Saturday Longer Morning Mixed Terrain Ride East Bound!

• Location: Start and end near Bedford, MA

• Ride Type:  Mixed Terrain Ride for gravel bikes or hardtail mountain bikes

• Date & Time:  Sunday, September 10, 9am start

• Distance:  48 miles

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

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

Details

This mixed-terrain ride leads cyclists to many back roads, plenty of dirt paths and trails for a total of 48 miles. The route heads east and takes in a lot of excellent mixed terrain along the way in addition to fun connecting roads.

The route is mixed terrain so any gravel bike with 40mm tires or bigger is suited for the terrain. Bigger tires and bikes are fine as long as you feel comfortable keeping up with the group.

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the last group to depart, if we split into groups.

Pace: endurance zone 2-3 for most cyclists - if you can average 15/16mph on a road bike on a paved road for 4+ hours, you’ll be fit enough for this ride. The pace on a mixed terrain ride is much slower than a road ride so expect the ride to take ~5 hours to complete, possibly more.

Distance

The ride is 48 miles in length.

Parking

In the large parking lot for offices just across from Revolution Hall:

3 Maguire Rd, Lexington, MA 02421

Route

The route will be emailed to all who RSVP no later than 7pm the night before this ride.

Estimated Ride Time

~5+ hours

Route Notes

We discuss these with you prior to rollout.

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 1 hour or more prior to the start of the ride.

CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the ride at 413-461-7433.

Don’t txt if you need an immediate response, all txt msgs go to our email that we aren’t checking if we’re in front of people at the ride or on our bikes.

Riding Rules

All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. RSVP’ing to this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.

Waiver

New England Expedition Riders requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

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

Proper bike & Equipment

• 32mm knobby tires BARE minimum.  Wider tires are nicer! Ideal: 40mm or wider. Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. Gravel bikes are best suited for most of the terrain. Do NOT ride road tires since you’ll be flatting out there.

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. 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.

• High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.  We recommend about 80% of maximum rated tire pressure. Sometimes this is much too high, ask us if you’re not sure where to set your tire pressure. We like you to have more than enough air for these reasons:

  • 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.

  • You can easily take it out, much harder to add it in.

• 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.

Saturday Earlier & Longer Morning Mixed Terrain Ride East Bound!

• Location: Start and end near Bedford, MA

• Ride Type:  Mixed Terrain Ride for gravel bikes or hardtail mountain bikes

• Date & Time:  Saturday, August 26 8am start

• Distance:  48 miles

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

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

Details

This mixed-terrain ride leads cyclists to many back roads, plenty of dirt paths and trails for a total of 48 miles. The route heads east and takes in a lot of excellent mixed terrain along the way in addition to fun connecting roads.

The route is mixed terrain so any gravel bike with 40mm tires or bigger is suited for the terrain. Bigger tires and bikes are fine as long as you feel comfortable keeping up with the group.

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the last group to depart, if we split into groups.

Pace: endurance zone 2-3 for most cyclists - if you can average 15/16mph on a road bike on a paved road for 4+ hours, you’ll be fit enough for this ride. The pace on a mixed terrain ride is much slower than a road ride so expect the ride to take ~5 hours to complete, possibly more.

Distance

The ride is 48 miles in length.

Parking

In the large parking lot for offices just across from Revolution Hall:

3 Maguire Rd, Lexington, MA 02421

Route

The route will be emailed to all who RSVP no later than 7pm the night before this ride.

Estimated Ride Time

~5+ hours

Route Notes

We discuss these with you prior to rollout.

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 1 hour or more prior to the start of the ride.

CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the ride at 413-461-7433.

Don’t txt if you need an immediate response, all txt msgs go to our email that we aren’t checking if we’re in front of people at the ride or on our bikes.

Riding Rules

All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. RSVP’ing to this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.

Waiver

New England Expedition Riders requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

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

Proper bike & Equipment

• 32mm knobby tires minimum.  Wider tires are nicer! Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. Gravel bikes are best suited for most of the terrain. Do NOT ride road tires since you’ll be flatting out there.

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. 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.

