Trail Mix 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 60-minute drive from Lexington, MA, a 70-minute drive from Boston, MA.

This is a scenic, enjoyable, fun gravel ride. You may organize a group of your friends to ride together, ride with one other friend, or ride alone like everyone did last year during the height of the pandemic.

There will be a sweep rider or car on the route to put your mind at ease about a mechanical issue. If you’re riding alone, you won’t feel alone since many other cyclists will be on the same route.

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.

This is a great way to see others, get back to riding longer miles, and be in a place you otherwise probably wouldn’t think to ride!

COVID Protocol:

We ask that all riders adhere to state guidelines where it comes to mask wearing and proper social distancing. We will include these in the email we send to all participants just prior to the ride since guidance is continually changing.

Please err on the side of caution, have your mask ready to wear when in proximity of others, and simply be respectful of others since everyone has a different level of nervousness where it comes to COVID worry.

If we think you’re being unsafe, you will be asked to leave the ride. You will not be invited to return to any group rides as well.

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

The post-ride meal will be a substantial meal of real food.

You can also look forward to a cool Crud Cloth to clean off with post-ride!

Details

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

• Time & Date: Saturday, May 22, 2021. Ride start times are detailed via email to registrants. The first rider rolls out at 7:30 am, last rider out departs at 8:30am. (We just updated these times.)

• Starting Point: New Boston, New Hampshire

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

• Price: $65 - Register Here

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 toilets. Your pre-ride email will offer details of the locations of everything.

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

• Route Support via a cyclist riding or driving 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

Start Location

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

Estimated drive times:

• 60 minutes from Ride Studio Cafe in Lexington

• 70 minutes from Sherborn & most of Boston

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 predetermined groups who can and want to ride together without unknown riders grouping up. 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.

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 person that you’re currently social distancing with or a pre-arranged group, 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.

• No sharing or touching anything that is not yours before, during, or after the ride. This includes the rest stop.

• Everyone must bring a mask that covers your nose and mouth completely for use when they’re at the start/end and at rest stops.

• We’ll be giving everyone specific starting times, please adhere to these. The organization of the ride 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.

• 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. Not crashing your bike or your body makes for a more fun day on the bike!

• 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.

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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 the weather we expect to feel on May 22.

• 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.

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.

Full Moon Over Sherborn 2021

• Location: Ride Headquarters in Sherborn, MA

• Ride Type: Mixed Terrain

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

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

• Price: Free

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get on our Night Riding Email List!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proper Bike for this ride:  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RSC First Snow Ride at Ride Headquarters - 2020

• Location: Ride Headquarters in Sherborn, MA (NOT Lexington!)

• Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Ride / Roads and snow-covered trails

• Date & Time: When the first snow hits!

• Distance: ~10 miles, approx 2 hrs, condition-dependent

• Price: Free

• Please RSVP via email to snow@rideheadquarters.com

• #rscfirstsnow

Photo of RSC First Snow rollout that happened December 1, 2019.

The RSC First Snow 2020 happens at Ride Headquarters this year to help with proper Social Distancing.

In 2018, we had over 40 people come out for the first snow ride. The snow came fast, got deep quickly, and the moment the ride was over, it turned to rain then vanished. It was magical to be out in it. It happened at 9:30pm on a week night in mid-November. This will be the sixth year we’ve hosted this winter kick-off super ride! Get ready now and stay tuned so you’re sure to make it to this ride and all that follow it!

In 2017, we had a huge turnout for the first snow ride which hit early in the afternoon on a Saturday!

Details: When the first snow comes to eastern Massachusetts, we ride in it regardless of the time of day or day of the week. This is our 6th year hosting this memorable and much-too-fun ride. This year to help maintain appropriate social distancing, Ride Headquarters, our Sherborn location will be hosting the ride.

Route:  The route is available to attendees 15-minutes prior to roll-out.

