Social Distance Gravel Middle Massachusetts Edition

Social Distance Gravel Middle Massachusetts Edition

Join us for incredibly beautiful cycling on the gravel and back roads of the middle of Massachusetts! This ride is full of dirt roads, with scenic paved roads as well - away from traffic and people.

Keep reading to understand the logistics. This ride requires starting in Barre, Massachusetts.

This is a non-group organized ride. While you won’t be riding with a group, there will be other people on the route, and there will be a sweep to put your mind at ease about a mechanical issue.

You won’t be the last rider. We’re riding on roads with very light traffic in an area you’re unlikely to be familiar with. It’s wonderful riding, but probably not what you’d consider doing completely alone.

This a way to ride in a new area that is fairly remote knowing there are other cyclists on the same route. There will also be a staffed food stop on the ride and a substantial meal post-ride. It’s a way to maintain some normalcy, get some fresh air, maintain your physical and mental health, and drink delicious, and famous, Ride Studio Cafe Iced Mochas!

Yes, it’s even social! You will get the same good feelings you get when you’re riding with a group, without riding in a group! You will feel how you’re part of this thing, and you’ll be amazed at how good it feels to partake in something other people are doing simultaneously.

Read how people have responded to our previous Social Distance Rides.

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

The post-ride meal will be a substantial meal of real food that will be prepared and packaged in advance for you for safety.

We respect anyone who believes everyone should stay inside his/her house during this time without going outside or beyond one’s front yard. However, for many of us, being unable to see the sun or get out of the house, a less healthy reality results for us and for those with whom we interface.

Be absolutely certain you’re up for the rules of this ride. Read this page in its entirety, every single word. Our last two social distance event rides went exceptionally well, proving these rides can be run safely, respectfully, and with the end result of having really happy, fulfilled cyclists!

Details

• Ride Type: Remote paved and dirt roads, social distance riding

• Time & Date: Saturday, August 15, 2020. (Rain Date: August 16). Rain date protocol is explained here.

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

• Starting Point: Middle of Massachusetts

• Distance: 100 km. Note we are also offering a 100-mile Challenge option, details of that ride are here

• Elevation gain: 4,120 ft

• Dirt vs pavement: 70% of the route is dirt and broken pavement, the rest is paved

• Price: $45 - Register Here

This page includes all the information you need to stay healthy and safe on this ride while maintaining proper social distance and not offering any perception to anyone that this is a group of any sort. Your safety and public health is our number one concern, and can’t be overemphasized.

What you get

• A gorgeous, well-planned route: You’ll receive a well-vetted route file for your GPS computer, parking directions/instructions.

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

• Staffed food stop with water, bike food, Ride Studio Cafe Iced Mochas

• Route Support via a cyclist riding sweep who is capable of helping for most mechanicals

• Peace of mind knowing there are other riders on the same route as you

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

Start Location

Middle of Massachusetts. Parking details will be shared individually with each registrant before the ride.

Estimated drive times:

• A 70-minute drive from Lexington or Sherborn

• An 80-minute drive from Boston

Route Information

Here is some general information about the route:

100 Km Route

• Elevation gain: 4,120 ft

• Dirt vs pavement: 70% of the route is dirt and broken pavement, the rest is paved

• 1 staffed food stop, eat and drink all you want, at mile 26

• There is an easy bail-out at the mid-ride stop if you need it for any reason

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

When you register for this ride, we ask you for your best estimate of your average pace. We don’t expect you will know what your pace will be on this route, we’re just interested in knowing approximately where each person will be after starting out in order to properly stagger everyone and keep track of each person’s whereabouts.

You’ll see the selection of average speeds on the Registration form. From 10 mph to 20mph+. If you choose to ride faster than this on the day of the ride, that is alright. We are staffing the food stop assuming a 10 mph minimum pace. Please note that a rider who averages 15mph on the road is likely to average ~10mph on dirt roads. BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN YOU ARE UP FOR THE DISTANCE. If you can’t make it to the end, have a way of getting home via a friend or family member. We can’t drive anyone anywhere due to COVID concerns.

We are using your “average” ride pace info to determine your start time, purposely separating people who would gravitate to each other during normal circumstances. We are also starting faster riders after the less fast riders so people finish around the same time.

Be sure you’ve got the route and at least one back-up power source to charge your GPS unit and phone during the day. Do not plan on having cell service since there are quite a few portions of the ride with weak to no service.

We will want to know if there is anyone with whom you social distance who you will want to ride with when you register.

If we see any two people within 6’ of each other and neither party has listed the other person(s) as a member of the same household, we will ask you to leave the ride immediately and not participate in anything else we offer. We are EXTREMELY serious that social distancing is exceptionally important and ask you to not attend this ride if you don’t take it seriously.