• High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.  We recommend about 80% of maximum rated tire pressure. Sometimes this is much too high, ask us if you’re not sure where to set your tire pressure. We like you to have more than enough air for these reasons:

  • 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.

  • You can easily take it out, much harder to add it in.

• 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.

Saturday Rhode Island Adventure Ride

• Location: Start and end in Chepachet, Rhode Island

• Ride Type:  Social Adventure Ride with special food stop! Gravel Ride for gravel bikes or road bikes with plump tires

• Date & Time: 9am, Saturday, July 22

• Distance: 78 miles

• Price:  Free, but we’re requiring NEER membership if this is your second ride with us. We’re providing food so a $15 donation toward food and expenses from non-members is suggested. Note the mid-ride food stop we’re providing!

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

Details

This scenic road and gravel ride takes cyclists on a beautiful journey in Rhode Island. We’re taking advantage of a route put together by Rhode Island cyclist Paul Davis, made famous in this GCN video with Jeremy Powers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiTc6KHckFk

We have not vetted this route, but we assume that Jeremy and GCN wouldn’t publish a bad route! The store they highlight in the video mid-ride is no longer in business, thus we’ve updated the route to get riders to a nice mid-ride hydration & food stop that WE ARE STOCKING at a campground.

Pace

This is a social adventure ride. Here’s how this works: everyone rides together for the first 36 miles. If you’re super fast, take it easy, enjoy some social time with people! We all roll together to the food/water stop. Enjoy some time at the campground, eat, drink, be merry. After the stop, fast people: go fast! Drop the group, have the fun you’ve been dreaming about. If you’re not up for a solid endurance pace (16-17mph avg is what the group would average if people were on road bikes on pavement, so that level of effort), you’re welcome to drop off the back of the group and ride your own pace continuing along the route.

We have a designated Super Domestique leading one group which will be rolling at a steady endurance gravel pace. If you can maintain a 15-16mph average pace on the road (on a road bike with drafting others employed) for 3+ hours, you have the fitness you need for this ride to roll with the group for the first 36 miles at least. This ride’s pace will be much less than 16mph (probably more like 12-14mph considering the dirt, and bigger tires of gravel bikes).

Please mention your pace in your RSVP if you think you’ll be faster/slower than the Super Domestique and be aware that there’s a chance you will be riding solo. We prefer if slower riders want to ride solo, you let us know and choose an earlier start time so that we can see you out on the road, it makes it safer to have some overlap out there.

Start, Distance & Estimated Ride Time

Please be ready to ride at 8:55am. We’ll start the safety talk at 9am and then roll out.

Parking

There is plenty of parking in town on the weekends as there are lots of places closed. We’re told the Town Hall parking lot is available and free all day on the weekends:

Town Hall - 1145 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814

Please plan to meet up here for the ride start.

Route

The route will be emailed to all who RSVP no later than 7pm the night before the ride.

Route Notes

Elevation gain is ~3,600 ft.

We are expecting a lot of pavement and the dirt sections are unlikely to be overly technical given the route was ridden with road bikes and road tires for the GCN video. Since we’ve not done this ride before and it is an adventure, it seems safest to go with bigger tires. We suggest coming out with your gravel bike and 35-40mm tires regardless just because it’s nice when everyone is more or less on similar equipment. If you’re comfortable on dirt on your road bike, it’s totally fine to ride your road bike.

Food & Water During the Ride - Special Food Stop

We’re riding in an unpopulated part of the state. Therefore, food and water is very hard to come by. There will be ONE (extra fun) food & water stop on the route at a campsite, at mile 36. We are supplying fun food, bike foods, drink mixes, and the campground has water.

Please bring a minimum of 3 water bottles or 2.5L of water in a hydration pack.

Also, please bring all of the calories you would like to eat during the whole day. Yes, it’s a lot. Yes, bring a lot.

After the Ride

Bring a change of clothes so you can enjoy your drive home!

Want to demo ride a bike? Talk about sweet new bikes? Ride Headquarters comes out to these rides with demo bikes for those who are interested in demo riding and discussing awesome, super fun new bikes. Contact Ride Headquarters at connect@rideheadquarters.com.