Estimated time: ~2 hours

Ride Notes:  The pace is based on conditions. We don't ride too slowly because we'd get cold, we don't ride too fast because that wouldn't be safe with the snow. We will ride spaced out with a leader or two. No one gets dropped. Be sure to come prepared with the right bike & tires, and proper attire for the conditions and temperature. Read on below, there is a lot to this ride and how it works. Be sure to understand it to be able to participate in it! KEEP READING - lots more information is further down this page.

Keep reading for required equipment. Front and rear lights and studded tires are required since it’s icy. It’s usually not icy for the first snow ride, but this one is different!

Last Minute Information: Watch Ride Studio Cafe's Twitter feed for last-minute updates, especially considering this is a last-minute ride. The only way to find out when this ride is happening is to watch our Twitter & Instagram feeds!

RSC Twitter - RSC Instagram - RHQ Twitter - RHQ Instagram

Contact Information:  Email - connect@rideheadquarters.com, Phone - (413)-461-7433 - we receive voicemails left at this phone number regardless of whether or not we’re at the shop.

RSVP: Please shoot us a note if you think you’ll be coming so we have an idea of how much hot cocoa, how many chairs, and how many s’mores to supply tonight! snow@rideheadquarters.com

Social Distance & Riding Rules

• Everyone who chooses to participate in this ride must be comfortable with the protocols surrounding social distancing for the entire ride/event.

  • Everyone stays masked the whole time unless outside and more than 10 feet apart

  • Everyone rides with 6’ or more between (this shouldn’t be an issue)

  • Minimize touching surfaces and common items, use hand sanitizer and wash up in bathrooms as appropriate as frequently as you need

• All of our Riding Rules apply. Read and digest them before the ride. All riders are expected to abide by these throughout the ride. All rules stated here on this page or in our social distance protocol override any conflicting rules stated in our ride rule page.
  
  Waiver:  RHQ requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.

This is a Chill Club qualifying ride!

RSC First Snow Nitty Gritty Details

One of our favorite pastimes is riding in snowfall.  You can hear the snow crunching under your tires.  It’s such a quiet time; all sound is suppressed by the snowfall.  No one is out on the roads and trails.  The world feels primitive.

The moment of the first snowfall is THE time to ride. We are leading a ride when this first snow hits!

WATCH TWITTER to see the latest and get ready now so you can join in!!!

Riding in the snow is peaceful and primitive…just as this photo suggests.

We are ready.  Are you?

Ride Synopsis

• We are leading a ride that begins at Ride Headquarters 60 minutes after the first snow of the season begins. We define the first snow as having accumulation of approximately 1” of snow at “go” time, and the forecast must predict that it will snow for the duration of the ride.

• We won’t be riding if the snow isn’t going to last for the duration of the ride.

• Most important to note: GO time is decided with at least 1 hour of notice for you, more if possible. So be ready and keep checking our updates to know when it will hit.

• The ride will be 90 minutes to 2 hours in length total. No more. The distance of the route will take into account how hard the snow is falling & how fast the ride will be.

• The route is mixed terrain. Expect to be on- and off-road, on trails and through woods.

• The pace of the ride will be high enough to keep everyone working hard. This way, everyone stays warm. This doesn’t mean we’ll be moving fast considering studded tires and winter setups aren’t exactly fast.

Here’s How We Plan for the First Snow

• Be flexible. We have no idea when it’s going to snow. It’s most common for snowfall to occur during the afternoon but it could be 2am or any other time. A mindset focused on the ride, rather than when the ride will occur, is helpful.

• Be ready. Have a Snow Essentials Duffel packed and with you at all times – we provide some content hints below. Have your bike ready to go.

• The Right Tires: Having studded tires are REQUIRED for this ride because the icy cold temps will cause ice to form. Once the first snow falls you will very likely want to be riding studs for the rest of the winter.

• Headlight & Taillight: Whether we’re riding at 2pm or 2am, you have to have at least one headlight to join us. Snowfall makes it really difficult for drivers to see cyclists. A headlight and taillight will save you. Make sure you charge those lights a few days in advance. If you’re looking to upgrade your light system, check-in with the Ride Headquarters; we have the best winter light systems available.

