Full Moon Mixed Terrain Night Rides - 2025

• Location: Various starting locations throughout New England

• Ride Type: Mixed Terrain

• Time & Date: Departs Every Full Moon (or shifted by a day or two for ideal conditions), varying start times and locations

• Distance: ~15 miles, approximately 90-120 minutes of riding

• Price: Free, note NEER membership requirements discussed below after the first ride you do with us

Description: The Full Moon ride takes cyclists all over the trails and back roads of the town where we start.

These rides all have a certain peace and joviality associated with them. There’s no “fast” when night riding; this is the time to really enjoy the ride in a special way with others who come out for these rides.

The Full Moon Ride should NOT be your first Mixed Terrain Ride.

Mixed Terrain is rougher and more technical than gravel bike riding and involves navigating around and over some smaller rocks and roots, sometimes dismounting to clear a downed tree.

Most Full Moon rides are appropriate terrain for gravel bikes of 35mm tires or wider and hard-tail mountain bikes with at least this minimum tire size. Sometimes we’ll do a special edition due to the trail conditions that will necessitate a different tire size so always be sure to check back for each ride to get the details of the best bike for the terrain.

If you are uncertain of your skill level, please email us or attend a daylight mixed terrain ride to get comfortable on your bike on Mixed Terrain.

Full Moon Ride Calendar

Some of the Full Moon rides are shifted from the exact date of the full moon 1-2 days, typically to avoid weekends or days people are unlikely to be able to ride. Usually 1-2 days on either side of a Full Moon, the moon is big and bright and still very pleasing to ride under!

Full Moon Calendar: 2025

Date	Day	Moon Name	Departure Time	Location
11 February	Tuesday	Snow Moon	7:00 PM	Near Bedford, MA
12 March	Wednesday	Worm Moon	7:00 PM	Belmont Center
15 April	Tuesday	Pink Moon, Super Moon!	7:00 PM	TBD
15 May (date changed)	Thursday	Flower Moon	7:00 PM	Newton Center
11 June	Wednesday	Strawberry Moon	7:00pm	TBD
10 July	Thursday	Buck Moon	7:00 PM	TBD
9 August	Saturday	Sturgeon Moon	9:00 AM	Long daytime ride
9 September	Tuesday	Harvest Moon	7:00 PM	TBD
7 October	Tuesday	Hunter Moon	7:00 PM	TBD
5 November	Wednesday	Beaver Moon	7:00 PM	TBD
4 December	Thursday	Cold Moon	7:00 PM	TBD

Route

We will email the route to everyone who RSVPs by 7pm the evening before the ride. You’ll get the route emailed to you if you register by 4pm the day of the ride but please try not to wait too long to send in your RSVP since we work day jobs and may not have time to send you the route before the ride.

Please load the route in advance, it’s helpful for riders to know when turns are coming, they are numerous.

Pace and Skills Needed

Riders who can average 15mph on a 2+ hour road ride will have the fitness to allow them to enjoy this ride. The average pace of a mixed terrain night ride is usually 6-8mph depending on conditions and terrain. We err on the side of caution and regroup periodically.

As stated above, the Full Moon ride should not be your first mixed terrain ride experience.

Ride Notes

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the ride and pointing out turns. We don’t have a sweep rider for this ride so only participate if you’re confident in your skill level and fitness – or know your way back. When we have a larger group, we will split into two or more groups. Riders are exceptionally nice on this ride and make sure to not lose their co-riders.

This ride has a kindness vibe to it.

Last Minute Information

We send emails to those who have RSVP’d with anything critical that isn’t communicated on this page that is known to us before the ride start.

Estimated time

Typically 90 minutes to 2 hours. We make winter and snow rides shorter in distance (but not time) since they’re slower.

After the Ride

When we start at a local establishment, anyone who wants to hang out and enjoy food or drinks together are welcome to do that! Sometimes we prepare food/drink for riders post-ride, but we let you know when this is happening.

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com, Phone - 413-461-7433

Riding Rules, What to Bring, How Our Rides are Different: 

All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules.

Waiver: A signed waiver is required prior to your first ride with NEER.

If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.

Proper Bike & Requirements for this ride:

• Bright front light - At least 500 lumens that will last for 2.5 hours.

• Rear light - A steady (not flashing) rear light that will last at least 2.5 hours. This light needs to NOT be BLINDING to other cyclists. Please stare into your rear light, if it hurts your eyes, it will be painful for the rider behind you.

• 35mm knobby tires minimum for most rides. Wider tires are nicer. Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. In the winter, we will require studded tires when we expect to see ice. Road bikes with 32mm tires or bigger all the way up to fat bikes are all invited and will have fun.

• Clipless pedals and shoes. These are important elements of bike control. If you ride with platform pedals you’re likely to be over your head in some of the more technical parts of the ride. If you ride platform pedals and feel you have complete control of your bike because you have many hours of use with them, then they are acceptable.

• A bike that’s in safe working order and is free of creaking and squeaking. PLEASE LUBE YOUR CHAIN before the ride.

• Higher tire pressure: We recommend starting with higher tire pressure and be ready to let some out if your tires are inflated too much.

• First, we want to minimize flats on the ride; waiting for someone to change flats is not why we ride.  We typically see zero flats on our rides.  One of the primary reasons for this is due to higher than average tire pressure.

