First Snow Ride - 2025/2026
Location: Waltham
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Ride - Snowy trails & roads
Date & Time: The FIRST snowfall of the season!
Distance: ~10 miles
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Ride / Roads and snow-covered trails - over 80% of the ride is on dirt trails
Location: Waltham/Belmont. Exact location will be announced closer to when we expect the first snow to hit
Date & Time: Right after the first “official” snow hits!
Distance: ~10 miles, approx 2 hrs, condition-dependent
Price: Free, but you must be a NEER Member to attend (use this as your excuse to join up since we have a full year of awesome rides ahead!!!)
Please RSVP in the form below if you hope to join in on this ride. We’ll ask for a more definite RSVP once the “go time” becomes clearer
In 2017, we had a huge turnout for the first snow ride which hit early in the afternoon on a Saturday!
Important Ride Updates
Details: When the first snow comes to eastern Massachusetts, we ride in it regardless of the time of day or day of the week. This is our 11th year hosting this memorable and much-too-fun ride!
Starting/ending Location: The ride will begin in Belmont/Waltham. Exact location will be shared with all who RSVP.
Route: The route will be emailed to those who have registered if time permits. We’ll have at least one ride leader, possibly more, who will lead the way so it is not required for you to come with the route loaded.
Estimated time: ~2 hours
RSVP: Please RSVP below (at the very bottom of this page) so we know if you’re interested in this ride.
Required: Possibly studded tires. We will determine this based on conditions. You might as well get the studded tires on your bike now regardless of this possible requirement since they’ll be needed in the post-snow freeze/thaw cycle which brings ice.
New snow falling on the frozen ground will turn to ice. If the ground isn’t frozen, there won’t be ice yet.
Front and rear lights are required anytime we’re riding in hard-to-see conditions which includes falling snow and/or night.
Ride Notes: The pace is based on conditions. We don't ride too slowly because we'd get cold, we don't ride too fast because that wouldn't be safe with the snow. We will ride spaced out with a leader or two. Be sure to come prepared with the right bike & tires, and proper attire for the conditions and temperature.
The pace assumes riders who attend have adequate fitness to keep up on a 14mph avg road ride, if riders were on road bikes on a road ride. This is not that kind of a ride, of course, but that is the best way to describe the amount of fitness necessary to ensure you’ll have a good time.
Read on below, there is a lot to this ride and how it works. Be sure to understand it to be able to participate in it! KEEP READING - lots more information is further down this page.
Last Minute Information: We’ll send all who RSVP below an email - check your spam boxes and you’ll know if you’re getting our emails since we’ll email at least a day ahead to tell you where to go and further details.
Contact Information: Email - connect@rideheadquarters.com, Phone - (413)-461-7433 - we receive voicemails left at this phone number regardless of where we are.
Riding Rules
Everyone who chooses to participate in this ride must be comfortable with the protocols.
All of our Riding Rules apply. 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 override any conflicting rules stated in our ride rule page.
Waiver: When you join NEER, you’ll sign a waiver that applies for the year. Only NEER members may participate in this ride.
First Snow Nitty Gritty Details
One of our favorite pastimes is riding in snowfall. You can hear the snow crunching under your tires. It’s such a quiet time; all sound is suppressed by the snowfall. No one is out on the roads and trails. The world feels primitive and peaceful.
The moment of the first snowfall is THE time to ride. We are leading a ride when this first snow hits!
We are ready. Are you?
Ride Synopsis
We are leading a ride that begins very soon (1-2 hours) after the first snow of the season begins. We define the first snow as having accumulation of approximately 1” of snow at “go” time, and the forecast must predict that it will snow for the duration of the ride. This means the prediction will need to be for 4+ hours of snow fall, at least.
We won’t be riding if the snow isn’t going to last for the duration of the ride.
Most important to note: GO time is decided with at least 1 hour of notice for you, more if possible. So be ready and keep checking your email for our updates to know when it will hit. We try to get ahead of notifying you when it sounds like it might be happening a day or two in advance, depending on the weather forecast.
The ride will be 90 minutes to 2 hours in length total. The distance of the route will take into account how hard the snow is falling & how fast the ride will be.
The route is mixed terrain. Expect to be on- and off-road, on trails and through woods with some back roads too.
The pace of the ride will be high enough to keep everyone working hard. This way, everyone stays warm. This doesn’t mean we’ll be moving fast considering studded tires and winter setups aren’t exactly fast. No one gets dropped.
Here’s How We Plan for the First Snow
Be flexible. We have no idea when it’s going to snow. It’s most common for snowfall to occur during the afternoon but it could be 2am or any other time. A mindset focused on the ride, rather than when the ride will occur, is helpful.
Be ready. Have a Snow Essentials Duffel packed and with you at all times – we provide some content hints below. Have your bike ready to go.
The Right Tires: Studded tires may be required for this ride. Once the first snow falls you will very likely want to be riding studs for the rest of the winter since ice will be much more likely with the freeze/thaw of winter temps during the day and amount of precipitation.