Social Distance Rules

• Keep your distance while at the start, rest stop and finish. Keep at least 10 feet between you and others when eating since you can’t wear a mask while eating and drinking. If you’re riding with a spouse, partner, roommate, or any other person that you’re currently social distancing with, you’re welcome to ride near each other as you would if you were riding together anywhere else in the world. If you are not, keep at least two cars length between you and anyone else when riding. Absolutely no drafting.

• No sharing or touching anything that is not yours before, during, or after the ride. This includes the rest stop. We’ll control the water and handing out food.

• Everyone must bring a mask that covers your nose and mouth completely for use when you’re within sight of others on or off the bike and not eating.

• We’ll be giving everyone specific starting times, please adhere to these. The safety of everyone depends on it.

• We’ll provide you with a lunch to eat afterward. No sharing of food or beverages. Bring a lawn chair with you, you may wish to tailgate after you’re done riding. It is easy to maintain a lot of distance outside sitting next to your car while speaking with someone over 6 feet away.

• There is no ride leader, you’ll be following your GPS computer, therefore owning and knowing how to use a GPS computer is a must with at least one back-up power source.

• Don’t risk fast descents or not eat enough causing you to bonk. As we have been instructed by health professionals, now is not the time to ride too hard since this compromises your immune system. Keep your heart rate in your “aerobic” zone and you’ll benefit tremendously from the ride.

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

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Preparation

What to bring, we recommend:

• Check out the contents of our bug-out bag

• All the clothing you typically use for 60-80 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.

• Headlight and taillight with batteries in good condition. Use these to be even more visible during daytime riding.

• Helmet

• Neck gator/mask

• Sunscreen

• Protective glasses

• Towel to dry off after the ride.

• A change of clothes for after the ride - it’s not fun to drive home in sweaty, wet, clothes.

Read this article about social distance riding preparation written by Ride Headquarters for more help in packing for the day.

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

Proper Bike for this Ride

• 28mm-35mm tires are appropriate. 32-40mm are most appropriate. Feel free to use bigger tires. Narrower than 28mm are strongly discouraged. There is some loose gravel on the roads as they’ve been fixed up not too long ago. Narrower tires are more likely to pinch flat and are less stable than 28mm or bigger.

• Clipless pedals and shoes. These are important elements of bike control.

• A bike that’s in safe working order. Make very certain your bike comes clean, lubed, safety checked with fresh brake pads, and tires in good shape. If it's wet on the road or raining, please put a rear fender on your bike to keep you from getting wet. With no drafting, the requirements about fenders are a bit more relaxed now!

Weather: We will make last-minute route changes based on weather as necessary. All attendees will receive updates via email. We are playing it safe and erring on the side of caution. This ride will run on August 15 and the rain date is August 16. We’d just push the ride by a day if the weather makes Sunday a nicer day to ride. All registrants will be kept in the loop.

Last Minute Information: We will email everyone who registers with the latest information and details concerning parking, timing, route, etc.

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

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

Contact Information: Email connect@rideheadquarters.com with questions. We will email you the cell phone number of the contact person who will be present at the beginning of the ride and available during the ride.

Riding Rules, What to Bring, How Our Rides are Different: All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. Note: ALL rules stated here on this page override any conflicting rules you see on our typical ride rules.

The Challenge Ride Series

Take on the toughest gravel adventure rides in New England.

The rides are:

July - 100 km (done and dusted)

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

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

Trail Mix 200 - October 24 - 200 Miles

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

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The Challenges Are:

• Difficult distances

• Gravel, broken pavement, nice pavement

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

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

• Increasing difficulty from the first to the last

Social Distance Gravel Live Free Edition

Join us for incredibly beautiful cycling on the back roads of New Hampshire! This ride is full of dirt roads, with scenic paved roads as well - away from traffic and people.

Keep reading to understand the logistics. This ride requires starting in New Boston, New Hampshire - so most people will need to drive to the start. It is a 61-minute drive from Lexington, MA, a 71-minute drive from Boston, MA.

This is a non-group organized ride. While you won’t be riding with a group, there will be other people on the route, and there will be a sweep to put your mind at ease about a mechanical issue. You won’t be the last rider. We’re riding on roads with very light traffic in an area you’re unlikely to be familiar with. It’s wonderful riding, but probably not what you’d consider doing completely alone. This a way to ride in a new area that is fairly remote knowing there are other cyclists on the same route. There will also be a staffed food stop on the ride and a substantial meal post-ride. It’s a way to maintain some normalcy, get some fresh air, maintain your physical and mental health, and drink delicious, and famous, Ride Studio Cafe Iced Mochas!

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

The post-ride meal will be a substantial meal of real food that will be prepared and packaged in advance for you for safety.