• We do not recommend fenders since sticks and twigs can get caught in them.

• When do we host the Full Moon ride? When it is:

  • Snowing: We ride; it is so much fun to ride during a snow storm.

  • Snow on the ground: We ride. It doesn’t matter if there’s 1 inch or four feet, we ride. We recommend (and may require) studded tires and/or fat bikes for these kinds of conditions. The only exclusion to snow riding is when there is a state of emergency and we’ve been asked to stay off the road.

  • Icy conditions: We ride. For this you have to have studded tires in order to ride with us.

  • Cold: It doesn’t matter what the temperature is, we ride. We’ve held the Full Moon ride at very, very below zero temps in the past and we still get a great turnout!

  • We DO NOT RIDE if the trails are wet and could possibly be damaged by riding, or we change the route/plan to be on beaches or on fire roads that are not sensitive trails if it’s easy to change the plan last-minute.

RSVPs are required so we know who is coming, RSVP here now!

Full Moon Mixed Terrain Night Rides

• Location: Various starting locations throughout New England

• Ride Type: Mixed Terrain

• Time & Date: Departs Every Full Moon (or shifted by a day or two), varying start times

• Distance: ~15 miles, approximately 90-120 minutes of riding

• Price: Free, note NEER membership requirements discussed below after the first ride you do with us

Description: The Full Moon ride takes cyclists all over the trails and back roads of the town where we start.

These rides all have a certain peace and joviality associated with them. There’s no “fast” when night riding; this is the time to really enjoy the ride in a special way with others who come out for these rides.

The Full Moon Ride should NOT be your first Mixed Terrain Ride.

Mixed Terrain is rougher and more technical than gravel bike riding and involves navigating around and over some smaller rocks and roots, sometimes dismounting to clear a downed tree.

Most Full Moon rides are appropriate terrain for gravel bikes of 35mm tires or wider and hard-tail mountain bikes with at least this minimum tire size. Sometimes we’ll do a special edition due to the trail conditions that will necessitate a different tire size so always be sure to check back for each ride to get the details of the best bike for the terrain.

If you are uncertain of your skill level, please email us or attend a daylight mixed terrain ride to get comfortable on your bike on Mixed Terrain.

Full Moon Ride Calendar

A few of the Full Moon rides are shifted from the exact date of the full moon, typically to avoid weekends or days people are unlikely to be able to ride.

Full Moon Calendar: 2024

Date	Day	Moon Name	Departure Time	Location
26 March	Tuesday	Worm Moon	7:00 PM	Rain cancelled
23 April	Tuesday	Pink Moon	7:00PM	Lexington (Revolution Hall)
23 May	Thursday	Flower Moon	7:00 PM	Newton Center
20 June	Thursday	Strawberry Moon	7:00pm	Summer break
21 July	Sunday	Buck Moon	Daytime ride	Summer break
20 August	Tuesday	Sturgeon Moon	7:00 PM	Lexington (Clark Middle School)
17 September	Tuesday	Corn Moon	7:00 PM	Lexington (Revolution Hall)
17 October	Thursday	Hunter Moon	7:00 PM	Lexington (Revolution Hall)
14 November	Thursday	Beaver Moon	7:00 PM	Waltham, MA
15 December	Sunday	Normal Moon - Daytime ride	9:00 AM	Sudbury, MA

Route

We will email the route to everyone who RSVPs by 7pm the evening before the ride. You’ll get the route emailed to you if you register by 4pm the day of the ride but please try not to wait too long to send in your RSVP since we work day jobs and may not have time to send you the route before the ride.

Please load the route in advance, it’s helpful for riders to know when turns are coming, they are numerous.

Pace and Skills Needed

Riders who can average 15mph on a 2+ hour road ride will have the fitness to allow them to enjoy this ride. The average pace of a mixed terrain night ride is usually 6-8mph depending on conditions and terrain. We err on the side of caution and regroup periodically.

As stated above, the Full Moon ride should not be your first mixed terrain ride.

Ride Notes

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the ride and pointing out turns. We don’t have a sweep rider for this ride so only participate if you’re confident in your skill level and fitness – or know your way back. When we have a larger group, we will split into two or more groups. Riders are exceptionally nice on this ride and make sure to not lose their co-riders.

This ride has a kindness vibe to it.

Last Minute Information

We send emails to those who have RSVP’d with anything critical that isn’t communicated on this page that is known to us before the ride start.

Estimated time

Typically 90 minutes to 2 hours. We make winter and snow rides shorter in distance (but not time) since they’re slower.

After the Ride

When we start at a local establishment, anyone who wants to hang out and enjoy food or drinks together are welcome to do that! Sometimes we prepare food/drink for riders post-ride, but we let you know when this is happening.

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com, Phone - 413-461-7433

Riding Rules, What to Bring, How Our Rides are Different: 

All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules.

Waiver: A signed waiver is required prior to your first ride with NEER.

If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.

Proper Bike & Requirements for this ride:

• Bright front light - At least 500 lumens that will last for 2.5 hours.

• Rear light - A steady (not flashing) rear light that will last at least 2.5 hours. This light needs to NOT be BLINDING to other cyclists. Please stare into your rear light, if it hurts your eyes, it will be painful for the rider behind you.