Headlight & Taillight: Whether we’re riding at 2pm or 2am, you have to have at least one headlight and taillight to join us. Snowfall makes it really difficult for drivers to see cyclists. A headlight and taillight will help a great deal with visibility for everyone. Make sure you charge those lights a few days in advance. If you’re looking to upgrade your lights, we stock very good lights and can bring them to you already charged!
First Snow History
Last year, 2024/2025, the first snow hit on December 20 at 7:30pm and we had a great ride and 7 people were able to make it out for the festivities + perfect snow.
In 2024, the first snow hit on January 6 late in the day, we started riding late in the evening in the dark of night in Cambridge and experienced a city asleep while we soaked up the atmosphere…and the melted snow that turned to slush.
In 2023, the first snow hit on the MLK holiday, later in January - a Monday morning! We had a fun, small group come out and we enjoyed the morning from Revival Cafe.
In 2021, there was no first snow! It came Friday, January 7 of 2022 and we started riding at 7:30am, in deep, rideable fluffy power. About 20 people joined in the festivities and enjoy hot cocoa at the big, red van afterward!
In 2020, we were out on December 17 in a big snowstorm with a ride that started at 10:30pm. We started from Sherborn so it was hard for people to drive to it. However, it was magical and in the heart of the pandemic, it felt normal and so full of good feelings and community. Sharing hot chocolate around a fire after the ride was special.
In 2019, we were out on December 1st in the early evening with 30+ people. This was the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
In 2018, we were out from 9:30-11:30pm on a weeknight in mid-November with over 40 riders.
In 2017, we were out riding at 1pm on a Saturday afternoon with over 40 riders.
2016 was an 8am Monday morning ride, the hardest time to find riders and quiet trails/roads of all - but we still did it!
2015 - This was our inaugural year. We were out riding with a “go” time of 3am. People came as far and wide as Jamaica Plain to join in the festivities!
Knowing When the Snowfall Ride Moment Arrives
We’re emailing everyone who RSVPs for the ride with timing and details and we’ll post frequently on Instagram as well.
This is the hashtag to use with all photos you post: #rscfirstsnow
Tricks for Riding in the Snow
Traction: Snow riding is all about traction. Four ways of maximizing traction are:
Apply steady horsepower to the pedals. This is a lot more difficult than it appears. If you’re riding at 70 hp on a snowy trail, a change of 10%, or 7 hp, is a lot – and can be the different between maintaining your line and losing traction entirely. Practice steady horsepower output.
Keep your bike upright, even while turning. The more you lean into a corner, the less traction you have. Most tires have less tread and fewer studs toward the sides of the tire. Don’t lean your bike too much. Riding upright keeps you upright.
Tire pressure: Lower tire pressure provides better traction. Of course, you want to balance this with the possibility of getting a flat. We find that riding on an inch of snow is deceptive, in that you feel like the trail is really smooth, when in reality, all the obstacles are still there – and just as sharp – you just can’t see them, so your chance of getting a flat probably increases slightly.
Tires and treads: Studs are best. Wider is better than narrower. Treads are better than slicks.
Be careful. This may seem obvious but we see this as a fundamental issue each season in the first snow. Taking a tumble in the ice and snow can be problematic; these falls are fast, unexpected, and hard. Ride conservatively and don’t worry about winning.
No fenders: Snow time may seem like a great time to have fenders, but it’s not. Not only are fenders dangerous on mixed terrain – due to sticks and debris on the trail, it’s also likely that your fenders will get packed with snow and make your ride a lot tougher.
Batteries die. Batteries don’t like the cold so they power down a lot more quickly than on an autumn day. Three hours of battery life can become one hour – or worse – in the cold months. Keep your electronics warm – in your jacket or jersey, not in your saddle bag – until you need them. This includes your phone, backup battery, spare light, and your Garmin – if you’re not the ride navigator.
Likely Weather Conditions
It can’t snow if it’s too cold so it’s likely to be somewhere between 28 and 36 degrees. Also, you’re likely to get a bit wet as the snow melts on you; gear that leans toward rain protection can be useful.
Always Be Prepared: Snow Essentials Duffel
Have your Snow Essentials Duffel in your car – if that’s your mode of work transport – so you’re always ready to roll. In that bag, we recommend:
All the clothing you typically use for 30-40 degree riding. Clothing that likes wet conditions isn’t a bad idea, either. Note: We’re only including the gear that people often forget when they’re in a hurry, and riding in unexpected conditions. If you forget to put your bibs in your Snow Essentials Kit, we have no sympathy!
Headlight 100% charged and ready for 2.5 hours of use. Ideally, two headlights – one on your bars and one on your helmet.
Taillight batteries in good condition.
Winter shoes or your autumn shoes with overshoes.
Long thick wool socks
Helmet – with light mount ready to go.
Long finger gloves, possibly with liners.
Three season cap that covers your ears. A brim will be appreciated – it can help keep the snow out of your eyes.
Neck gator - doubles as a face covering.
Protective glasses if that’s your kind of thing for riding in a snowstorm.
High-vis vest if you like to be visible. If there’s ever a time to increase your visibility, it’s during a snowstorm; drivers have a really difficult time seeing cyclists through snowfall.
Towel to dry off after the ride.