Last year we were out on December 1st in the early evening with 30+ people. In 2018, we were out from 9:30-11:30pm on a weeknight in mid-November with over 40 riders. In 2017, we were out riding at 1pm on a Saturday afternoon with over 40 riders. The year before that was an 8am Monday morning ride. The previous (and inaugural) year, we were out riding at 3am. People came as far and wide as Jamaica Plain to join in the festivities!

Knowing When the Snowfall Ride Moment Arrives

We’re using Twitter and Instagram to keep people informed of when the ride moment is happening.  We’ll “Twinstagram” intermittently as the weather changes.  We’ll do our best to inform riders as the moment gets nearer.  The final Twinstagram will be 60-minutes before the ride begins.  That’s your klaxon to get your butt and bike over to RIDE HEADQUARTERS for a very memorable ride.

If you don’t use either Instagram or Twitter, you’re going to have a challenging time joining us.  We will be posting some information on Facebook but we’re not using it as the go time alert. Watch the hashtag:

#rscfirstsnow

Tricks for Riding in the Snow

• Traction: Snow riding is all about traction. Four ways of maximizing traction are:

• Apply steady horsepower to the pedals.  This is a lot more difficult than it appears.  If you’re riding at 70 hp on a snowy trail, a change of 10%, or 7 hp, is a lot – and can be the different between maintaining your line and losing traction entirely.  Practice steady horsepower output.

• Keep your bike upright, even while turning.  The more you lean into a corner, the less traction you have.  Most tires have less tread and fewer studs toward the sides of the tire.  Don’t lean your bike too much.  Riding upright keeps you upright.

• Tire pressure:  Lower tire pressure provides better traction.  Of course, you want to balance this with the possibility of getting a flat.  We find that riding on an inch of snow is deceptive, in that you feel like the trail is really smooth, when in reality, all the obstacles are still there – and just as sharp – you just can’t see them, so your chance of getting a flat probably increases slightly.

• Tires and treads:  Studs are best.  Wider is better than narrower.  Treads are better than slicks.

• Be careful. This may seem obvious but we see this as a fundamental issue each season in the first snow. Taking a tumble in the ice and snow can be problematic; these falls are fast, unexpected, and hard. Ride conservatively and don’t worry about winning.

• No fenders: Snow time may seem like a great time to have fenders, but it’s not. Not only are fenders dangerous on mixed terrain – due to sticks and debris on the trail, it’s also likely that your fenders will get packed with snow and make your ride a lot tougher.

• Batteries die. Batteries don’t like the cold so they power down a lot more quickly than on an autumn day. Three hours of battery life can become one hour – or worse – in the cold months. Keep your electronics warm – in your jacket or jersey, not in your saddle bag – until you need them. This includes your phone, backup battery, spare light, and your Garmin – if you’re not the ride navigator.

Likely Weather Conditions

It can’t snow if it’s too cold so it’s likely to be somewhere between 28 and 36 degrees.  Also, you’re likely to get a bit wet as the snow melts on you; gear that leans toward rain protection can be useful.

Always Be Prepared:  Snow Essentials Duffel
Have your Snow Essentials Duffel in your car – if that’s your mode of work transport – so you’re always ready to roll.  In that bag, we recommend:

• All the clothing you typically use for 30-40 degree riding. Clothing that likes wet conditions isn’t a bad idea, either. Note: We’re only including the gear that people often forget when they’re in a hurry, and riding in unexpected conditions. If you forget to put your bibs in your Snow Essentials Kit, we have no sympathy!

• Headlight 100% charged and ready for 2.5 hours of use. Ideally, two headlights – one on your bars and one on your helmet.

• Taillight batteries in good condition.

• Winter shoes or your autumn shoes with overshoes.

• Long thick wool socks

• Helmet – with light mount ready to go.

• Long finger gloves, possibly with liners.

• Three season cap that covers your ears. A brim will be appreciated – it can help keep the snow out of your eyes.

• Neck gator - doubles as a face covering, which you’ll also need when not riding.

• Protective glasses if that’s your kind of thing for riding in a snowstorm.