• 35mm knobby tires minimum for most rides. Wider tires are nicer. Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. In the winter, we will require studded tires when we expect to see ice. Road bikes with 32mm tires or bigger all the way up to fat bikes are all invited and will have fun.

• Clipless pedals and shoes. These are important elements of bike control. If you ride with platform pedals you’re likely to be over your head in some of the more technical parts of the ride. If you ride platform pedals and feel you have complete control of your bike because you have many hours of use with them, then they are acceptable.

• A bike that’s in safe working order and is free of creaking and squeaking. PLEASE LUBE YOUR CHAIN before the ride.

• Higher tire pressure: We recommend starting with higher tire pressure and be ready to let some out if your tires are inflated too much.

• First, we want to minimize flats on the ride; waiting for someone to change flats is not why we ride.  We typically see zero flats on our rides.  One of the primary reasons for this is due to higher than average tire pressure.

• We do not recommend fenders since sticks and twigs can get caught in them.

• When do we host the Full Moon ride? When it is:

  • Snowing: We ride; it is so much fun to ride during a snow storm.

  • Snow on the ground: We ride. It doesn’t matter if there’s 1 inch or four feet, we ride. We recommend (and may require) studded tires and/or fat bikes for these kinds of conditions. The only exclusion to snow riding is when there is a state of emergency and we’ve been asked to stay off the road.

  • Icy conditions: We ride. For this you have to have studded tires in order to ride with us.

  • Cold: It doesn’t matter what the temperature is, we ride. We’ve held the Full Moon ride at very, very below zero temps in the past and we still get a great turnout!

  • We DO NOT RIDE if the trails are wet and could possibly be damaged by riding, or we change the route/plan to be on beaches or on fire roads that are not sensitive trails if it’s easy to change the plan last-minute.

RSVPs are required so we know who is coming, RSVP here now!

Full Moon Mixed Terrain Night Rides

• Location: Various starting locations throughout New England

• Ride Type: Mixed Terrain

• Time & Date: Departs Every Full Moon, varying start times

• Distance: ~15 miles, approximately 90-120 minutes of riding

• Price: Free, note NEER membership requirements discussed below after the first ride you do with us

Description: The Full Moon ride takes cyclists all over the trails and back roads of the town where we start.

These rides all have a certain peace and joviality associated with them. There’s no “fast” when night riding; this is the time to really enjoy the ride in a special way with others who come out for these rides.

The Full Moon Ride should NOT be your first Mixed Terrain Ride. Mixed Terrain is rougher and more technical than gravel bike riding and involves navigating around and over some smaller rocks and roots, sometimes dismounting to clear a downed tree.

If you are uncertain of your skill level, please email us or attend a daylight mixed terrain ride to get comfortable on your bike on Mixed Terrain.

Full Moon Ride Calendar

A few of the Full Moon rides are shifted from the exact date of the full moon, typically to avoid weekends or days people are unlikely to be able to ride.

Date	Day	Moon Name	Departure Time	Location
8 December	Thursday	Cold Moon	6:30 PM	Weston, MA
6 January - No ride this month
6 February	Monday	Snow Moon	6:30 PM	Belmont, MA
7 March	Tuesday	Worm Moon	7:00 PM	Revere, MA
6 April	Thursday	Pink Moon	7:00PM	Weston, MA
4 May	Thursday	Flower Moon	7:00 PM	Jamaica Plain, MA
3 June	Saturday	Strawberry Moon	7:00pm	Weather canceled
3 July	Monday	Buck Moon	7:30 PM	Weather canceled
1 August	Tuesday	Sturgeon Moon	7:00 PM	Lexington
30 August	Wednesday	It's a Blue Moon!	7:00 PM	Weather canceled
28 September	Thursday	Harvest Moon	7:00 PM	Concord, MA
28 October	Saturday	Hunter Moon	---	Moving this to another day so we can fit in the special North Shore ride today
15 November	Wednesday	Not a Special Moon	7:00 PM	Waltham, MA
28 November	Tuesday	Beaver Moon	7:00 PM	Weston, MA
26 December	Tuesday	Cold Moon	Start time TBD, prob 4pm	TBD & this will be a special ride

Route

We will email the route to everyone who RSVPs by 7pm the evening before the ride. You’ll get the route emailed to you if you register by 4pm the day of the ride.

Please load the route in advance, it’s helpful for riders to know when turns are coming, they are numerous.

Pace

Riders who can average 16mph on a 2+ hour road ride will have the fitness to allow them to enjoy this ride. The average pace of a mixed terrain night ride is usually 6-8mph depending on conditions and terrain. We err on the side of caution and regroup periodically.

Ride Notes

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the ride and pointing out turns. We don’t have a sweep rider for this ride so only participate if you’re confident in your skill level and fitness – or know your way back. When we have a larger group, we will split into two or more groups.

Last Minute Information

Watch our Twitter feed for last-minute updates, weather cancellations or other changes. We send emails to those who have RSVP’d with anything critical that isn’t communicated on this page that is known to us within 8 hours of the ride start.

Estimated time

Typically 90 minutes to 2 hours. We make winter and snow rides shorter in distance (but not time) since they’re slower.

After the Ride

We’re serving hot cocoa after the ride to all who would like to share in some social time together.

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com, Phone - 413-461-7433

Riding Rules, What to Bring, How Our Rides are Different: 

All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules.