Puffy jacket, a change of clothes that are warm and fleece-lined, warm cap and mittens feel so good post-ride!
We are Here To Help
We have just about anything you could need for winter riding, including:
Winter Bikes. There are considerations to be made where it comes to the bike you ride in the winter. We have bikes that are great all year, but are extra special for winter riding. Check out the Seven Cycles Treeline bike: summer mountain bike, winter fat bike. Titanium is a perfect frame material for a bike that’s going to see the salt and harsh conditions of winter. A winterized bike is also important. For example, if snow is allowed into the brake housing, your brakes will likely freeze up. We can winterize your bike to keep your rolling.
Lots of studded tire options. And the tubes needed for each tire size. We can help determine the ideal tire size for your bike and guarantee what will fit and what won’t. Not all studded tires are created equal. We can help determine the right price point for your riding needs.
Studded tire installation help. Studded tires are often the toughest type of tire to install because they’re thicker, stiffer, and sometimes are steel beaded. We’re happy to help.
Lights: We have the toughest winter lights available. We’ll help you determine optimal number of lumens for your needs. We’ll help you determine where the best mounting spot is on your bike or body. The best kind of taillight for visibility and longevity. So many options – all with different strengths and weaknesses.
Gloves: We have everything from lightweight full fingers to deep winter 45Nrth gloves and liners. We have an array of models and sizes to determine the ideal setup for your type of riding. We can help with determining which are best for wet weather, for glove liners, or for the coldest days. Lots of glove options for lots of kinds of riding.
Winter Shoes: We’ve got 45NRTH Wolvhammers in stock and will order more upon request. We’ll help you find the right size, and install cleats on your new boots, too.
We hope to see you in the first snow!
#rscfirstsnow
Come by at least 15-minutes early to the ride starting location so you can make any last minute bike adjustments. We’ll be there with the van with supplies, hand warmers, toe warmers, and any gear you’ve asked us to bring to the start for you!
RSVP with your interest in joining now!
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.
Sunday Morning Mountain Bike Adventure Ride
Location: Carlisle, MA
Date & Time: Sunday, July 13
Distance: 4-8 hours
Price: Free
RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form
Location: Carlisle, MA
Ride Type: Mountain Bike Adventure Ride (it’s like a mixed terrain ride but with mountain bikes on proper mountain bike terrain)
Date & Time: Sunday, July 13 8am start
Distance: 27 miles or 50 miles, 3-8 hours total ride time
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
We have a designated Super Domestique leading a moderately paced group, faster riders can go ahead and ride together, let us know if you want a lesser pace since there’s a good chance we’ll have enough people to get a “fun” group together for this. The purpose of this ride is to enjoy a fun mountain bike adventure ride on a summer day.
There will be frequent regroups so everyone can ride the mountain bike sections at their own speed and then regroup for the next road section to get everyone to the next set of trails.
Distance
There are two options on distance: 27 miles or 50 miles. There are two loops that start at the parking lot so your car can be used as a refuel/water stop if you drive to the start. We’ll provide water and wholesome food bars for everyone mid-ride at this spot if you’re riding with the Super Domestique.
Parking
Parking location will be shared with everyone who RSVPs, it’s in Carlisle Center.
Route
Will be emailed to all who RSVP. We’re using routes created by “Mosquito” on RideWithGPS and we rode most of it a couple of years ago. Some portions of the route may have changed, bring your sense of adventure! We’re riding in a beautiful place with infinite trails all over!
Estimated Ride Time
4-8 hours depending on speed and which distance you select.
After the Ride
Bring a change of clothes and a snack for your trip home!
Last-Minute Information
We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news.
Contact Information
Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride anytime up until 10pm the night before 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
New England Expedition Riders (NEER) requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out prior to your first ride. DO NOT wait until the parking lot to fill this out, it’s disruptive to a smooth rollout and it’s unlikely to work on your phone. No waiver = no ride, no exceptions.
If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.
Proper bike & Equipment
Mountain bike with 2” tires or wider are the most common on this ride.
Clip-in 2-bolt mountain bike pedals: This is an important element of bike control. If you’re very experienced with platform pedals, these are okay.
A Tuned Bike: A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned.
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.
NEER Makes Fire Bikepacking Weekend
Location: Athol, MA → Gil, MA
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Bike Packing
Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, 9 & 10 August
Distance: 75-80 miles each day
Price: $65
Riders enjoy time sitting around a fire after a long day of great riding!
Location: Starts in Athol, MA, Ride to and camp just north of Greenfield, MA, then return the next day
Route: Bikepacking, mixed terrain, plenty of dirt under your tires
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain
Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, 9-10 August 2025
Distance: ~77 miles day 1, 79 miles day 2
Price: $65 per person. Must be a NEER member to participate (this keeps the price down for everyone since we don’t have to buy extra insurance, become a member!) The ride is likely to fill up. If there aren’t spots left at camp, we can’t accept further registrations.
Non-Riding family/friend option! See details below.
Description: The NEER Makes Fire bikepacking weekend is a two-day and one-night event that covers almost 150 miles of diverse terrain in New England. This ride is equal parts challenge and fun. The event is part bikepacking and part adventure ride.
