Saturday Snowy Adventure

• Location: Start and end in Rutland, MA

• Ride Type:  SNOW Mixed Terrain Ride for fat bikes with studded tires (mtbs are likely to be good on the terrain as well, will update you)

• Date & Time:  Saturday, December 28, 8am start

• Distance:  20-30 miles, lots of ways to cut it short if needed, expected ride time: ~4 hours

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

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

Details

This snow ride takes cyclists on the interesting paths in Rutland, around old prison camps, in a quiet, beautiful snowy wonderland.

There is ice on the ground, thus studded tires are required. Fat bikes are ideal, we’re scouting to see if mountain bike tires will work on the terrain as well.

Pace

If you can maintain a 14mph average pace on the road (on a road bike) for 3+ hours, you have the fitness you need for this ride. This ride’s pace will be much much less than this (probably more like 4-5 mph max) with the winter clothes, big boots, new snow conditions, twisty trails, etc. We’ll regroup periodically.

Start Time

7:30am - Get to the ride early and get your stuff on! We need to roll promptly at 9am so getting there early to ensure 100% readiness at 9am is a very good idea!

7:55am - Be ready to ride! Stay in your car if you’re ready early if it’s cold enough to freeze you before the ride starts.

8:00am - Safety talk starts, then everyone rolls out

If the roads aren’t safe to drive, we encourage you to not be on the road.

Distance & Estimated Ride Time

The ride is 20-30 miles in length, the route can be cut short easily in a number of places.

Allow 4 hours for the ride. Bring food and water to last this long, we’re not expecting to have anywhere to stop to eat or refill water.

Parking

Parking is free and ample at the parking lot. All who RSVP will get directions to the parking lot.

Route

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

Route Notes

The most important aspect of this ride is to dress appropriately for the weather since it will be very cold at the start and then warm up quite a bit. It’s going to be easy to overheat if you overdress (overheating leads to freezing). Wear enough layers so that it’s possible to start warm and then not overheat. Bring chemical hand & foot warmers if your gloves/boots are thin.

Any mechanical issue that will take more than just a couple of minutes will mean that rider needs to walk out to the car and the group will need to proceed or else everyone could be at risk with the cold. Please understand that the group will need to continue moving. We make sure to take care of people at these temps, so just do everything possible to minimize issues and have warm enough clothes that if you need to walk, you’ll stay warm.

After the Ride

Anyone who wants to enjoy a hot cocoa or talk about bikes after the ride is welcome to do so. We’ll make hot chocolates for anyone who wants one and be there at the big, red van.

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news. Be sure to check your email the morning of the ride.

Contact Information

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

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

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

Riding Rules

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

Waiver

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

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

Proper bike & Equipment

• STUDDED 2” knobby tires OR BIGGER.  Wider tires are nicer! Tire choice depends on your riding skill set and your raw power. We expect to see fat bikes at this ride considering the snow conditions. It is possible a mountain bike with studded tires will be okay out there too, we’ll let you know.

• Bright clothes - There could be hunting in the area, so we want to be highly visible to everyone.

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. Note that mountain-style pedals/cleats are significantly better than road-style. We strongly discourage road pedals/cleats on any mixed terrain ride. You can possibly get away with road pedals/cleats on a gravel (dirt road) ride, but not a mixed terrain ride.

• A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. We’ll ask you to call for a ride or take an Uber home if you have a mechanical situation that will hinder the forward progress of the group by more than a few minutes.

• High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.  

• Be sure you have supplies necessary for all common mechanicals including extra derailleur hangers, a multi-tool, quick chain links, tubes, CO2 or hand pump, etc. You are responsible for you and your bike.

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

Please RSVP only after you’ve made sure you can attend. It is inconsiderate to RSVP prior to committing to attending since it affects the experience of the other cyclists in attendance. We understand that things come up last-minute. Be sure to email us if you can’t attend: connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.

Metro West Mixed Terrain Ride!