Waiver: A signed waiver is required prior to your first ride with NEER.

If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.

Proper Bike & Requirements for this ride:

• Bright front light - At least 500 lumens that will last for 2.5 hours.

• Rear light - A steady (not flashing) rear light that will last at least 2.5 hours. This light needs to NOT be BLINDING to other cyclists. Please stare into your rear light, if it hurts your eyes, it will be painful for the rider behind you.

• 32c knobby tires minimum for most rides. Wider tires are nicer. Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. In the winter, we will require studded tires when we expect to see ice. Road bikes with 32mm tires or bigger all the way up to fat bikes are all invited and will have fun.

• Clipless pedals and shoes. These are important elements of bike control. If you ride with platform pedals you’re likely to be over your head in some of the more technical parts of the ride. If you ride platform pedals and feel you have complete control of your bike because you have many hours of use with them, then they are acceptable.

• A bike that’s in safe working order and is free of creaking and squeaking. PLEASE LUBE YOUR CHAIN before the ride.

• Higher tire pressure: We recommend starting with higher tire pressure and be ready to let some out if your tires are inflated too much.

• First, we want to minimize flats on the ride; waiting for someone to change flats is not why we ride.  We typically see zero flats on our rides.  One of the primary reasons for this is due to higher than average tire pressure.

• We do not recommend fenders since sticks and twigs can get caught in them.

• When do we host the Full Moon ride? When it is:

  • Snowing: We ride; it is so much fun to ride during a snow storm.

  • Snow on the ground: We ride. It doesn’t matter if there’s 1 inch or four feet, we ride. We recommend (and may require) studded tires and/or fat bikes for these kinds of conditions. The only exclusion to snow riding is when there is a state of emergency and we’ve been asked to stay off the road.

  • Icy conditions: We ride. For this you have to have studded tires in order to ride with us.

  • Cold: It doesn’t matter what the temperature is, we ride. We’ve held the Full Moon ride at very, very below zero temps in the past and we still get a great turnout!

  • We DO NOT RIDE if the trails are wet and could possibly be damaged by riding, or we change the route/plan to be on beaches or on fire roads that are not sensitive trails if it’s easy to change the plan last-minute.

RSVPs are required so we know who is coming, RSVP here now!

RHQ - Saturday Morning Mixed Terrain

• Location: Revolution Hall near Bedford, MA (right off the Minuteman bike path)

• Ride Type:  Mixed Terrain Ride

• Date & Time:  Saturday, September 4, 2021, rolling at 9:00 am

• Distance:  25 miles

• Price:  Free

• RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form

Details:  The Saturday morning mixed-terrain ride takes cyclists all over Bedford, Concord, and beyond. The ride takes paved roads to trails, dirt roads, grassy areas, and other places off the beaten path.

The ride departs at 9:00 am with various speed groups; we ride based on time rather than distance. We have a designated RSC Super Domestique leading the last group to depart which will be rolling at a moderate pace. If you have ridden mixed terrain before and can average 16mph on a paved road ride, you should be fine with the pace of this ride. We typically have at least two groups - one spicier and peppier ahead of the Super Domestique led group.

We don’t have a sweep rider for this ride so only participate if you’re confident in your skill level and fitness.

Parking: Please park across the street from Revolution Hall. Use this address for GPS navigation to the ride start and for the parking lot:

10 Maguire Rd, Lexington, MA 02421

Route:  The route is emailed to all by 8pm the evening before the ride. The weather and trail conditions dictate the route. We do not ride on soft trails ever; we have rain trail-friendly routes prepared. 

Estimated time: ~3.5 hours

Ride Notes:  We discuss these with you prior to rollout. Note that a mixed terrain ride is a little rougher than a “gravel” ride. You’ll be riding over some roots and rocks, though nothing in this ride can be considered technical in nature.

Last Minute Information: Watch Ride Headquarters’ Twitter feed for last-minute updates, weather cancellations or other changes. We email all participants with any critical late-breaking news.

Contact Information:  Email - connect@rideheadquaters.com, Phone which reaches the ride leader before and during the ride: 413-461-7433

Riding Rules, What to Bring, How Our Rides are Different:  All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. 

Waiver:  Ride Headquarters requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

How do we decide if we’re having the mixed-terrain ride?

• Thunder storms:  If there’s a 33% or greater chance of a thunder storm at 9:30 am, we don’t ride.  It is not safe to get caught out in a thunder storm.

• Rain or sleet:  There are a few variants of this.  We don’t ride sensitive trails when they’re wet; this can cause damage that’s not repairable.  Fortunately, we have some rain friendly routes that don’t damage sensitive trails.

  • If it’s raining at the ride start time we cancel the ride.  If it’s only threatening to rain, we ride.

  • If it’s misting or drizzling, with less than 50% chance of rain in the coming hour, we ride.

  • If it’s been raining a lot for a couple days, but not raining in the morning, we ride.  Our rain friendly routes avoid sensitive trails.  Of course, every few years there’s such a bad storm that we won’t ride; we take the force majeure very seriously.

• Snowing:  We ride;  it is so much fun to ride during a snow storm.

• Snow on the ground:  We ride.  It doesn’t matter if there’s 1 inch or four feet, we ride.  We recommend studded tires or fat bikes for these kinds of conditions.  The only exclusion to snow riding is when there is a state of emergency and we’ve been asked to stay off the road.