This is a new route that will look familiar for the first 1/4 and last 1/4 to some people, otherwise, it’s definitely something you’ve never experienced before!
This is a great way to have a full weekend of riding, test your bikepacking setup, enjoy camping with others of similar cycling interests, and share the experience with your friends and family as well.
Enjoy ~150 miles of mixed-terrain riding over two days
This is not a catered trip, we’re not bringing stuff to camp for anyone. We’ve hosted a number of “101” bikepacking events in the past which are fun, but one way to step up your bikepacking readiness is to be thrown in the deep end!
We’re providing knowledge and ideas, ask questions and we’ll get you answers. You get an invitation to an evening gathering July 24 6pm-8:30pm at Seven Cycles in Watertown, MA to discuss bikepacking gear, loading the bike, sharing knowledge!
Self-sufficiency is important! We are not providing mid-ride support. You are expected to be able to fix mechanical issues or ride with friends who can help each other out.
We’re providing a comprehensive packing list so you know what to bring and are prepared for this and any bikepacking trip. You receive this in your inbox as soon as you register!
Photo from a warm 2017 Maneha bikepacking trip fire and post-ride feasting/post-ride food coma Saturday night.
Maneha is the ride that started it all. We first scouted Maneha in 2010. It has evolved over the years and has brought a terrific bikepacking experience to riders of all backgrounds and experience levels together and to cool places. This ride is a close relative of Maneha, the difference being that this ride isn’t catered and Maneha was.
This ride is equal parts challenge and fun.
Warning
This is a serious ride. Sign up and participate only if you truly respect the challenge, your body, the landscape, and your equipment.
Overview
NEER Makes Fire is a bikepacking endurance ride on a mixed-terrain route. We're riding everything from primitive 'goat trails' to good paved roads.
Route Information
Distance: About 150 miles. 77 miles on Saturday and 79 miles on Sunday. We’ll tell you the specifics of the route as we get closer to ride time.
Territory: Ranges from deep woods to town centers.
Riding Options: Two day, Saturday only, Sunday only - if you have a non-riding friend or loved one coming up to meet you, you’re welcome to ride one day up and get a ride home. We are not transporting anyone to the start or from the campsite back to the starting lot. The price stays the same regardless. Just let us know your plans so we’re aware, that’s all you need to do.
Gear Packing Options: There are no options: if you want it to eat, to sleep on, to wear, you’re carrying it with you! You are expected to have everything you need for a long-day ride on you where it comes to fixing mechanicals. This said, there is a grocery store in Greenfield where it’s easy to buy dinner & breakfast food ~4 miles before getting to camp so that’s a good option for those wanting to eat better at camp.
When:
9 & 10 August 2025. Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s Grand Depart happens at 8am. Riders are encouraged to arrive at the start (a parking lot near area businesses) in Athol no later than 7:15 so there’s time to deal with all of the stuff on the bike prior to 8am. Starting on time is important!
Sunday’s ride back begins when riders want to get moving, no later than 8am.
Where we start & Where we Camp:
The Grand Depart is in Athol, MA. There’s a parking lot for your car to stay overnight near area businesses and empty store fronts so it’s fine to leave cars for two days. The parking lot is lit all night.
We’re camping in a nice campground, Barton’s Cove, in Gil, MA. The route is a loop, not an out-and-back so both days offer a variety of mixed terrain riding.
We have campsites reserved together for riders in this campground. NEER buys wood for a fire/fires everyone can enjoy.
The campground is minimal, it’s mostly only open to tent sites and those using the campground for boating during the day. There is NO electricity and NO potable water so we’ll buy water in Greenfiled to bring with us for cooking.
There are showers!
Why:
Bikepacking trips are hard to find and it’s nice to have the opportunity to test your equipment, figure out how to pack your bike, and isn’t it fun to get two big days on the bike with nice people also out for the same?
How:
Register at the NEER store!
Questions? Email us at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com
Who can do the NEER Makes Fire ride?
Any fit and competent cyclist with equipment that meets our minimum requirements and who is willing to abide by basic riding safety rules may participate. This is a difficult ride. Riding 75-80 miles of mixed-terrain feels about three times that amount of road riding. If your bike is loaded, it feels even further. There are no time cut offs, you’re welcome to take your time. We do want you to be in to the campsite before dark.
All who register to participate in this ride will receive the following pre-ride:
Equipment Checklist: This is a comprehensive list of what NEER recommends for participants to have on bike and body. It also includes a list of items we find useful on self-supported multi-day rides for your knowledge and you’re welcome to add whatever you wish for this ride.
Special camp mug: Every good bike packer needs a camp mug! This mug can be placed directly over the fire to heat water, it’s easy to strap to your bags, and it’ll be etched to commemorate this bikepacking weekend too! Retail value: $30
Invite to a Bikepacking Gear Clinic and Hands-on Session at Seven Cycles Thursday evening, July 24 6-8:30pm.
Logistics, Route & Route Notes by 7pm August 4: You’ll understand how the ride is being run, where you’re headed, where to be when.