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news. Very, very last-minute news is found on our Twitter feed (shown on the home page of this website in case you don’t have a Twitter account).

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride 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

NEER requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

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

Proper bike & Equipment

• 35mm knobby tires are recommended, but skinnier are okay if you have experience riding dirt with skinnier.  Wider tires are always nice! Tire choice depends on your riding skill set.

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. 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 or if you haven’t come prepared.

• High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.  We recommend about 80% of maximum rated tire pressure. Sometimes this is much too high, ask us if you’re not sure where to set your tire pressure. We like you to have more than enough air for these reasons:

  • 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.

  • You can easily take it out, much harder to add it in.

• 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.

Sunday South Shore Shorter Mixed Terrain Ride

• Location: Start and end in Weymouth, MA

• Ride Type:  Mixed Terrain Ride for gravel bikes, mtn bikes and fat bikes

• Date & Time: 10am, Sunday, July 23

• Distance: 17 mi

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

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

Details

This mixed-terrain ride takes cyclists on a wide variety of dirt trails and mixed terrain on the South Shore. Ride along the water and see some cool neighborhoods, too.

The route is a mixed terrain route so any gravel bike with ~40mm tires or bigger is suited for the terrain.

Pace

We’ll likely stick together. For this ride, it’ll be steady, not fast. If you would like to ride faster, that’s fine! Just mention this in your RSVP. You are likely to have good company at your pace, you’ll be welcome to ride ahead of the “led” group so long as you properly communicate with the ride Super Domestique.

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the last group to depart which will be rolling at a steady endurance pace. The Super Domestique is likely to be riding a fat bike and be tired from a long ride the day before. If you can maintain a 15mph average pace on the road (on a road bike) for 2+ hours, you have the fitness you need for this ride. This ride’s pace will be much less than 15mph (probably more like 8mph).

Start, Distance & Estimated Ride Time

Please be ready to ride at 9:55am. We’ll start the safety talk at 10am and then roll out.

The route is 17 miles long.

Ride time expected is ~2.5 hours with about 2 hours and 20 minutes of actual riding.

Parking

Weymouth, MA. We share the details with all who RSVP.

Route

The route will be emailed to all who RSVP no later than 7pm the night before the ride.

Route Notes

Total distance: 17 miles (we may add a mile or two to have an extra water view)

Total elevation gain: 1,000 ft

A mixed terrain ride is rougher than a “gravel” ride on the dirt sections. This is a lot dirt and some rougher trails in spots so be prepared for this. It is a really neat route. There is no pressure to ride anything you would prefer to walk.

After the Ride

Bring a change of clothes so you can enjoy your drive home!

Want to demo ride a bike? Talk about sweet new bikes? Ride Headquarters comes out to these rides with demo bikes for those who are interested in demo riding and discussing awesome, super fun new bikes. Contact Ride Headquarters at connect@rideheadquarters.com.

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news. Very, very last-minute news is found on our Twitter feed (shown on the home page of this website in case you don’t have a Twitter account).

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride 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

NEER requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

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

Proper bike & Equipment

• 35mm knobby tires minimum.  Wider tires are nicer! Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. We expect to see mostly gravel bikes, some mountain bikes, and possibly fat bikes at this ride.

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. 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.

• High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.  We recommend about 80% of maximum rated tire pressure. Sometimes this is much too high, ask us if you’re not sure where to set your tire pressure. We like you to have more than enough air for these reasons:

  • 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.

  • You can easily take it out, much harder to add it in.

• 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.

Sunday South Shore Shorter Mixed Terrain Ride

• Location: Start and end in Weymouth, MA

• Ride Type:  Mixed Terrain Ride for gravel bikes, mtn bikes and fat bikes

• Date & Time: 10am, Sunday, July 16

• Distance: 18 mi

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

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

Details

This mixed-terrain ride takes cyclists on a wide variety of dirt trails and mixed terrain on the South Shore. Ride along the water and see some cool neighborhoods, too.

The route is a mixed terrain route so any gravel bike with ~40mm tires or bigger is suited for the terrain.