• High-vis vest if you like to be visible. If there’s ever a time to increase your visibility, it’s during a snowstorm; drivers have a really difficult time seeing cyclists through snowfall.

• Towel to dry off after the ride. The Studio has towels, too, but a big towel that travels with you can be nice!

For the Diehard Riders That Are 100% Committed

• Drop off your Snow Essentials Duffel and your winterized bike at the Ride Headquarters within two days of the expected snow date. That will make it easier if you’re coming from work. Make sure you have some kind of obvious name tag on your bag and bike so we don’t recycle them by accident. We’re always tight for space at the Studio so only drop off your gear if you’re 100% certain you’ll be riding with us. You must confirm an appointment in order to do this, Ride Headquarters is open by appointment only right now.

Ride Headquarters Is Here To Help

We have just about anything you could need for winter riding, including:

• Winter Bikes. There are considerations to be made where it comes to the bike you ride in the winter. We have bikes that are great all year, but are extra special for winter riding. Check out the Honey BiFrost bike: summer mountain bike, winter fat bike. Titanium is a perfect frame material for a bike that’s going to see the salt and harsh conditions of winter. A winterized bike is also important. For example, if snow is allowed into the brake housing, your brakes will likely freeze up. We can winterize your bike to keep your rolling.

• Lots of studded tire options. And the tubes needed for each tire size. We can help determine the ideal tire size for your bike and guarantee what will fit and what won’t. Not all studded tires are created equal. We can help determine the right price point for your riding needs.

• Studded tire installation help. Studded tires are often the toughest type of tire to install because they’re thicker, stiffer, and sometimes are steel beaded. We’re happy to help.

• Lights: We have the toughest winter lights available. We’ll help you determine optimal number of lumens for your needs. We’ll help you determine where the best mounting spot is on your bike or body. The best kind of taillight for visibility and longevity. So many options – all with different strengths and weaknesses.

• Gloves: We have everything from lightweight full fingers to deep winter 45Nrth gloves and liners. We have an array of models and sizes to determine the ideal setup for your type of riding. We can help with determining which are best for wet weather, for glove liners, or for the coldest days. Lots of glove options for lots of kinds of riding.

• Winter Shoes: We’ve got 45NRTH Wolvhammers in stock and if you’re a fat biker or just like to ride all winter on the coldest days, we’ll get you the Wolfgar boots. We’ll help you find the right size, and install cleats on your new boots, too.

• All winter clothing, including deep winter tights and a range of jackets for all conditions.

We hope to see you in the first snow!

#rscfirstsnow

Come by at least 15-minutes early to Ride Headquarters so you can make any last minute bike adjustments. Doors will be open at the store at least 30 minutes prior to GO time.

Social Distance Trail Mix 200 Gravel Challenge

The October Gravel Challenge is brought to you by the creators of Formidable Terra, the Maneha 250, Honey 100 and countless other very special innovative rides including our entire Social Distance Gravel Series.

Watch the full trailer! Here are a lot of scenes to look forwad to on the Trail Mix:


Distance options of 200 miles, 150 miles, 100 miles, and 100 kms are available for riders who are interested in a slightly less intense day!

October 14 Important Ride Updates:

• We just added a 150 mile route option for the Trail Mix 200! You may upgrade to this option from the 100 mile if you’ve already registered.

• Post-Ride Massages, Normatech Boots, Facial Stretch Therapy, and Consultation with a Physical Therapist, Chiropractor and More!!!

  We are excited to announce that from 12:30-6:00pm, Wellness in Motion Boston - Concord (WIMB) is at Red Apple Farm at the end of the ride offering riders complementary blocks of time with your choice of: leg-soothing Normatech boots, massage therapists, a fascial stretch therapist, and consultation with Dr. Nick Weigel, a physical therapist, avid cyclist, and member of the Pedal Power Team.

WIMB is a multidisciplinary clinic with one focus: helping their patients return to the activities that help them live a full and healthy life. We are excited to have them at the end of the ride. Be sure that if you want treatment from them, to start your ride early enough to be done before they leave at 6pm.