• Icy conditions:  We ride.  For this you have to have studded tires in order to ride with us.

• Cold:  It doesn’t matter what the temperature is, we ride.  The coldest Sunday ride started at 5 degrees.  It was a blast!

The proper bike for this ride includes the following:

• 32c knobby tires minimum.  Wider tires are nice, too. Tire choice depends on your riding skill set.

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control.  If you ride with platform pedals you’re likely to be over your head in some of the more technical parts of the ride. Note that mountain-style pedals/cleats are significantly better than road-style. We strongly discourage road pedals/cleats on a mixed terrain ride. You can possibly get away with road pedals/cleats on a gravel (dirt road) ride, but not a mixed terrain ride.

• A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. 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.

• Higher tire pressure than you’d ride on a cyclocross ride.  We recommend about 80% to 90% of maximum rated tire pressure, for two reasons:

  • First, we want to minimize flats on the ride; waiting for someone to change flats is not why we ride.  We typically see zero flats on our ride.  One of the primary reasons for this is due to higher than average tire pressure.

  • Second, on average, about 50% of the ride is on pavement; having slightly higher pressure makes the road sections go by faster.

 

Trail Mix 100 Northern Reaches Edition

Trail Mix 100 Northen Reaches Edition

Join us for incredibly beautiful cycling on the back roads of the north-central part of Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire! There are TWO distance options for you for this ride! Choose a 100-km route or 100-mile route to ride.

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 near Winchendon, MA - 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.

Ride with New 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 offered this option for the first time at the Rhode Island Trail Mix ride and it allowed many similar riders to find each other. Since it worked so well, we’re offering it again. Quite a few people selected to opt into a new group.

We’re riding on roads with very light traffic in an area you’re unlikely to be very familiar with. It’s wonderful riding, properly scenic, and probably not what you’d consider doing completely alone. This a way to ride in a new area that is fairly remote knowing there are other cyclists on the same route.

There is little to no cell coverage on many parts of the routes.

We are staffing a mid-ride food stop and serving a substantial meal post-ride. Enjoy a great ride, eat well throughout, and drink delicious, and famous, Ride Studio Iced Mochas!

We’re offering three fully-supported locations on the ride: one at the start, one mid-ride full of your favorite packaged bike foods, gummies, maple syrup packets, etc. and Iced Mochas, and a filling meal after the ride.

Note that 100 mile riders will see the mid-ride food stop twice during the ride. 100 km riders see the same mid-ride food stop once.

We accommodate all diets so just let us know what you require when you register and we’ll have something appropriate for you at both the mid-ride stop and end-of-ride meal.

In the past, we’ve brought huge salads, vegan chicken salad, bean salad, and more for vegans and gluten-free people. We do care that you get to eat as well as everyone that does not have a restricted diet post-ride.

Be absolutely certain you’re up for the rules of this ride. Read this page in its entirety, every single word.

Details

• Ride Type: Remote paved and dirt roads, some mix of surfaces, but almost entirely rideable with little/no technical skill.

• Time & Date: Sunday, August 1, 2021 - we moved this ride’s date from July 18 due to terrible weather on the original date. So registration is re-open and we’re running this August 1 now!

• Rollout times will be assigned between 7:00am and 9:30am

  • Longer riders are sent off first, shorter-distance riders are sent off a little later but still early

• Starting Point: Winchendon, MA

• Distance: 100 mile or 100 km - you choose & all riders start with the same ~30 miles so if you want to change your mind mid-ride, that is fine AS LONG AS YOU TELL A STAFF MEMBER!

What you get

• A gorgeous, well-planned route: Route file for your GPS computer, parking directions/instructions.

• Staffed starting location with water, portable toilets, friendly staff

• Staffed food stop with water, bike food, special extra tasty food, famous Ride Studio Iced Mochas

• Route Support via a driving mechanic

• Peace of Mind knowing there are other riders on the same route

• Substantial lunch at the end of the ride of delicious, hearty food

Price

• $85 if you’re registered by July 29, 11:59 pm

• $100 if you register July 30 or 31

• NO day-of registrations

Refund Policy

• The earlier you register, the more generous our refund policy. Logistics for the ride are not trivial and changes/cancellations cost us valuable time. We also greatly appreciate everyone who registers early!

• If you register > 15 days in advance of the ride, and cancel more than 2 days before the ride starts, you’ll get credit for all but $20 applied to a future ride that we host.

• If you register > 10 days in advance of the ride, and cancel more than 2 days before the ride starts, you’ll get credit for all but $30 applied to a future ride we host.

• All other cancellations > 2 days in advance of the ride: You’ll get a $20 credit toward one of our future events that we host.

• Cancellations within 2 days of the ride cannot be refunded or credited since food is already purchased and we’ve made financial commitments with the expectations that you’ll be joining us.

• BikeReg.com offers cancellation insurance which we recommend purchasing.

• If you need any alterations to your registration of any sort, please email us as early as possible: trailmix@rideheadquarters.com

Start Location

Winchendon, Massachusetts. Exact details and location information are emailed to registered riders by 12pm the day before the ride.

Estimated drive times:

• About 60-80 minutes from most parts of the greater Boston area

• About 70-80 minutes from Ride Headquarters in Sherborn

Route Information

This is a 100% all-new route! Like all of our previous 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.