Pace

We’ll likely stick together. For this ride, it’ll be steady, not fast. If you would like to ride faster, that’s fine! Just mention this in your RSVP. You are likely to have good company at your pace.

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the last group to depart which will be rolling at a steady endurance pace. If you can maintain a 15mph average pace on the road (on a road bike) for 3+ hours, you have the fitness you need for this ride. This ride’s pace will be much less than 15mph (probably more like 8mph).

Start, Distance & Estimated Ride Time

Please be ready to ride at 9:55am. We’ll start the safety talk at 10am and then roll out.

The route is 18 miles long.

Ride time expected is ~2.5 hours.

Parking

Weymouth, MA. We share the details with all who RSVP.

Route

The route will be emailed to all who RSVP no later than 7pm the night before the ride.

Route Notes

Total distance: 17 miles (we may add a mile or two to have an extra water view)

Total elevation gain: 1,000 ft

A mixed terrain ride is rougher than a “gravel” ride on the dirt sections. This is a lot dirt and some rougher trails in spots so be prepared for this. It is a really neat route. There is no pressure to ride anything you would prefer to walk.

After the Ride

Bring a change of clothes so you can enjoy your drive home!

Want to demo ride a bike? Talk about sweet new bikes? Ride Headquarters comes out to these rides with demo bikes for those who are interested in demo riding and discussing awesome, super fun new bikes. Contact Ride Headquarters at connect@rideheadquarters.com.

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news. Very, very last-minute news is found on our Twitter feed (shown on the home page of this website in case you don’t have a Twitter account).

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride 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

NEER requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

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

Proper bike & Equipment

• 35mm knobby tires minimum.  Wider tires are nicer! Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. We expect to see mostly gravel bikes, some mountain bikes, and possibly fat bikes at this ride.

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. 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.

• High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.  We recommend about 80% of maximum rated tire pressure. Sometimes this is much too high, ask us if you’re not sure where to set your tire pressure. We like you to have more than enough air for these reasons:

  • 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.

  • You can easily take it out, much harder to add it in.

• 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.

Saturday North Shore Mixed Terrain Adventure Ride

• Location: Start and end at Gordon College on the North Shore (just north of Pride’s Crossing)

• Ride Type:  Mixed Terrain Ride for gravel bikes, mtn bikes okay if you can do the distance

• Date & Time: 8am, Saturday, July 15

• Distance:  55 mi, 62 mi (100k), 80 mi options on offer

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

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

Details

This mixed-terrain ride takes cyclists on a wide variety of dirt trails on the North Shore including Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport, Essex, and Hamilton.

The route is a mixed terrain route so any gravel bike with ~40mm tires or bigger is suited for the terrain. There will be a few areas of rougher terrain, everything is rideable, but it’s no issue to walk anything you’re unable to ride.

Pace

We’ll likely split people into 2 groups based on riding speeds. Be prepared to keep moving at a steady pace, and when we stop for water/food, we’ll allow everyone to refill and use the facilities, but then keep moving.

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the last group to depart which will be rolling at a steady endurance pace. If you can maintain a 15mph average pace on the road (on a road bike) for 3+ hours, you have the fitness you need for this ride. This ride’s pace will be much less than 15mph (probably more like 8mph).

Start, Distance & Estimated Ride Time

Please be ready to ride at 7:55am. We’ll start the safety talk at 8am and then roll out.

All three distances of ride offered: 55 miles, 62 miles and 80 miles run together until the end of your route so everyone rides together until someone(s) wants to split off and return to Gordon College.

We expect most people to end up doing the 55 mi or 62 mi versions, but if you want a big day, the 80 miler is for you and you might have company for it!!

Parking

Gordon College

Exact spot to park: 255 Grapevine Rd, Wenham, MA 01984

This is next to Emery Hall on Princemere Dr. at the very start of the route, there is a lot of parking on both sides of the road and a parking lot right there too.

Route

The route will be emailed to all who RSVP no later than 7pm the night before the ride.

Route Notes

Elevation gain for the 62-mile version is 3,000 ft.

A mixed terrain ride is rougher than a “gravel” ride on the dirt sections. This is a lot dirt so be prepared for a challenging, but fun, day in the saddle. There is no pressure to ride anything you would prefer to walk.

