph average endurance pace. This won’t feel slow, it’s 73 miles so stronger/faster riders are welcome to pull at the front or ride ahead. It will be a really fun day on the bike!
Distance
73 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 - it’s scenic and pleasant!
The route is 72.8 miles in total distance and is 3,200 ft of elevation gain so quite flat by New Hampshire standards. The route passes through very nice towns. Here’s an image of the route:
The route GPS file and details about riding it 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 should that be desired.
Start Time & Estimated Ride Time
We’ll be at the starting parking lot around 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 ~6-6.5 hours for the full ride if you’re in the “endurance” pace group. This assumes an average pace of 14-15mph with some time taken at food stops.
Route Notes & Food/Water Stops
Bring extra calories and 2 full water bottles. This is ample with the cafes/stops expected during the ride.
There are two food stops enroute.
After the Ride
A Seven Cycles representative will be around post ride to host demo riders at the parking lot 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 us if this interests you and we’ll make proper arrangements!
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.
SPRING Forward into Road Ride Season! Sunday, March 8
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 1 at 6am-8am
Location: Start and end at Cutler Park, Natick, MA
Ride Type: Road Training Ride
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.
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.