This information will help you prepare your bike, mind, and spirit for the adventure ahead. It includes recommended food and rest stops along the route. The information also includes tips on how to navigate difficult trails.
Waiver: This ride is being insured by NEER’s insurance. Your NEER waiver covers your participation on this ride.
All details subject to change, all who register will receive every communication by email.
"The staff did a remarkable job on a complex event. I can't wait until next year!" - C.B.
Ride with Your Friend Group
You can ride this ride as a solo rider or with a team/self-organized friend group (AKA team) ahead of the NEER-led group. All of these ways of participating are fantastic and your choice. Solo riders and slower groups will be encouraged to start earlier than 8am so there’s some cross-over during the day. It’s early and understandable if people don’t want to start earlier than this!
The last group to depart will be Super Domestique-led, and the Super Domestique will be riding a loaded hardtail mountain bike so it won’t be fast, but steady.
A team consists of as many riders as you want to assemble to take this on together.
The team must have at least two people with GPS units for navigation along with backup batteries for the GPS units.
The team members commit to riding together and finishing together.
Solo Riders
Solo riders must have their own GPS navigation device with backup battery to charge the unit if necessary.
Ride as fast or slow as you wish, we just want you to be at camp no later than 8pm.
Display your location
We will have ALL riders display their location on the route via Life360 (not necessary to pay for an account for this), it helps us know where everyone is. This will take a little more battery life from your cell phone, so a backup battery is essential. AND there is no electricity at camp so you’ll need electricity to last you 2 days!
Non-Riding Significant Other Camping Option / Bringing your Family
Your non-riding spouse or significant other is welcome to join you for the weekend at the campsite at no additional cost as long as you’re sharing a tent. Please let us know if you’ll have someone meeting you at camp.
If you’d like this to be a bigger family affair, we’ll ask you to make a reservation with the campground on your own and we’ll credit you for the campsite space you won’t be occupying. Email us separately if this applies to you and we’ll figure it out.
Sunday After the Ride back in Athol, MA
We’re expecting riders to arrive back at their cars at various times. Most people will be tired from the long weekend and just want to get home. There is a nearby Market Basket, Red Apple Farm is right down the street (drinks, ice cream, woodfired pizza), and a few restaurants are close to where parking is located.
Contact Information - Call 413-461-7433 if it’s urgent
Email us with questions at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.
CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the ride at 413-461-7433.
Don’t txt if you need an immediate response, all txt msgs go to our email that we aren’t checking if we’re in front of people at the ride or on our bikes. Ring our phone please with urgent anything!!!
Riding Rules
All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by these Rules. Registering for this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.
Proper Bike & Equipment
There are quite a few bikes and setups that work great for bikepacking and gravel riding on terrain you’ll find on this ride. Your choices will potentially impact your speed relative to others. We don’t care how fast/slow you ride, this is up to you, as long as you are on a safe bike with minimum basics and arrive before sunset on both Saturday and Sunday.
Required: A bike with 38mm tires or wider. Mountain, gravel, fat, CX bikes are all acceptable. Ideally, the bike will have 40mm knobby tires or bigger.
Required: Flat pedals or mountain-style pedals should be used, no road pedals/shoes.
Required: A GPS computer with the route loaded ahead of time if you’re riding solo. If you’re riding with a friend group, the group must have 2 GPS computers among members.
Required: Backup battery to charge GPS computer and phone during the ride. (There is no electricity to recharge things at camp.)
Required: Sign-on to Life360 or other service that you share with us so we can see your location you when you’re riding. We’ll share connection info with you in the pre-ride information email.
Required: A bike that’s in safe working order that has been recently tuned and is free of creaking and squeaking. The chain should be lubed just prior to the ride. Squeaky chains and noisy bikes are unacceptable because it means there is something wrong with your bike and more might be wrong.
Required: All of the tools for typical mechanicals. These are on the Gear Checklist you’ll receive when you register. Lots of extra “nice to haves” are on the Checklist too!
Required: Cell phone and a plan to get back to your car in case your bike or body stops working - we cannot offer rides to anyone (per insurance requirements) and there won’t be a vehicle on the route.
Required: Two full water bottles/other vessel with at least this much water at the start of the ride
Required: Front and rear lights (do not need to be turned on if visibility is good but available), reflector on ankle or pedal (this is now required per MA law at dusk and later). Visibility is always a good thing for safety regardless of weather or time of day. Lights are important at camp too!
Nice to have: Extra calories in your pockets to get you to stores where you can buy more.
Change of clothes to wear after the ride at camp and for sleeping so you’re comfy!
Full Moon Mixed Terrain Night Rides - 2025
Location: Various start locations
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain
Time & Date: Evenings around the Full Moon all year
Distance: ~15 miles
Price: Free
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!
Tri-State Mountain Bike Ride, Douglas State Forest
Location: Douglas State Forest
Date & Time: Saturday, November 16
Distance: 21 miles with optional extra mileage
Price: Free
RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form
Location: Douglas State Forest, Douglas, MA (near RI/CT corner)
Ride Type: Mountain Bike Ride
Date & Time: Saturday, November 16 at 9am
Distance: ~3-4 hours total ride time with option for extra 2-3 hours ride time
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
We have a designated Super Domestique leading the group & we’ll split into pace/ability groups depending on who comes out for this ride. The purpose of the ride is to enjoy fun mountain bike riding on a beautiful autumn day in an area you’re unlikely familiar. The pace will be moderate, with frequent regroups, we’ll let people get through it and then keep moving. The route is comprised of “green” and “blue” trails so it’s not overly technical.