After the Ride

Bring a change of clothes so you can enjoy your drive home!

We will have Crud Cloths for everyone who wants one, these feel especially good on a very hot day. One free per NEER member. Want more or not a member? Please bring $10 and you’ll receive 3 Crud Cloths.

Want to demo ride a bike? Talk about sweet new bikes? Ride Headquarters comes out to these rides with demo bikes for those who are interested in demo riding and discussing awesome, super fun new bikes. Contact Ride Headquarters at connect@rideheadquarters.com.

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news. Very, very last-minute news is found on our Twitter feed (shown on the home page of this website in case you don’t have a Twitter account).

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride 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

NEER requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

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

Proper bike & Equipment

• 35mm knobby tires minimum.  Wider tires are nicer! Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. We expect to see mostly gravel bikes, some mountain bikes, and possibly fat bikes at this ride.

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. 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.

• High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.  We recommend about 80% of maximum rated tire pressure. Sometimes this is much too high, ask us if you’re not sure where to set your tire pressure. We like you to have more than enough air for these reasons:

  • 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.

  • You can easily take it out, much harder to add it in.

• 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.

Live Free and Ride Gravel Saturday

Details

• Ride Type: Remote paved and dirt roads

• Time & Date: Saturday, June 24 - 7am-9am Rollout**

• **If weather is an issue for Saturday, June 24, we’ll look at requiring a 7am start or running a ride elsewhere at lower elevation nearer to the Boston, MA area (Sunday is looking worse than Saturday) - a GO/NO GO decision will be emailed to all who register by 12pm Friday before the ride.

• Starting Point: New Boston, NH

• Distance: 65 miles / 105 km

• Price: Free

• Price: $0, but you MUST be a NEER member to participate
  

What you get

• Gorgeous, well-planned route with others out there on it at the same time: Route file for your GPS computer, parking directions/instructions.

• The route has not been vetted this year. It worked last time we hosted a ride here 2 years ago, but things can change. Bring your spirit of adventure!

• Co-adventurers, you’re not out there alone. If you’re a slower rider, we suggest selecting an early rollout time so riders are behind you for most/all of the day.

Start Location

• Starting Point: New Boston, NH

Route Information

Here is some general information about the route:

• Distance: 65 miles

• We will share the route and ride details no later than 7pm Friday, June 23 to all who RSVP before then who are NEER members, since that is a requirement for this ride.

• The route has not been vetted this year so there’s a chance a road is closed or a trail is closed or conditions have changed since we vetted it. This route is not that likely to present big navigation challenges given its location and the roads/trails we’re taking.

Ride With Your Friends, Ride With a Group We Put Together, Ride Solo

Get your friends together to ride! It’s way more fun riding with a friend group than alone. It’s also safer.

PLEASE let us know when you RSVP that you want to ride with your friend group so we can get you rolling before everyone else.

If you want to ride solo, please plan to start earlier in the morning so that riders will be behind you for most/all of the day. It’s safer this way. Please tell us this in your RSVP.

There will be one group averaging a solid “moderate” pace to depart last at 9am. This is not necessarily a sweep group. Everyone up for a solid moderate pace is welcome to join in this group. These are riders who are usually comfortable with a 16-17mph pace on a 4+ hour road ride for comparison purposes. The pace will be less since the terrain is mixed with plenty of dirt and elevation and everyone is riding a bigger-tire bike.

Your pace will be ~20-30% slower than your road riding pace.

---

• There is no ride leader, even if you ride with a group; you’ll be following your GPS computer, therefore owning a GPS computer is a must with at least one back-up power source.

• Drink plenty of water considering how hot it may be! This is common sense for any ride, especially smart when you’re riding further away from people who can give you a ride home.

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

• There is little cell coverage in this area, so be aware of that.

• We’ll send a very detailed email by 7pm the day before the ride, with the route, instructions, and details so you understand logistics and exactly what to do.