We respect anyone who believes everyone should stay inside his/her house during this time without going outside or beyond one’s front yard. However, for many of us, being unable to see the sun or get out of the house, a less healthy reality results for us and for those with whom we interface.

Be absolutely certain you’re up for the rules of this ride. Read this page in its entirety, every single word. Our last two social distance event rides went exceptionally well, proving these rides can be run safely, respectfully, and with the end result of having really happy, fulfilled cyclists!

Details

• Ride Type: Remote paved and dirt roads, social distance riding

• Time & Date: Saturday, July 11, 2020. (Rain Date: July 12). Ride start times are detailed via email to registrants. The first rider rolls out at 6:30 am, last rider out departs at 7:30am.

• Starting Point: New Boston, New Hampshire

• Distance: A little over 100km, 64ish miles

• Price: $45 - Register Here

This page includes all the information you need to stay healthy and safe on this ride while maintaining proper social distance and not offering any perception to anyone that this is a group of any sort. Your safety and public health is our number one concern, and can’t be overemphasized.

What you get

• A gorgeous, well-planned route: You’ll receive a well-vetted route file for your GPS computer, parking directions/instructions.

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

• Staffed food stop with water, bike food, Ride Studio Cafe Iced Mochas

• Route Support via a cyclist riding sweep who is capable of helping for most mechanicals

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

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

Goodie bags handed out to the riders with useful items for the ride on a hot day, along with things helpful for after the ride!

Start Location

New Hampshire. Parking details will be shared individually with each registrant before the ride.

Estimated drive times:

• No more than 90 minutes from Ride Studio Cafe in Lexington, likely less

Route Information

Here is some general information about the route:

100 km Route

• Miles of dirt:  Many. We’ll update this once we finalize the route.

• About 80 feet of climbing per mile.

• 1 staffed food stop approximately mid-ride

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

When you register for this ride, we ask you for your best estimate of your average pace. We don’t expect you will know what your pace will be on this route, we’re just interested in knowing approximately where each person will be after starting out in order to properly stagger everyone and keep track of each person’s whereabouts.

You’ll see the selection of average speeds on the Registration form. From 12mph to 20mph+. If you choose to ride faster than this on the day of the ride, that is alright. We are staffing the food stop assuming a 12 mph minimum pace.

We are using your “average” ride pace info to determine your start time, purposely separating people who would gravitate to each other during normal circumstances. We are also starting faster riders after the less fast riders so people finish around the same time.

Be sure you’ve got the route and at least one back-up power source to charge your GPS unit and phone during the day. Do not plan on having cell service since there are quite a few portions of the ride with weak to no service.

We will want to know if there is anyone with whom you live who you will want to ride with when you register.

If we see any two people within 6’ of each other and neither party has listed the other person(s) as a member of the same household, we will ask you to leave the ride immediately and not participate in anything else we offer. We are EXTREMELY serious that social distancing is exceptionally important and ask you to not attend this ride if you don’t take it seriously.

Social Distance Rules

• Keep your distance while at the start, rest stop and finish. Keep at least 10 feet between you and others when eating since you can’t wear a mask while eating and drinking. If you’re riding with a spouse, partner, roommate, or any other person that you’re currently social distancing with, you’re welcome to ride near each other as you would if you were riding together anywhere else in the world. If you are not, keep at least two cars length between you and anyone else when riding. Absolutely no drafting.

• No sharing or touching anything that is not yours before, during, or after the ride. This includes the rest stop. We’ll control the water and handing out food.

• Everyone must bring a mask that covers your nose and mouth completely for use when you’re within sight of others on or off the bike and not eating.

• We’ll be giving everyone specific starting times, please adhere to these. The safety of everyone depends on it.

• We’ll provide you with a lunch to eat afterward. No sharing of food or beverages. Pack a lawn chair, you may wish to tailgate after you’re done riding. It is easy to maintain a lot of distance outside sitting next to your car while speaking with someone over 6 feet away.

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

• Don’t risk fast descents or not eat enough causing you to bonk. As we have been instructed by health professionals, now is not the time to ride too hard since this compromises your immune system. Keep your heart rate in your “aerobic” zone and you’ll benefit tremendously from the ride.

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

---

Preparation

What to bring, we recommend:

• Check out the contents of our bug-out bag

• All the clothing you typically use for 60-80 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.

• Headlight and taillight with batteries in good condition. Use these to be even more visible during daytime riding.

• Helmet

• Neck gator/mask

• Sunscreen

• Protective glasses

• Towel to dry off after the ride.

• A change of clothes for after the ride - it’s not fun to drive home in sweaty, wet, clothes.

Read this article about social distance riding preparation written by Ride Headquarters for more help in packing for the day.

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

Proper Bike for this Ride

• 28mm-35mm tires are appropriate. Feel free to use bigger tires. Narrower than 28mm are strongly discouraged. There is some loose gravel on the roads as they’ve been fixed up not too long ago. Narrower tires are more likely to pinch flat and are less stable than 28mm or bigger.