Distance
The route is 21 miles in length. It’s just off of a great gravel trail so once riders return to the lot, we’ll serve up hot chocolate to all. Anyone who wants extra time on the bike for endurance base miles is welcome to join in for another ~2-3 hours of pedaling.
Parking
Park in this lot, it appears there is no charge since this is off-season in the state park:
Here is a pin to the lot, this is off of Wallum Lake Park Road:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zzx6vunErF8uUqfW6
Route
Will be emailed to all who RSVP by 7pm the night before the ride.
Estimated Ride Time
3-4 hours. We will be done before 1pm.
Route Notes
None at this time.
After the Ride
We’ll be serving up hot chocolate to everyone post-ride! Then for those who want to keep riding for base miles, you’re welcome to join for more - we might even cross over state lines to both RI & CT!
Last-Minute Information
We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news.
Contact Information
Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride anytime up until 10pm the night before 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
New England Expedition Riders (NEER) requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out 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
Mountain bike with 2” tires or wider are the most common on this ride. Some people are riding fat bikes. Gravel bikes will be too much “under” biked and not appropriate for this ride.
Clip-in pedals: This is an important element of bike control. If you’re very experienced with platform pedals, these are okay.
A Tuned Bike: A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned.
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.
First Snow Ride - 2024/2025
Location: Belmont/Waltham
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Ride - Snowy trails & roads
Date & Time: The FIRST snowfall of the season!
Distance: ~10 miles
Price: Free
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Ride / Roads and snow-covered trails - over 80% of the ride is on dirt trails
Location: Waltham/Belmont. Exact location will be announced closer to when we expect the first snow to hit
Date & Time: Right after the first “official” snow hits!
Distance: ~10 miles, approx 2 hrs, condition-dependent
Price: Free, but you must be a NEER Member to attend (use this as your excuse to join up since we have a full year of awesome rides ahead!!!)
Please RSVP in the form below if you hope to join in on this ride. We’ll ask for a more definite RSVP once the “go time” becomes clearer
In 2017, we had a huge turnout for the first snow ride which hit early in the afternoon on a Saturday!
Important Ride Updates
Details: When the first snow comes to eastern Massachusetts, we ride in it regardless of the time of day or day of the week. This is our 10th year hosting this memorable and much-too-fun ride!
Starting/ending Location: The ride will begin in Belmont/Waltham. Exact location will be shared with all who RSVP.
Route: The route will be emailed to those who have registered if time permits. We’ll have at least one ride leader, possibly more, who will lead the way so it is not required for you to come with the route loaded.
Estimated time: ~2 hours
RSVP: Please RSVP below (at the very bottom of this page) so we know if you’re interested in this ride.
Required: Possibly studded tires. We will determine this based on conditions. You might as well get the studded tires on your bike now regardless of this possible requirement since they’ll be needed in the post-snow freeze/thaw cycle which brings ice.
New snow falling on the frozen ground will turn to ice. If the ground isn’t frozen, there won’t be ice yet.
Front and rear lights are required anytime we’re riding in hard-to-see conditions which includes falling snow and/or night.
Ride Notes: The pace is based on conditions. We don't ride too slowly because we'd get cold, we don't ride too fast because that wouldn't be safe with the snow. We will ride spaced out with a leader or two. Be sure to come prepared with the right bike & tires, and proper attire for the conditions and temperature.
The pace assumes riders who attend have adequate fitness to keep up on a 14mph avg road ride, if riders were on road bikes on a road ride. This is not that kind of a ride, of course, but that is the best way to describe the amount of fitness necessary to ensure you’ll have a good time.
Read on below, there is a lot to this ride and how it works. Be sure to understand it to be able to participate in it! KEEP READING - lots more information is further down this page.
Last Minute Information: We’ll send all who RSVP below an email - check your spam boxes and you’ll know if you’re getting our emails since we’ll email at least a day ahead to tell you where to go and further details.
Contact Information: Email - connect@rideheadquarters.com, Phone - (413)-461-7433 - we receive voicemails left at this phone number regardless of where we are.
Riding Rules
Everyone who chooses to participate in this ride must be comfortable with the protocols.
All of our Riding Rules apply. 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 override any conflicting rules stated in our ride rule page.
Waiver: When you join NEER, you’ll sign a waiver that applies for the year. Only NEER members may participate in this ride.
First Snow Nitty Gritty Details
One of our favorite pastimes is riding in snowfall. You can hear the snow crunching under your tires. It’s such a quiet time; all sound is suppressed by the snowfall. No one is out on the roads and trails. The world feels primitive and peaceful.
The moment of the first snowfall is THE time to ride. We are leading a ride when this first snow hits!
We are ready. Are you?