Waiver

If you’re a member of NEER, you’ve signed the waiver. If you think you haven’t signed it, please do it now: https://www.newenglandexpeditionriders.com/ride-waiver

Riding Rules

• Be sure you’re up for the general riding rules: https://www.newenglandexpeditionriders.com/ride-rules

Preparation

• Bring everything you need for mechanicals that pop up on gravel/mixed terrain rides. All the things you need for a flat, tubeless puncture, EXTRA TUBE even if you run tubeless, air, levers, chain breaker, chain pliers, multi tool, spare derailleur hanger if your bike uses these.

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

  • You will want to come prepared with extra food, water, and fitness for the distance. The route file will show where food/water stops are located. These aren’t fancy (think: Dunkin Doughnuts).

After the Ride

• Bring a picnic in a cooler in your car and camp chairs. We’re parking at a school near the center of New Boston. It’s not particularly beautiful, but it’s still a nice place to hang out.

Proper Bike for this Ride

• A road or gravel bike that has 32mm tires or wider. 32mm tires will work for riders on this route based on what we saw of the roads last year. 40mm should be ideal. Mountain bikes will be a little overkill on much of the route. Narrower than 32mm are strongly discouraged. There is some loose gravel on the roads, and some sandy spots. Narrower tires are more likely to pinch flat and are less stable. If you’re not sure of your gravel riding ability, this isn’t the best first ride to take on.

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

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

Contact Information and How to Get Your Questions Answered

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

RSVP NOW!

Sunday Mixed Terrain Ride

• Location: Start and end at Revolution Hall near Bedford, MA

• Ride Type:  Mixed Terrain Ride for gravel, mountain & fat bikes

• Date & Time: 10am, Sunday, June 11

• Distance:  25 miles

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

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

Details

This mixed-terrain ride takes cyclists to many back roads, plenty of dirt paths and single-track (not too technical) trails for a total of 25 miles.

The route is a mixed terrain route so any gravel bike with ~40mm tires is suited for the terrain.

Pace

We’ll split people into 2 groups based on bikes and speeds that are likely to result.

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the last group to depart which will be rolling at a steady endurance pace. If you can maintain a 15mph average pace on the road (on a road bike) for 3+ hours, you have the fitness you need for this ride. This ride’s pace will be much less than 15mph (probably more like 8mph).

Start, Distance & Estimated Ride Time

Please be ready to ride at 9:55am. We’ll start the safety talk at 10am and then roll out.

The ride is 25 miles in length.

Allow 3-4ish hours for the ride.

Parking

Across the street from Revolution Hall. DO NOT park in the Revolution Hall parking lot.

Address for your GPS: 10 Maguire Rd., Lexington, MA

Exact spot to park: https://goo.gl/maps/DXJyjgRdjp6BCqcA8

Route

The route will be emailed to all who RSVP no later than 7pm the night before the ride.

Route Notes

A mixed terrain ride is rougher than a “gravel” ride on the dirt sections. There may be a few boardwalks, they are of average width, nothing overly difficult. There is no pressure to ride anything you would prefer to walk.

After the Ride

Anyone who wants to enjoy a drink or food at Revolution Hall is invited to hang out and enjoy social time together! The ride leader will stick around for awhile post-ride.

Want to demo ride a bike? Talk about sweet new bikes? Ride Headquarters comes out to these rides with demo bikes for those who are interested in demo riding and discussing awesome, super fun new bikes. Contact Ride Headquarters at connect@rideheadquarters.com.

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news. Very, very last-minute news is found on our Twitter feed (shown on the home page of this website in case you don’t have a Twitter account).

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride anytime 1 hour or more prior to the start of the ride.

CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the ride at 413-461-7433.

Don’t txt if you need an immediate response, all txt msgs go to our email that we aren’t checking if we’re in front of people at the ride or on our bikes.

Riding Rules

All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. RSVP’ing to this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.

Waiver

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

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

Proper bike & Equipment

• 35mm knobby tires minimum.  Wider tires are nicer! Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. We expect to see mostly gravel bikes, some mountain bikes, and possibly fat bikes at this ride.

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. 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.

• High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.  We recommend about 80% of maximum rated tire pressure. Sometimes this is much too high, ask us if you’re not sure where to set your tire pressure. We like you to have more than enough air for these reasons:

  • 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.