• Clipless pedals and shoes. These are important elements of bike control.

• A bike that’s in safe working order. Make very certain your bike comes clean, lubed, safety checked with fresh brake pads, and tires in good shape. If it's wet on the road or raining, please put a rear fender on your bike to keep you from getting wet. With no drafting, the requirements about fenders are a bit more relaxed now!

Weather: We will make last-minute route changes based on weather as necessary. All attendees will receive updates via email. We are playing it safe and erring on the side of caution. This ride will run on June 13 and the rain date is June 14. We’d just push the ride by a day if the weather makes Sunday a nicer day to ride. All registrants will be kept in the loop.

Last Minute Information: We will email everyone who registers with the latest information and details concerning parking, timing, route, etc.

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

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

Contact Information: Email connect@rideheadquarters.com with questions. We will email you the cell phone number of the contact person who will be present at the beginning of the ride and available during the ride.

Riding Rules, What to Bring, How Our Rides are Different: All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. Note: ALL rules stated here on this page override any conflicting rules you see on our typical ride rules.

Social Distance Metric Century

Instagram Photo Credit: @dogthegreat

This is a non-group organized ride. While you won’t be riding with a group, there will be other people on the route, and there will be a sweep to put your mind at ease about a mechanical issue. There will be ample opportunity to spend time and see people but outside and from a distance.

We’re riding on paved roads starting at Ride Headquarters and offering a fully-supported food stop near Ride Studio Cafe then returning to Ride Headquarters. The food stop will have individually packaged ride food (bars and gels) and Ride Studio Cafe Mini Mochas!

It’s wonderful riding especially knowing there are other cyclists on the same route who can help and offer support, even if only verbally and from a distance. It’s a way to maintain some normalcy, get some fresh air, maintain your physical and mental health, and drink a delicious mini mocha!

We respect anyone who believes everyone should stay inside his/her house during this time without going outside or beyond one’s front yard. However, for many of us, being unable to see the sun or get out of the house, a less healthy reality results for us and for those with whom we interface.

Be absolutely certain you’re up for the rules of this ride. Read this page in its entirety, every single word. If this ride goes well, this will be the first of others.

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Details

• Ride Type: All paved roads, social distance riding

• Time & Date: Monday, May 25, 2020. Ride start times are staggered between 7:30-9:30 AM. You’ll choose a preferred time upon registration.

• Starting Point: Ride Headquarters, Sherborn, MA

• Distance: Metric Century 100km = ~63 miles

• Price: $25 - Register Here

This page includes all the information you need to stay healthy and safe on this ride while maintaining proper social distance and not offering any perception to anyone that this is a group of any sort. Your safety and public health is our number one concern, and can’t be overemphasized.

Social Distance Rules

• Keep your distance, at least 6’ or much more, from those you do not live with. If you’re riding with a spouse, partner, roommate, or any other person that you currently live with, you’re welcome to ride near each other as you would if you were riding together anywhere else in the world. If you are not, keep at least a car length between you and anyone else, on and off the bike. Absolutely no drafting.

• No sharing or touching anything that is not yours before, during, or after the ride. This includes the rest stop. We’ll control the water and handing out bike food.

• Everyone must bring a mask that covers your nose and mouth completely for use when you’re within sight of others on or off the bike.

• We’ll be giving everyone slightly different parking locations as well as starting times, please adhere to these. The safety of everyone depends on it.

• Pack a lunch to eat afterward, use a cooler to keep things cool. Don’t pack anything perishable. No sharing of food or beverages. Pack a lawn chair, you may wish to tailgate after you’re done riding. It is easy to maintain a lot of distance outside sitting next to your car while speaking with someone over 6 feet away.

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

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

Start Location

Ride Headquarters
11 South Main Street
Sherborn MA 01770

Route Information

Here is some general information about the route:

63 Mile Route

• All Paved Roads.

• About 43 feet of climbing per mile. A total of 2,700 feet of ascent.

• 1 food stop, water, mini mochas from Ride Studio Cafe, skratch, and bike food will be available but dispersed by us for everyone’s safety.

Pace Options and Addressing Safety

When you register for this ride, we ask you for your best estimate of your average pace when you ride alone for a 20-mile paved ride in the Boston area. We don’t expect you will know what your pace will be on this exact route, but we do think you know how fast you ride if you go out alone for a usual 2-2.5 hour bike ride in this area.

You’ll see the selection of average speeds on the Registration form. From 12mph - 20mph+. If you choose to ride faster than this the day of the ride, that is alright, we just ask you to ride within yourself. We are staffing food stop assuming a 12 mph minimum pace.