Ride Synopsis
We are leading a ride that begins very soon (1-2 hours) after the first snow of the season begins. We define the first snow as having accumulation of approximately 1” of snow at “go” time, and the forecast must predict that it will snow for the duration of the ride. This means the prediction will need to be for 4+ hours of snow fall, at least.
For 2024’s ride: we’re seeing a lot of snow on the way so we are likely to set the start time a little earlier knowing it’ll be accumulating and we want everyone to be able to get home before there’s too much accumulation!
We won’t be riding if the snow isn’t going to last for the duration of the ride.
Most important to note: GO time is decided with at least 1 hour of notice for you, more if possible. So be ready and keep checking your email for our updates to know when it will hit. We try to get ahead of notifying you when it sounds like it might be happening a day or two in advance, depending on the weather forecast.
The ride will be 90 minutes to 2 hours in length total. The distance of the route will take into account how hard the snow is falling & how fast the ride will be.
The route is mixed terrain. Expect to be on- and off-road, on trails and through woods with some back roads too.
The pace of the ride will be high enough to keep everyone working hard. This way, everyone stays warm. This doesn’t mean we’ll be moving fast considering studded tires and winter setups aren’t exactly fast. No one gets dropped.
Here’s How We Plan for the First Snow
Be flexible. We have no idea when it’s going to snow. It’s most common for snowfall to occur during the afternoon but it could be 2am or any other time. A mindset focused on the ride, rather than when the ride will occur, is helpful.
Be ready. Have a Snow Essentials Duffel packed and with you at all times – we provide some content hints below. Have your bike ready to go.
The Right Tires: Studded tires may be required for this ride. Once the first snow falls you will very likely want to be riding studs for the rest of the winter since ice will be much more likely with the freeze/thaw of winter temps during the day and amount of precipitation.
Headlight & Taillight: Whether we’re riding at 2pm or 2am, you have to have at least one headlight and taillight to join us. Snowfall makes it really difficult for drivers to see cyclists. A headlight and taillight will help a great deal with visibility for everyone. Make sure you charge those lights a few days in advance. If you’re looking to upgrade your lights, we stock very good lights and can bring them to you already charged!
First Snow History
In 2024, the first snow hit on January 6 late in the day, we started riding late in the evening in the dark of night in Cambridge and experienced a city asleep while we soaked up the atmosphere…and the melted snow that turned to slush.
In 2023, the first snow hit on the MLK holiday, later in January - a Monday morning! We had a fun, small group come out and we enjoyed the morning from Revival Cafe.
In 2021, there was no first snow! It came Friday, January 7 of 2022 and we started riding at 7:30am, in deep, rideable fluffy power. About 20 people joined in the festivities and enjoy hot cocoa at the big, red van afterward!
In 2020, we were out on December 17 in a big snowstorm with a ride that started at 10:30pm. We started from Sherborn so it was hard for people to drive to it. However, it was magical and in the heart of the pandemic, it felt normal and so full of good feelings and community. Sharing hot chocolate around a fire after the ride was special.
In 2019, we were out on December 1st in the early evening with 30+ people. This was the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
In 2018, we were out from 9:30-11:30pm on a weeknight in mid-November with over 40 riders.
In 2017, we were out riding at 1pm on a Saturday afternoon with over 40 riders.
2016 was an 8am Monday morning ride, the hardest time to find riders and quiet trails/roads of all - but we still did it!
2015 - This was our inaugural year. We were out riding with a “go” time of 3am. People came as far and wide as Jamaica Plain to join in the festivities!
Knowing When the Snowfall Ride Moment Arrives
We’re emailing everyone who RSVPs for the ride with timing and details and we’ll post frequently on Instagram as well.
This is the hashtag to use with all photos you post: #rscfirstsnow
Tricks for Riding in the Snow
Traction: Snow riding is all about traction. Four ways of maximizing traction are:
Apply steady horsepower to the pedals. This is a lot more difficult than it appears. If you’re riding at 70 hp on a snowy trail, a change of 10%, or 7 hp, is a lot – and can be the different between maintaining your line and losing traction entirely. Practice steady horsepower output.
Keep your bike upright, even while turning. The more you lean into a corner, the less traction you have. Most tires have less tread and fewer studs toward the sides of the tire. Don’t lean your bike too much. Riding upright keeps you upright.
Tire pressure: Lower tire pressure provides better traction. Of course, you want to balance this with the possibility of getting a flat. We find that riding on an inch of snow is deceptive, in that you feel like the trail is really smooth, when in reality, all the obstacles are still there – and just as sharp – you just can’t see them, so your chance of getting a flat probably increases slightly.
Tires and treads: Studs are best. Wider is better than narrower. Treads are better than slicks.
Be careful. This may seem obvious but we see this as a fundamental issue each season in the first snow. Taking a tumble in the ice and snow can be problematic; these falls are fast, unexpected, and hard. Ride conservatively and don’t worry about winning.
No fenders: Snow time may seem like a great time to have fenders, but it’s not. Not only are fenders dangerous on mixed terrain – due to sticks and debris on the trail, it’s also likely that your fenders will get packed with snow and make your ride a lot tougher.