The elevation is approximately 75 ft. per mile.

• 100 km ~4,600 ft. of climbing

• 100 mile ~7,500 ft. of climbing

Scroll to the very bottom of this page to see the routes & how much is pavement versus dirt!

Pace Options - It’s a Ride for Most Everyone to Enjoy!

When you register for this ride, we ask you for your best estimate of your average pace when you ride a 30-mile all-paved ride. We don’t expect you will know what your pace will be on this route, we’re just interested in knowing approximately where each person will be after starting out.

You’ll see the selection of average speeds on the Registration form. From 10mph - 20mph+. If you choose to ride faster than this on the day of the ride, that is alright. We are staffing the food stop assuming a 10 mph minimum pace.

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.

COVID Protocol:

We ask that all riders adhere to state guidelines (in this case it’s MA and NH) where it comes to mask wearing and proper social distancing. We will include these in the email we send to all participants just prior to the ride since guidance is continually changing. Basically, masks are not mandatory since we’re outside the whole time.

Please simply be respectful of others since everyone has a different level of nervousness where it comes to COVID worry.

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.

Additional Guidelines and Rules:

• If you’re not signed up to ride with someone(s), you may not ride with that person(s) during the ride. If you want to find new people to ride with, please register in that category.

• Everyone must bring a mask that covers your nose and mouth completely for use when it’s appropriate to mask up. As stated, a mask is unlikely to be necessary, but bring one in case you need to enter a business that requires it or are in another situation where it’s good to have.

• We’ll be giving everyone specific starting times, please adhere to these. This allows for proper ride organization and smooth coordination at the start, mid-ride, and at the post-ride meal. We spend a lot of time figuring out starting positions to allow for the best flow of the day.

• We’ll provide you with a very tasty, hearty meal to eat afterward. Bring a lawn chair, this will make the after-ride socialization much more relaxing and fun.

• 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.

• Don’t risk fast descents or not eat enough causing you to bonk. Drink plenty of water considering how hot it may be! This is common sense for any ride, especially smart when you’re riding further away from people who can give you a ride home.

• We will not shuttle riders anywhere, it’s your responsibility to have a plan in case your bike or legs stop working.

• We’ll send a very detailed email by 12pm the day before the ride, with the route, instructions, and details so you understand logistics and exactly what to do.

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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

• Food/nutrition in case you need a zap of energy before the food stop

Read this article about social distance riding preparation written by Ride Headquarters for more help in packing for the day. Even though we’re no longer needing to officially social distance, it’s really nice to be prepared to take care of yourself or a riding friend if the situation arises.

If there’s anything you need, we can sell you whatever it is remotely assuming we have it at the store, and we will bring whatever it is to you in a clean bag, only handled with disinfected hands. Email us with anything you would like to have.

Proper Bike for this Ride

• 35mm-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 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 and details concerning parking, timing, route, etc. by 12pm the day before the ride.

Unregistered riders or riders who haven’t signed the waiver may not participate.

Waiver: Ride Headquarters requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

Contact Information: Email connect@rideheadquarters.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.

Where to Stay

First, thank you to those of you who are coming from a distance to join us for Trail Mix!

There is a lovely, large campground that’s located just down the street from the start/end of the ride. We’ve spent quite a few nights here while scouting the route!

Lake Dennison Campground

100km route - Red is pavement, blue is dirt! All riders will be on these roads/trails during the ride.

100 mile route extension - Red is pavement, blue is dirt! This is the additional loop for all 100 mile riders, approximately 35miles in length.

Saturday Horizon Chasers 2021

Description:  The Horizon Chasers is a longer road ride.  The average pace is 17.5 mph depending on the time of year and the weather. The ride has multiple groups that will vary in pace higher and lower than the base average, depending on who is showing up and numbers of riders. We're riding for endurance, not speed.  We ride steady.

We have an official leader generally found in the last group to go out. If you choose too fast of a group to start, just stay on the route and the group(s) who have left after you will pick you up.

Photo by Marty M.

• Ride Type: Road Ride

• Location: Various starting locations, usually near to Lincoln, MA

  • Starting location for Saturday, September 11 is Twisted Tree Cafe in Lincoln, MA

• Dates:

  • Saturday, September 11, 9am rollout

  • Will be adding more throughout the fall

• Distance: 50-60 Miles; varies with the season and weather, routes vary

• Price: Free

• RSVP: Required, see below simple form

Proper Bike for this ride:  23-28c road slick tires, clipless pedals, drop handlebars; no aero bars. 

Route: The route varies for this ride to take people to various cool places! Some of the road surfaces are badly broken, pay attention. There is a ~1 mile dirt road included. It’s doable on 25mm tires, you just have to ride a little slower through this section.

Route - We will email all who RSVP with a new route. The mid-ride stop is at Tangerini’s for refilling water and if you need calories, they have those too! Bring cash if you’d want to buy anything.

Riders are expected to have the route loaded on a GPS device.

Starting Location: If you’re wondering how to ride to the start when the route begins at Twisted Tree, here’s a route suggestion from Alewife station to Twisted Tree in Lincoln. There are many other ways to access Lincoln as well.

Estimated time:  About 3-4 hours depending on the time or year and the weather.