We are using your “average” ride pace info to determine your start time, purposely separating people who would gravitate to each other during normal circumstances.

Don’t risk fast descents or not eat enough causing you to bonk. As we have been instructed by health professionals, now is not the time to ride too hard since this compromises your immune system. Keep your heart rate in your “aerobic” zone and you’ll benefit tremendously from the ride. After this whole situation is over, we can all resume harder efforts.

Be sure you’ve got the route and at least one back-up power source to charge your GPS unit and phone during the day. We will want to know if there is anyone with whom you live who you will want to ride with when you register.

If we see any two people within 6’ of each other and neither party has listed the other person(s) as a member of the same household, we will ask you to leave the ride immediately and not participate in anything else we offer. We are EXTREMELY serious that social distancing is exceptionally important and ask you to not attend this ride if you don’t take it seriously.

Being Social Without Being Too Close

Use #mochametric to capture your memories from the ride and share your images and experiences with the other riders.

Preparation

What to bring, we recommend:

• Check out the contents of our bug-out bag

• All the clothing you typically use for 40-70 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.

• Headlight and taillight with batteries in good condition. Use these to be even more visible during daytime riding.

• Helmet

• Neck gator/mask

• sunscreen

• Protective glasses

• Towel to dry off after the ride.

• A change of clothes for after the ride - it’s not fun to drive home in sweaty, wet, clothes.

Read this article about social distance riding preparation written by Ride Headquarters for more help in packing for the day.

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

Proper Bike for this ride:

Road conditions the day of the ride will dictate. 25c-32c slick tires likely appropriate.

Clipless pedals and shoes. These are important elements of bike control.

A bike that’s in safe working order. Make very certain your bike comes clean, lubed, safety checked with fresh brake pads, and tires in good shape. If it's wet on the road or raining, please put a rear fender on your bike to keep you from getting wet. With no drafting, the requirements about fenders are a bit more relaxed now!

Weather: We will make last-minute route changes based on weather as necessary. All attendees will receive updates via email. We are playing it safe and erring on the side of caution.

Last Minute Information: We will email everyone who registers with the latest information and details concerning parking, timing, route, etc.

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

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

Contact Information: Email connect@rideheadquarters.com with questions. We will email you the cell phone number of the contact person who will be present at the beginning of the ride and available during the ride.

Riding Rules, What to Bring, How Our Rides are Different: All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. Note: ALL rules stated here on this page override any conflicting rules you see on our typical ride rules.

Adventure 500 Rides Series 2020

2020 Adventure 500 Ride Series

Table of Contents -- Quick Links

• Calendar of Rides
• Ride Details
• RSVP
• Sponsor

• Location: Ride Studio Cafe in Lexington, MA and Ride Headquarters -- depending on the start date. See details below.

• Ride Type: Road Ride Adventures, 100 miles and further

• Date & Time: 5 Dates spanning the spring, summer, and fall

• Distance: 100-120 miles -- each route in the series is different. Details below.

• Price: Free, RSVP required

Five long road rides.  500+ miles.  Some dirt.  All adventure.

Description:  The Adventure 500 Series is comprised of one century-plus ride each month beginning in May.  The average pace is 16 mph for one group, and about 17-18 mph for a second group. If we have more participation, we'll break up into more groups with about 10 people per group.

Calendar for the Adventure 500 Series

1. May 2: Saturday, 8:00 am departure from Ride Headquarters. About 110 miles.

2. June 13: Saturday, 8:00 am departure. About 110 miles. Start Location: Ride Studio Cafe

3. July 25: Saturday, 6:30 am departure. About 110 miles. Start Location: Ride Headquarters

4. August 29: Saturday, 6:30 am departure. About 115 miles. Start Location: Ride Studio Cafe

5. Date TBD, watch for an October Saturday date!

Series Details

Proper Bike for this ride:  25-30mm road slick tires, clipless pedals, drop handlebars; no aero bars. 

Routes: Usually 100-120 miles total. Destination: We send route information and specifics to people who RSVP the evening before the ride. We don’t communicate more than this unless something is unusual or a big change has to be made. Some of the fun of an adventure ride is the mystery of the destination.

Ride Notes:  There are plenty of stops planned for each route.  There will be some dirt on every ride of the series -- somewhere between 10 and 30% dirt.  There are some rough sections of road and there is a possibility of a small amount of dirt road/construction work.

Estimated time:  About 8 to 12 hours depending on the time of year, the weather, and pace of the group.

Last Minute Information:  We email everyone who has RSVP’d with last minute information and updates.

Contact Information:  Email - connect@rideheadquarters.com, Phone for Ride HQ - 508-975-4678

Phone for Ride Studio Cafe - (339) 970-0187

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:  The hosting bike shop requires a signed waiver before your first ride. If the ride you’re doing leaves from Ride Studio Cafe, fill this out online prior to your first ride.