Batteries die. Batteries don’t like the cold so they power down a lot more quickly than on an autumn day. Three hours of battery life can become one hour – or worse – in the cold months. Keep your electronics warm – in your jacket or jersey, not in your saddle bag – until you need them. This includes your phone, backup battery, spare light, and your Garmin – if you’re not the ride navigator.
Likely Weather Conditions
It can’t snow if it’s too cold so it’s likely to be somewhere between 28 and 36 degrees. Also, you’re likely to get a bit wet as the snow melts on you; gear that leans toward rain protection can be useful.
Always Be Prepared: Snow Essentials Duffel
Have your Snow Essentials Duffel in your car – if that’s your mode of work transport – so you’re always ready to roll. In that bag, we recommend:
All the clothing you typically use for 30-40 degree riding. Clothing that likes wet conditions isn’t a bad idea, either. Note: We’re only including the gear that people often forget when they’re in a hurry, and riding in unexpected conditions. If you forget to put your bibs in your Snow Essentials Kit, we have no sympathy!
Headlight 100% charged and ready for 2.5 hours of use. Ideally, two headlights – one on your bars and one on your helmet.
Taillight batteries in good condition.
Winter shoes or your autumn shoes with overshoes.
Long thick wool socks
Helmet – with light mount ready to go.
Long finger gloves, possibly with liners.
Three season cap that covers your ears. A brim will be appreciated – it can help keep the snow out of your eyes.
Neck gator - doubles as a face covering.
Protective glasses if that’s your kind of thing for riding in a snowstorm.
High-vis vest if you like to be visible. If there’s ever a time to increase your visibility, it’s during a snowstorm; drivers have a really difficult time seeing cyclists through snowfall.
Towel to dry off after the ride.
Puffy jacket, a change of clothes that are warm and fleece-lined, warm cap and mittens feel so good post-ride!
Ride Headquarters Is Here To Help
We have just about anything you could need for winter riding, including:
Winter Bikes. There are considerations to be made where it comes to the bike you ride in the winter. We have bikes that are great all year, but are extra special for winter riding. Check out the Seven Cycles Treeline bike: summer mountain bike, winter fat bike. Titanium is a perfect frame material for a bike that’s going to see the salt and harsh conditions of winter. A winterized bike is also important. For example, if snow is allowed into the brake housing, your brakes will likely freeze up. We can winterize your bike to keep your rolling.
Lots of studded tire options. And the tubes needed for each tire size. We can help determine the ideal tire size for your bike and guarantee what will fit and what won’t. Not all studded tires are created equal. We can help determine the right price point for your riding needs.
Studded tire installation help. Studded tires are often the toughest type of tire to install because they’re thicker, stiffer, and sometimes are steel beaded. We’re happy to help.
Lights: We have the toughest winter lights available. We’ll help you determine optimal number of lumens for your needs. We’ll help you determine where the best mounting spot is on your bike or body. The best kind of taillight for visibility and longevity. So many options – all with different strengths and weaknesses.
Gloves: We have everything from lightweight full fingers to deep winter 45Nrth gloves and liners. We have an array of models and sizes to determine the ideal setup for your type of riding. We can help with determining which are best for wet weather, for glove liners, or for the coldest days. Lots of glove options for lots of kinds of riding.
Winter Shoes: We’ve got 45NRTH Wolvhammers in stock and will order more upon request. We’ll help you find the right size, and install cleats on your new boots, too.
We hope to see you in the first snow!
#rscfirstsnow
Come by at least 15-minutes early to the ride starting location so you can make any last minute bike adjustments. We’ll be there with the van with supplies, hand warmers, toe warmers, and any gear you’ve asked us to bring to the start for you!
RSVP with your interest in joining now!
Saturday Morning Mountain Bike Ride
Location: Start and end Bear Brook State Park, Allenstown, NH
Date & Time: Saturday, July 27
Distance: 4 hours
Price: Free
RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form
Location: Bear Brook State Park, Allenstown, NH
Ride Type: Mountain Bike Ride
Date & Time: Saturday, July 27 at 9am
Distance: ~4 hours total ride time
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
We have a designated Super Domestique leading the group. The purpose of this ride is to enjoy fun mountain bike riding on a summer day. The pace will be moderate, with frequent regroups, we’ll let people get through it and then keep moving. The first loop is not that technical, the second loop is intermediate. This way, everyone can warm up to the riding and being on the mountain bike if it’s been awhile.
Distance
However far we ride in 4 hours time
Parking
Park in this lot, no charge (to our knowledge), off of Deerfield Rd: https://goo.gl/maps/1vsnHapf2bgfEZ7p6
Route
Will be emailed to all who RSVP.
Estimated Ride Time
4 hours. We will be done around 1pm.
Route Notes
None at this time.
After the Ride
Bring a change of clothes and a snack for your trip home!
Last-Minute Information
We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news.
Contact Information
Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride anytime up until 10pm the night before 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
New England Expedition Riders (NEER) requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out 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
Mountain bike with 2” tires or wider are the most common on this ride.
Clip-in pedals: This is an important element of bike control. If you’re very experienced with platform pedals, these are okay.
A Tuned Bike: A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned.
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.