Last Minute Information:  We will email those who RSVP letting you know anything important.

Contact Information:  Email - connect@rideheadquarters.com, Phone - 413-461-7433

Riding Rules, What to Bring, How Our Rides are Different:  All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. 

Waiver:  Ride Headquarters requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride of each year.

RSVP Now Here

RSVPs are required to attend each Horizon Chaser ride.

Full Moon Over Sherborn 2021

• Location: Ride Headquarters in Sherborn, MA

• Ride Type: Mixed Terrain

• Time & Date: Departs Every Full Moon, varying start times

• Distance: ~15 miles, approximately 90 minutes of riding

• Price: Free

Description: The Full Moon ride takes cyclists all over the trails of Sherborn and beyond. The route includes paved roads to trails, dirt roads, grassy areas, and other places off the beaten path.

Even though COVID is quickly becoming a thing of the past, we still have a few protocols in place for safety.

• RSVPs are required, fill out the RSVP form below the calendar!

• We are not requiring masks in store or outside for vaccinated people. We are trusting you at your word as to whether or not you’re vaccinated. Please give masked people their space so all feel comfortable.

Here are the next few Full Moon rides we’re looking forward to hosting:

Date	Day	Moon Name	Departure Time
24 June	Thursday	Strawberry Moon	7:30 PM
22 July	Thursday	Almost Full Moon	7:30 PM
24 August	Tuesday	Not a full moon, but a great night ride!	7:30 PM

RSVPs are required so we know who is coming, RSVP here now!

Get on our Night Riding Email List!

Do you love night rides, specifically? We have an email list and if you're on it, you'll receive invites to all of our night rides and events when they come on our calendar. Sign up to be on this list!

Route: The route is available to attendees the evening of the ride at Ride Headquarters.
We will email the route to everyone who RSVPs by around 5pm the day of the ride so that we don’t need to touch GPS computers to load them in the store.

The route is not necessary, we all ride together, no one gets dropped.

We change the route to meet the weather requirements so that the ride isn’t longer than 90 minutes.

Ride Notes: We have a designated Ride Headquarters Super Domestique leading the ride and pointing out turns. We don’t have a sweep rider for this ride so only participate if you’re confident in your skill level and fitness – or know your way back. 

Last Minute Information: Watch our Twitter feed for last-minute updates, weather cancellations or other changes. 

Estimated time: ~1.5-2 hours and 13-15 miles total. Distance varies based on conditions.

Contact Information: Email - connect@rideheadquarters.com, Phone - 413-461-7433

Riding Rules, What to Bring, How Our Rides are Different: All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules.

Waiver: Ride Headquarters requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride. 

Proper Bike for this ride:  

• 32c knobby tires minimum. Wider tires are nice, too. Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. In the winter, we will require studded tires when we expect to see ice.

• Clipless pedals and shoes. These are important elements of bike control. If you ride with platform pedals you’re likely to be over your head in some of the more technical parts of the ride.

• A bike that’s in safe working order. We don’t stop for preventable mechanical issues.

• Higher tire pressure than you’d ride on a cyclocross ride. We recommend about 80% to 90% of maximum rated tire pressure, for two reasons:

• First, we want to minimize flats on the ride; waiting for someone to change flats is not why we ride.  We typically see zero flats on our ride.  One of the primary reasons for this is due to higher than average tire pressure.

• Second, on average, about 30% of the ride is on pavement; having slightly higher pressure makes the road sections go by faster.

• We do not recommend fenders since sticks and twigs can get caught in them.

• How do we decide if we’re having the Full Moon ride?

• Thunderstorms: If there’s a 33% or greater chance of a thunderstorm at the ride start time, we don’t ride. It is not safe to get caught out in a thunderstorm.

• Rain or sleet: There are a few variants of this. We don’t ride sensitive trails when they’re wet; this can cause damage that’s not repairable. Fortunately, we have some rain-friendly routes that don’t damage sensitive trails.

  • If it’s raining at the start of the ride we probably cancel the ride. If it’s only threatening rain, we ride.

  • If it’s misting or drizzling at the start of the ride, with less than 50% chance of rain in the coming hour, we ride.

  • If it’s been raining a lot for a couple days, but not raining the night before, we ride. Our rain-friendly routes avoid sensitive trails. Of course, every few years there’s such a bad storm that we won’t ride; we take the force majeure very seriously.

• Snowing: We ride; it is so much fun to ride during a snow storm.

• Snow on the ground: We ride. It doesn’t matter if there’s 1 inch or four feet, we ride. We recommend studded tires or fat bikes for these kinds of conditions. The only exclusion to snow riding is when there is a state of emergency and we’ve been asked to stay off the road.

• Icy conditions: We ride. For this you have to have studded tires in order to ride with us.

• Cold: It doesn’t matter what the temperature is, we ride.

If you'd like us to do any work on your bike prior to the ride, please email us the day before so we're ready to do the work as soon as you come in; we want you to be ready to roll before the ride starts.

Social Distance Gravel Middle Massachusetts Edition 100 Mile Challenge

The 100 Mile Gravel Challenge is brought to you by the creators of Formidable Terra, the Maneha 250, Honey 100 and countless other very special innovative rides.

Details:

• Ride a challenging, gorgeous route presenting remote paved, broken, and dirt roads for your cycling delight and fulfillment.