If the ride you’re doing leaves from Ride Headquarters, fill this out online prior to your first ride.

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Sponsor

Honey Bikes is sponsoring the Adventure 500 series!

If you RSVP for the Adventure 500 Series: You will receive a voucher from Honey Bikes for an unlimited color upgrade if you choose to get a set of Industry Nine wheels on your bike. This is a $265 value! Your Honey Bike needs to be ordered before the departure of the second Adventure 500 ride, so you can be using it on at least three rides. Please email us at connect@rideheadquarters.com to request the voucher (this is the way to receive the promo and special pricing) and schedule time to discuss the bikes and options.  

Two bikes Honey offers that are particularly appropriate for the Adventure 500 series are:

The Honey MidDurance titanium bike. This is a rim-brake bike with clearance for 33mm tires, and fender/rack mounts. This is a performance, endurance bike.

The Honey Allroads titanium bike also is very much into road riding and mixed terrain trail riding. It is outfitted with disc brakes, rack/fender mounts, and is built for all-weather, all-year riding. It fits 43mm tires in frame and fork on 700c wheels, along with 50mm tires on 650B wheels.

Ask us for details!

RSVP so We Know to Expect You!

Note: RSVPs are required at least 24 hours prior to the start of the ride(s) to allow us to organize the rides most effectively. This also allows you to be eligible for the offers tied to this series, as well.

BiFrost Remote-Start Ride DETAILS

BiFrost Remote-Start Ride Details: Date TBD

• Location for Next Departure: TBD

• Previous Departures:

  • West Hill Dam, Uxbridge MA

  • Russell Mill, Chelmsford MA

• Ride Type: Mountain and Fat Bikes, Studded Tires required, no tires skinnier than 2”

• Time & Date: Departs at 9:00am

• Distance: 9-13 miles, equating to approximately 2.5 hours of riding time

• RSVPs are REQUIRED - see very bottom of this page where you can RSVP

• Sponsored by Honey Bikes! Demo a mountain, plus, or fat bike on this ride!

• This is a Chill Club Special Ride! You get invited to the Chill Club email distro when you attend this ride. Use #chillclubhq on any photos or social media you post!

Description: We’re meeting up at West Hill Dam Uxbridge, MA for this ride. If the ride is canceled or changed in any way, we will email everyone who has RSVP’d for the ride no later than 7am the morning of the ride. We will only cancel if weather changes very dramatically from what has been predicted making the trails unrideable.

Ride Waiver

If you haven’t filled out a waiver for Ride Headquarters before, be certain to fill it out online before Sunday’s ride. We won’t be bringing paper copies of the waiver. Note the Ride Studio waiver doesn’t cover Ride Headquarters’ rides. If in doubt, please fill it out again!

Ride Rules

Be sure to read These Rules too, so we’re all on the same page. This makes riding a lot more fun and safe is fun!

Ideal Bikes for this Ride The perfect bikes for this ride are: Honey BiFrost Titanium A fat bike with studded tires for winter riding but converts into a great summer mountain bike with a second wheelset. Seven Cycles Sola Plus S A winter-worthy studded tire bike that's fast both in the snow and on summer trails. Seven Cycles Sola Plus S A fast, fun, very light, comfortable mountain bike built for you for this ride and all of the mountain biking you enjoy. Honey BiFrost Titanium A fat bike that converts into a great summer mountain bike when the weather is good, and turns into your best friend in the winter. Learn why these bikes are perfect for all seasons and make this your best winter of riding!

Route:  We have at least two people leading and sweeping this ride so you don’t need the route. We’ll email a proposed route Saturday evening to all who RSVP by 7pm the night before. We might change the route on the fly so as to keep the ride to 2.5 hours in length or accommodate for riding conditions.

Parking: TBD

Meet-up and Start Time: We’re meeting up bewteen 8:30am and 8:45am. The ride will start promptly at 9:00am. PLEASE come ~15-minutes early and try to be as ready as possible when you arrive. We don’t want to stand around waiting for anyone because it will be cold.

Pace & Skill Level: This is a fun ride for capable cyclists. We are out to enjoy the trails and get a solid ride in, so we aren’t slow, but this is not a fast ride or one that is hard to keep up with if you have some trail riding experience. You don’t need to have any particularly great technical riding ability. For reference: If you can maintain a solid 14mph road pace riding by yourself for two hours on paved roads, you have the fitness necessary to enjoy this ride. Having the appropriate equipment is paramount and will help you stay with the group. You should have some experience riding trails before joining this ride.

Last Minute Information: We will email all who RSVP with any last-minute information.