  • You can easily take it out, much harder to add it in.

• 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.

Gravel Rhodes Island Ride

Details

• Ride Type: Remote paved and dirt roads

• Time & Date: Saturday, June 3 - 8am - 9am Rollout time options

  * Starting Point: Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown, CT

  * Distance: 65 miles / 105 km

  * Price: Free

• Price: $0, but you MUST be a NEER member to participate
  

What you get

• Gorgeous, well-planned route with others out there on it at the same time: Route file for your GPS computer, parking directions/instructions.

• The route has not been vetted this year. It worked last summer, but things can change. Bring your spirit of adventure!

• Co-adventurers, you’re not out there alone. If you’re a slower rider, we suggest selecting an early rollout time so riders are behind you for most/all of the day.

Start Location

• Starting Point: Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown, CT

Route Information

Here is some general information about the route:

• Distance: 65 miles

• Miles of dirt:  ~40% of the miles are on dirt roads. 

• Approximately 4,300 feet of total ascent.

• We will share the route and ride details no later than 7pm Friday, June 2 to all who RSVP before then who are NEER members, since that is a requirement for this ride.

• The route has not been vetted this year so there’s a chance a road is closed or a trail is closed or conditions have changed since we vetted it last summer. This route is not that likely to present big navigation challenges given its location and the roads/trails we’re taking.

Ride With Your Friends, Ride With a Group We Put Together, Ride Solo

Get your friends together to ride! It’s way more fun riding with a friend group than alone. It’s also safer.

PLEASE let us know when you RSVP that you want to ride with your friends so we can get you rolling before everyone else.

If you want to ride solo, please plan to start earlier in the morning so that riders will be behind you for most/all of the day. It’s safer this way. Please tell us this in your RSVP.

There will be one group averaging a solid “moderate” pace to depart last at 9am. This is not necessarily a sweep group. Everyone up for a solid moderate pace is welcome to join in this group. These are riders who are usually comfortable with a 16-17mph pace on a 4+ hour road ride for comparison purposes. The pace will be less since the terrain is mixed with plenty of dirt and everyone is riding a bigger-tire bike.

Your pace will be ~20-30% slower than your road riding pace.

---

• There is no ride leader, even if you ride with a group; you’ll be following your GPS computer, therefore owning a GPS computer is a must with at least one back-up power source.

• Drink plenty of water considering how hot it may be! This is common sense for any ride, especially smart when you’re riding further away from people who can give you a ride home.

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

• There is little cell coverage in this area, so be aware of that.

• We’ll send a very detailed email by 7pm the day before the ride, with the route, instructions, and details so you understand logistics and exactly what to do.

Waiver

If you’re a member of NEER, you’ve signed the waiver. If you think you haven’t signed it, please do it now: https://www.newenglandexpeditionriders.com/ride-waiver

Riding Rules

• Be sure you’re up for the general riding rules: https://www.newenglandexpeditionriders.com/ride-rules

Preparation

• Bring everything you need for mechanicals that pop up on gravel/mixed terrain rides. All the things you need for a flat, tubeless puncture, EXTRA TUBE even if you run tubeless, air, levers, chain breaker, chain pliers, multi tool, spare derailleur hanger if your bike uses these.

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

  • You will want to come prepared with extra food, water, and fitness for the distance. The route file will show where food/water stops are located. These aren’t fancy (think: Dunkin Doughnuts).

After the Ride

• Bring a picnic in a cooler in your car and camp chairs. We park in a beautiful lot where eating a picnic is quite enjoyable.

• There is an ice cream place enroute home for those who are heading back to the Boston area if you’re wanting something before heading too far home.

Proper Bike for this Ride

• A road or gravel bike that has 32mm tires or wider. 32mm tires will work for riders on this route based on what we saw of the roads last year. 40mm should be ideal. Mountain bikes will be a little overkill on much of the route. Narrower than 32mm are strongly discouraged. There is some loose gravel on the roads, and some sandy spots. Narrower tires are more likely to pinch flat and are less stable.

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

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

Contact Information and How to Get Your Questions Answered

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

RSVP NOW!