• This ride is part of the Challenge Ride Series.

• Time & Date: Saturday, August 15, 2020. (Rain Date: August 16).

• Ride start times are detailed via email to registrants. The first rider rolls out at 7am, last rider out departs at 9am.

• Starting Point: Barre, Massachusetts

• Distance: 102 miles. Note we’re offering a 100km ride as well.

• Elevation gain: 6,200 ft

• Dirt vs pavement: Approx 70% dirt and broken roads/trails, the rest is paved

• Price: $45 - Register Here
  

What you get

• Satisfaction getting to ride a new route that is challenging, long, and you can ride as hard as you like.

• You receive a well-vetted route file for your GPS computer, parking directions/instructions.

• Staffed starting location with water, light food, clean portable toilets. Your pre-ride email will offer details of the locations of everything.

• Staffed food stop with water, bike food, Ride Studio Cafe Iced Mochas half-way through the ride.

• Peace of mind knowing there are other riders on the same route as you; you will not be the last rider on the route.

• Substantial lunch at the end of the ride of delicious, hearty food prepared and packaged in advance.

Start Location

Middle of Massachusetts. Barre, MA.

Estimated drive times:

• A 70-minute drive from Lexington or Sherborn

• An 80-minute drive from Boston

Route Information

• Miles of dirt:  Many. We’ll update this once we finalize the route. The paved roads are lovely and there is very little traffic.

• One staffed food stop in the middle of the route; eat all you want.

• We are offering a bail-out option, so that if you need to cut your ride short, that will be an option. This bail-out option is likely to be paved and not the most beautiful route, but it’s better than having to call for a ride to get you back.

Pacing for this distance

It is important that you feel confident you can average at least 10mph over the course of the day. If you are falling off the minimal pace, we will ask you to take an alternate route back to cut the route short.

Aside from meeting the minimum speed requirement, you’re welcome to ride at your own pace, as you feel comfortable safely ticking down the miles.

A 100 mile gravel ride will take you hours longer than a 100 mile road ride. Your pace will be at least 20% slower than your road riding pace.

We are staffing the food stop assuming a 10 mph minimum pace. BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN YOU ARE UP FOR THE DISTANCE. If you can’t make it to the end, have a way of getting home via a friend or family member. We can’t drive anyone anywhere due to COVID concerns. Be aware that you might not be in cell phone range during much of the ride. There is a sweep rider who can help with many mechanicals, but this rider may be miles behind you depending on your start time.

Social Distance & Riding Rules

• Everyone who chooses to participate in this ride must be comfortable with the protocols surrounding social distancing for the entire day. These are described in detail here.

• All of our Riding Rules apply in addition to the social distance protocols. Read and digest them before the ride. All riders are expected to abide by these throughout the ride. All rules stated here on this page or in our social distance protocol override any conflicting rules stated in our ride rule page.

Preparation

• Read and reference this page for our recommendations. Take this advice seriously, and start packing for the ride a few days in advance so you have time to get anything you’re missing.

• Be sure to bring anything else you might need taking into account the weather, your personal circumstances, your health, etc. 

• You will want to come prepared with extra food, water, and fitness for the distance. Don’t take this lightly - you will likely need a CamelBak with water to get through this ride.

• Waiver: Ride Headquarters requires a signed waiver before your first ride of every calendar year. Please fill it out online now if you haven’t done it yet in 2020.

  Unregistered riders or riders who haven’t signed the waiver may not participate.

Proper Bike for this Ride

• A road or gravel bike that has 28mm-35mm. 32-40mm are most appropriate for the terrain. Feel free to use bigger tires. Narrower than 28mm are strongly discouraged. There is some loose gravel on the roads, and some sandy spots. Narrower tires are more likely to pinch flat and are less stable than 28mm or bigger.

• Clipless pedals and shoes. These are important elements of bike control. Mountain bike pedals/shoes are appropriate; road pedals/shoes should not be used.

• A bike that’s in safe working order. Make very certain your bike comes clean, lubed, safety checked with fresh brake pads, and tires in good shape. A bike that makes any unusual noises - from a squeaky chain to any kind of other noise should not be ridden prior to being evaluated and fixed by a professional mechanic.

Weather Considerations

We will make last-minute route changes based on weather as necessary. All attendees will receive updates via email. We are playing it safe and erring on the side of caution. This ride will run on August 15 and the rain date is August 16. Weather Protocol is described here.

Contact Information and How to Get Your Questions Answered

Email connect@rideheadquarters.com with any questions. Call 413-461-7433 the day of the ride to speak with the organizer on route. Please contact us via email prior to the day of the ride for all matters otherwise.

The Challenge Ride Series

Take on the toughest gravel adventure rides in New England.

The rides are:

July - 100 km (done and dusted)

Middle Mass - August 15 - 100 Miles (done and dusted)

Trail Mix September 12 - 150 Miles (done and dusted)

Trail Mix 200 - October 24 - 200 Miles

Experience new routes yet the same expert routing style from the creators of The Formidable Pave, The Formidable Terra, and Honey 100.

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The Challenges Are:

• Difficult distances

• Gravel, broken pavement, nice pavement

• Riding solo or with one person with whom you are social distancing

• One supported stop during the ride, riders need to come prepared to self-support

• Increasing difficulty from the first to the last