BONUS for all 200 Mile Route riders who complete the 200 miles: Wellness in Motion is gifting you a free 30-minute massage at their clinic as a way to say “congratulations” and few 200 mile riders will be done before 6pm, so this assures you will get taken care of also!

Details of the Trail Mix Event:

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

• This ride is part of the Challenge Ride Series.

• Time & Date: Saturday, October 24, 2020. (Rain Date: Sunday, October 25).

• Ride start times are detailed via email to registrants. The first rider for the 200 mile ride rolls out at 12am, the first rider for the 150 mile rolls out at 4am, the first riders for the 100 mile and 100 km routes depart at 7am and the last riders out departs at 9am.

• This is being run social-distance style. Keep reading for further details.

• Starting Point: A 60-70 minute drive from Boston at Red Apple Farm in Phillipston

• Distance options: 200 miles, 150 miles**, 100 miles, 100 km

• Elevation gain for each route: approximately 75 feet per mile.

• Dirt vs pavement: Expect plenty of each.

• Price: $65, $85, $115, and $145, respectively - Register on Bike Reg
  

** The 150 mile option was just added, so this is news!

Read what others think about our Social Distance Gravel ride series. We have had cyclists of all abilities, all ages, and all levels of gravel experience come out to these rides. The common denominator is that each person has been respectful of social distancing rules and each is out for a really fun day on the bike!

What you get

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

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

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

• Staffed food stop(s) with water, bike food, Ride Studio Cafe iced drinks half-way through the ride

• Support car with mechanic inside - since riders will be further out from the start and easy cut-backs aren’t as readily available.

• Food/water stops - some we support, others you buy your own food, we’ll tell you more about each:

  • 200 mile route = 3 stops

  • 150 mile route = 2-3 stops

  • 100 mile route = 2 stops

  • 100 km route = 1 stop

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

• Substantial lunch at the end of the ride.

• Special for 200 Mile Route Finishers: You get a very special miniature hand-built statue just for you, to commemorate the day!

Start Location

Central Massachusetts. Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, MA. This is a great farm with many animals, a lot of space so easy to social distance, and an outdoor BBQ and brewery to enjoy post-ride.

Estimated drive times:

• A 60-70-minute drive from Lexington or Sherborn

Route Information

200 Mile Route

• Elevation gain: in excess of 16,000 ft

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

• There may be a way to cut the route shorter, but don’t depend on this option.

• Food and water stops provided during the day

150 Mile Route

• Elevation gain: in excess of 12,000 ft

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

• Food and water stops provided during the day

100 Mile Route

• Elevation gain: approximately 7,500-8,500 ft

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

• Food and water stops provided during the day

• There may not be a way to cut this short, so be ready for the distance!

100 Kilometer Route

• Elevation gain: approximately 4,500 ft

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

• 1 food/water stop is provided during the day

• You have all day to do this ride. We DO NOT have a minimum required speed if you take on this option - the last rider needs to be in by 8pm. Take your time, enjoy the ride!

Pacing for the 200 mile ride

It is important that you feel confident you can average at least 10mph over the course of the day. We can only assure you that we can support via food/water stops and mechanic support if you keep this average, which includes time spent at rest stops.

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

A 200 mile gravel ride will take you 20 hours with very quick rest stops and a 11 mph pace. Your pace will be at least 30% slower than your road riding pace.

We are staffing the food stop assuming a 10 mph minimum pace. BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN YOU ARE UP FOR THE DISTANCE. If you can’t make it to the end, have a way of getting home via a friend or family member. We can’t drive anyone anywhere due to COVID concerns. Be aware that you might not be in cell phone range during significant portions of the ride. If you are out of cell range, try to send a txt, sometimes these get through when voice calls are not possible. Walk in the direction of the route until cell signal is stronger.

Pacing for the 150 mile ride

Maintaining a 10mph pace is difficult, and this is the pace we recommend you be up for if you take on this distance. There are various start time options, we recommend starting earlier than you think you need to start so you have the time you need during the day.