Estimated time: ~2.5 hours

Contact Information: Email - connect@rideheadquarters.com, we’ll get any emails sent here up until ride time. If you need to talk to us near-ish to ride time, call 505-672-8742. This number should not be used at other times. Ride Headquarters’ store number is: 413-461-7433. We get voicemails and txts sent to this number fairly quickly unless we’re in the middle of a ride.

Proper Bike and Equipment for this ride - Read All of This!  

• A mountain bike or fat bike. We’ll be on not-too-technical mountain bike trails. Please don’t bring a gravel bike to this ride.

• Tires: Should be at least 2” wide and studded for your safety and those you’re riding near since we’ll be riding on snow, and possibly frozen sleet.

• Please be sure your bike is in safe working order with a properly lubed chain.

• Please be sure your tires are properly inflated. Ask us if you have questions about proper inflation. We will bring a floor pump to the parking lot. 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.

• Please bring ample water and food for the ride. We won’t have extra with us.

• Make sure to bring all of the cold-weather you might need. Never a bad idea to have extra chemical hand/toe warmers just in case.

We can bring things for you if you need it! Here’s how:

• If you need us to bring anything to you for the ride, please call us 8am-5pm Saturday at Ride Headquarters (413-461-7433). We can put a care package together for you, charge you over the phone, and bring whatever it is you need to the ride start ~8:30am.

RSVP HERE - Required

Thank you for your RSVP! Watch for an email Saturday evening before the ride date with a ride route and any last-minute info. If you don’t receive it by 7pm, please email us at connect@ridestudiocafe.com.

Finding the Best Road Bike for You

• Location: Ride Studio Cafe in Lexington, MA

• Event Type: Seminar

• Date & Time: Wednesday, February 26 at 7:00pm

• Price: No charge

• RSVP: Required for seating and food. RSVP early, this event will sell out

Finding the Best Road Bike for You

You’ve been riding your current bike for at least a few years. You’ve had “good enough” bikes all of your life. Now it’s time to get the bike you never want to replace.

There is a lot of new bike technology on the market, and too many decisions to make when looking for a bike. You’re looking around at various bike shops and searching online. You need to choose a shop to work with, choose the brand of bike, and from there you need to sort through what components you want, whether the bike will have rim or disc brakes, even what color.

We’re hosting this seminar to help you sort through the myriad decisions and know what questions to ask. We are giving you a 50-point checklist to help you compare brands and keep track of what you have learned about each bike you’re considering.

What do you want out of a road bike? What qualities are important to you? This presentation assumes your needs and desires are different from the person sitting next to you, and this will be equally useful to each of you.

This is your opportunity to become familiar with the terminology of current parts and allow you to ask the questions you’re otherwise too embarrassed to ask when shopping for a bike. You’ll be knowledgeable enough to feel good walking into any bike shop and asking good questions of the sales staff.

You will also know what questions to ask and to know what is important to you to get the information you need to make the best purchasing decision to buy your new bike!

Buying a bike should be fun, but it’s also easy to get overwhelmed. We distill all of the information into logical categories.

This seminar takes you through how to recognize what is important to you in your next bike. There are questions for you to ask yourself first, before starting your shopping. Then we discuss how you can make sure you get these qualities in your new bike, while not overlooking small things you might not think are important now, but may become important to you in the future.

Topics To Be Covered:

• Questions to ask when looking at a new bike - you get a checklist to take home with you

• Can your new road bike be used as a gravel bike? What are the trade-offs?

• Which parts of the bike may be proprietary and how to get a “future-proof” bike

• When the price of a bike isn’t really the final bike of the bike

• What bike manufacturers don’t want you to know

• What bike shops don’t want you to know

• Shifting systems available

• Comparison and explanation of electronic shifting systems, pros and cons

• Disc brakes versus rim brakes and the benefits of each

• Cable-actuated versus hydraulic brakes and the benefits of each

• Gearing options - there are a lot more than you realize

• Wheel options. Hand-built versus pre-built wheels.

• Wheel and tire systems: one can’t be chosen without considering the other

• The differences between a bike that comes in a box versus bikes that are built up from a frame from scratch

• Why you don’t want to ride what the pro racers ride

• How a “free” warranty replacement can cost you hundreds of dollars

• What is included when you buy a bike. A bike purchase is much more than buying a bike.

• Parts and frame compatibilities to be aware of

• How your new bike can be used as a travel bike

If you are starting your bike shopping prior to this seminar, please get in touch with us by emailing bikes@ridestudiocafe.com. We don’t want you missing out on any information if your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend this seminar for whatever reason. We have information to send along and are glad to provide you materials which we’ll share with attendees in advance, as well.

RSVP Now to Save Your Seat

Last Minute Information: We will email all who have registered with any last-minute changes. 

Questions?  Email connect@ridestudiocafe.com. 