For perspective, we had a few exceptionally fast riders at the Trail Mix 100. The fastest rider rode a 14mph rolling average. After stops are averaged in, a 9-10 mph average is not trivial.

Plan your pace and day knowing you need to be done by 8pm.

Pacing for the 100 mile ride

If you haven’t ridden one of our gravel rides before, and are new to gravel cycling, we recommend starting with the 100km route. A 100 mile gravel ride is much longer and harder than a road century ride. Maintaining a 10mph pace is difficult, and this is the pace we recommend you be up for if you take on this distance.

For perspective, we had a few exceptionally fast riders at the Trail Mix 100. The fastest rider rode a 14mph rolling average. After stops are averaged in, a 9-10 mph average is not trivial.

Plan your pace and day knowing you need to be done by 8pm.

Pacing for the 100 kilometer ride

You have all day to complete the 100 kilometer ride if you want to take the day. Feel free to keep a relaxed pace and enjoy being out there. This is the right time to jump into the ride series if you’ve been concerned about your pace.

We suggest an earlier start time if you intend to have a more relaxed pace, just to come in around when others are, for the comfort this offers. No one will rush you; the last riders will be coming in at 8pm (for the 200-mile ride) so there’s really nothing to rush you back!

Social Distance & Riding Rules

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

• This is NOT a group ride. We ask that you ride with one or two other people with whom you social distance. If you have extenuating circumstances, please email us (connect@rideheadquarters.com).

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

Preparation

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

• We will share the route with you 24 hours in advance of your ride start. Be sure to have this loaded on a GPS computer. A GPS computer/navigation device that you know how to use is required for a good day on the bike.

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

• You will want to come prepared with extra food, water, and fitness for the distance. Don’t take this lightly. If you’re riding the 100 or 200-mile distances, you may need a CamelBak filled with water to get through this ride.

• Lights with at least 8 hours of battery capacity are required for the 200-mile riders.

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

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

Proper Bike for this Ride

• A road or gravel bike that has 32mm-50mm tires. The size tire you feel is most appropriate is directly related to the size tire you’re used to riding, your ability to choose the right line, and manage your weight on the bike as you ride through sandy and looser sections. Feel free to use bigger tires. Narrower than 32mm are discouraged as they are less stable and easier to flat than wider tires. There is some loose gravel on the roads, and some sandy spots, expect to see everything, but nothing that is very technical in nature. Walk anything you don’t feel comfortable riding, but there shouldn’t be much/anything that has to be walked.

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

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

Weather Considerations

We will make last-minute route changes based on weather as necessary. All attendees will receive updates via email. We are playing it safe and erring on the side of caution. This ride will run on October 24 and the rain date is October 25. Weather Protocol is described here.

Contact Information and How to Get Your Questions Answered

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

Social Distance Gravel Trail Mix 150 Edition

The 150-Mile Trail Mix Gravel Challenge is brought to you by the creators of Formidable Terra, the Maneha 250, Honey 100 and countless other very special innovative rides including our entire Social Distance Gravel Series.

Distance options of 150 miles, 100 miles, and 100 kms are available for riders who are interested in a slightly less intense day!

Details:

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

• This ride is part of the Challenge Ride Series.

• Time & Date: Saturday, September 12, 2020. (Rain Date: September 13).

• Ride start times are detailed via email to registrants. The first rider for the 150 mile ride rolls out at 5am, the first riders for the 100 mile and 100 km routes depart at 7am and the last riders out departs at 9am.

• Starting Point: Nearish to Baldwinville, Massachusetts - exact location will be announced closer to the date of the event

• Distance options: 150 miles, 100 miles, 100 km

• Elevation gain for each route: approximately 75 feet per mile.

• Dirt vs pavement: We’ll let you know! Expect plenty of each.

• Price: $65, $75 and $95, respectively - Register on Bike Reg
  

Read what others think about our Social Distance Gravel ride series. We have had cyclists of all abilities, all ages, and all levels of gravel experience come out to these rides. The common denominator is that each person has been respectful of social distancing rules and each is out for a really fun day on the bike!

What you get

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

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

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

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

• Support car with mechanic inside - this is new for this ride since riders will be further out from the start and easy cut-backs (like in the Mid Mass edition) aren’t as readily available.

• Food/water stops:

  • 150 mile route = 3 stops, approximately 35 - 45 miles in between each

  • 100 mile route = 2 stops, approximately 30 - 40 miles in between each

  • 100 km route = 1 stop, approximately 35-40 miles into the ride

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

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

• Special for 150 Mile Route Finishers: You get a very special momento hand-built just for you, to commemorate the day!

Start Location

Nearish to Baldwinville, MA. Exact location will be posted closer to the ride date.

Estimated drive times:

• A 60-minute drive from Lexington or Sherborn

Route Information

150 Mile Route

• Elevation gain: In excess of 11,000 feet

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

• There may be a way to cut the route shorter, but don’t depend on this option.

• 3 food and water stops provided during the day

100 Mile Route

• Elevation gain: approximately 7,500 ft

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

• 2 food and water stops provided during the day

• There may not be a way to cut this short, so be ready for the distance!

100 Kilometer Route

• Elevation gain: approximately 4,500 ft

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

• 1 food/water stop is provided during the day

• You have all day to do this ride. We DO NOT have a minimum required speed if you take on this option - the last rider needs to be in by 8pm. Take your time, enjoy the ride!

Pacing for the 150 mile ride and 100 mile ride

It is important that you feel confident you can average at least 10mph over the course of the day. We can only assure you that the sweep will be behind you if you keep this average, which includes time spent at rest stops.

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

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

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

Pacing for the 100 kilometer ride

You have all day to complete the 100 kilometer ride if you want to take the day. Feel free to keep a relaxed pace and enjoy being out there. This is the right time to jump into the ride series if you’ve been concerned about your pace.

We suggest an earlier start time if you intend to have a more relaxed pace, just to come in around when others are, for the comfort this offers. No one will rush you; the last riders will be coming in at 8pm (for the 150-mile ride) so there’s really nothing to rush you back!

Social Distance & Riding Rules

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

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

Preparation

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

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

• You will want to come prepared with extra food, water, and fitness for the distance. Don’t take this lightly. If you’re riding the 100 or 150 mile distances, you may need a CamelBak filled with water to get through this ride.

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

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

Proper Bike for this Ride

• A road or gravel bike that has 32mm-50mm tires. The size tire you feel is most appropriate is directly related to the size tire you’re used to riding, your ability to choose the right line, and manage your weight on the bike as you ride through sandy and looser sections. Feel free to use bigger tires. Narrower than 32mm are discouraged as they are less stable and easier to flat than wider tires. There is some loose gravel on the roads, and some sandy spots, expect to see everything, but nothing that is very technical in nature. Walk anything you don’t feel comfortable riding, but there shouldn’t be much/anything that has to be walked.

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

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

Weather Considerations

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

Contact Information and How to Get Your Questions Answered

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

Social Distance Gravel Middle Massachusetts Edition 100 Mile Challenge

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

Details:

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

• This ride is part of the Challenge Ride Series.

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

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

• Starting Point: Barre, Massachusetts

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

• Elevation gain: 6,200 ft

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

• Price: $45 - Register Here
  

What you get

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

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

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

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

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

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

Start Location

Middle of Massachusetts. Barre, MA.

Estimated drive times:

• A 70-minute drive from Lexington or Sherborn

• An 80-minute drive from Boston

Route Information

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

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

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

Pacing for this distance

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

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

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

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

Social Distance & Riding Rules

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

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

Preparation

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

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

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

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

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

Proper Bike for this Ride

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

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

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

Weather Considerations

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

Contact Information and How to Get Your Questions Answered

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

The Challenge Ride Series

Take on the toughest gravel adventure rides in New England.

The rides are:

July - 100 km (done and dusted)

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

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

Trail Mix 200 - October 24 - 200 Miles

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

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The Challenges Are:

• Difficult distances

• Gravel, broken pavement, nice pavement

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

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

• Increasing difficulty from the first to the last

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.

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.

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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. 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.