Tour of Seven Cycles - January 20, 2020

• Location: Seven Cycles, 125 Walnut Street, Watertown, MA

• Event Type: Tour

• Date & Time: Monday, January 20 at 11:00 am

• Reason for Tour: See how Seven Cycles builds great, custom bikes efficiently, yet perfectly, for each rider

• Price: Free, RSVP Required

Description:  

Seven Cycles is located very near here in Watertown. Seven Cycles is a company full of bike building professionals. This is the place where custom bikes come to life and many new innovations in bike building have been developed over the years.

Seven has been making the finest bikes for over 22 years and their experience shines as they work. Many Seven Cycles designers, machinists, and welders have been in the bike building world for over 30 years.

Seven’s factory is manufacturing at its best: handcrafted bikes are very carefully and perfectly built one at a time. The short lead times show efficiency, and a well-run business full of highly-skilled people who are passionate about what they do.

Please register no later than 24-hours in advance of the tour. An email will be sent to you with details and directions the day prior to the tour.

Children are welcome to join if they are able to wear safety glasses for the duration.

Everyone will need to wear safety glasses and be wearing close-toed shoes.

We hope you join us!

Last Minute Information: We will email all attendees with last-minute information if anything changes from what we have published here. Please be sure to RSVP below! 

Questions? Please include them in the RSVP form below or email connect@rideheadquarters.com and we'll get back to you. 

 

 

 

Please RSVP Now to attend this very interesting and in-depth tour of Seven Cycles!

Festive 500 - 2019

• Location: Ride Studio Cafe in Lexington, MA

• Ride Type: Road Rides with some dirt roads

• Date & Time: December 24 through December 31 (schedule below)

• Distance: Over 500km across 5 different rides

• Price: Free

It’s time to get Festive and ride on roads together during time many people have off. We’re offering rides to help you meet the Festive 500 goal of riding at least 500km at the end of the year!

If you are looking to end the year with great rides and good company, join us out on the road during the week of December 24 through the end of the year.  We are riding some of our favorite routes with great food stops along the way. We are even bringing back the traditional Snowflake Century – a one hundred-mile ride in the shape of a snowflake!

If you complete the whole series you will be rewarded with a grand total of well over 500km in an eight day span – an awesome way to finish your season. All rides will start and end at the Ride Studio Cafe in Lexington, MA. See below for mileage and GPS routes. These will be posted by the end of the day, December 22.

The average pace of each ride is 16-17mph. We will break up into more pace groups with larger participation. This is the time of year to log base miles and ride long miles.

Henry vdb riding on the road during a day of festive riding!

1. Tuesday, 12/24 at 9:00am Rollout: 44 Miles to Stow - Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17551275

2. Monday 12/25: Christmas Day. No official ride.

3. Thursday, 12/26 at 10:00am: 62 Miles to Lost Lake - Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31631663

4. Friday, 12/27 at 10:00am: 64 Miles to Blue Moon Bagels in Medfield - Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31631676

5. Saturday, 12/28: Snowflake Century! Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31651747 See notes below about this special ride and route to understand how it’s working.

6. Sunday, 12/29 at 9:00am: 52 Miles to Harvard - Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31631681

7. Monday, 12/30: No official ride, RSC is closed.

8. Tuesday, 12/31 at 10:00am: 77 Miles to Upton - Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/13556402

Snowflake Century Details - December 28, 2019

• This ride is in the shape of a snowflake. This allows you to ride as long or short as you wish, in approximately 20-mile increments as the center of the snowflake is Ride Studio Cafe.

• The official “led” version of this ride leaves at 8:15am. You may show up later and jump in or go with friends for the portion you want to ride.

• The route is all paved, but not a typical Ride Studio road ride. It has to do what it does in order to come back to Ride Studio frequently and make a good snowflake on your GPS computer. Be prepared for many turns and an interesting, festive ride!

A few things to remember:

• If you haven’t filled out our Ride Waiver, you must do it online here prior to attending the first ride.

• Please carefully read and be ready to ride by our Riding Rules.

• The Cafe will be open for food and drinks at the start of the rides. However, our bike shop employees will not necessarily be available. If you need something before the ride, please email us a day in advance.

• These are drop rides. The average pace of the rides is 16-17mph. If you cannot maintain the pace of the group you will need to find your way home. It is fine if you would like to see if you can hang with the group, just communicate with your ride leader if you need to drop off of the ride at any point.

• Please consider the weather when choosing your tires. We recommend fenders for wet conditions.

• All the rides’ routes and distances are subject to change depending on weather and road conditions. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for updates.

Make sure you are well-equipped for the cold and wintry conditions. At Ride Studio we have a great selection of new winter apparel from our friends at Rapha and 45NRTH, that is sure to keep you warm and comfortable out on the road. We have great options for studded tires, a must-have for riding on icy roads.

We look forward to finishing 2019 with you in style! Have fun and ride safe.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Ride Studio Cafe!