• Location: Start and end is in Sudbury, MA

• Ride Type:  Mixed terrain ride for your gravel, adventure, or mountain bike (any bike with 38mm or wider tires). Fat bikes are likely to be in attendance as well.

• Date & Time: Sunday, December 15, 2024

• Distance: 41 miles

• Price:  No charge for NEER members, if this is your first ride with us, you’re not required to be a member, but you must sign the waiver (below). If this is your second ride or more ever, membership is required (for insurance purposes).

Details

We are hosting a really fun mixed terrain ride starting in Sudbury, MA. This route has many great trails, back roads, and paths. There’s a mid-ride stop at a nice coffee shop as well. It’s a great ride full of discovery, enjoying an area near where many people live but are unlikely to know a lot of the places and trails where this route goes!

Everyone who RSVPs for this ride will receive an email by 7pm Saturday, the night before the ride with route information and parking instructions.

Please don’t RSVP unless you know you can make it. We understand that emergencies come up last minute, and we need to know if you’re not able to come if you have already RSVP’d. This makes the experience better for everyone who shows up and it allows us to run a safer ride as well.

Pace

Expect the pace of the Super Domestique-led group to be “endurance” on the low side of moderate. It would equate to ~15mph if it were a paved road ride, except there’s a lot of dirt so the average pace will be much lower than this (7-9mph is more likely).

We will split into a faster and not-as-fast groups depending on who registers and what everyone wants to do. If you want to ride faster or slower than the Super Domestique-led group, please state this in your RSVP!

Start Time

Ride starts at 9am. Be ready to ride by 8:55am.

Parking

Parking is in a large public lot near ballfields that is free of charge.

Toilets

There may be a porta-john at the ballfield, but don’t rely on it at the start.

Route & Route Notes

The route will be emailed to all who register no later than 7pm Saturday evening prior to the ride.

After the Ride

We’re parking in ballfields away from businesses. We’re serving up hot chocolate to anyone who wants to stick around to enjoy it. If you’re in a faster group, it may mean you’ll return too early to get anything, but feel free to stick around!

What happens if it’s rainy? The weather looks mild and dry so we should be good.

Spitting rain wouldn’t be an issue, but cold, pouring rain would cause us to change plans. We’ll email all who RSVP should a weather Plan B need to be implemented.

At this time of year, it’s always a good idea to bring lots of layers since the temps change during the day, and it’s easy to overheat as well as get cold.

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news.

Contact Information

Email us with questions at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.

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

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

Riding Rules

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

Waiver

A NEER waiver would have been something you filled out when you signed up for NEER. If you’re not sure if you did it already, then do it again! Waiver - it’s required to be be signed prior to participating.

Proper bike & Equipment

A gravel bike or hardtail mountain bike are ideal. There will be fat bikes on this ride. Any well-maintained bike with 38mm tires or wider is fine if you know you’ll be able to keep the pace you’re signing up for with that bike. Riders with tires on the narrower side will want to walk a few more spots (around rocks, roots). Either flat pedals or mountain-style pedals should be used, no road pedals/shoes.

• Required: A GPS computer with the route loaded ahead of time

• Required: A bike that’s in safe working order that has been recently tuned and is free of creaking and squeaking. The chain should be lubed just prior to the ride.

• Required: All of the tools for typical mechanicals such as:

  Flat fix tools and at least TWO spare tubes (yes, even if you’re running tubeless tires), air via CO2 canisters or hand pump, multi-tool

• Nice to have: Extra chain link, chain breaker, chain pliers

• Nice to have: Rain jacket, it’s that time of year to have this on you regardless of the forecast

• Spare derailleur hanger if your bike needs a spare

• Extra clothes and storage capacity so adding/taking off layers is easy

• Required: Cell phone and a plan to get back to your car in case your bike or body stops working - we cannot offer rides to anyone (per insurance requirements)

• Required: Two full water bottles at the start of the ride

• Nice to have: Front and rear lights. It’s getting dark earlier now and this is for safety just to have these on your bike from now on this time of year. Visibility is always a good thing for safety regardless.

• Nice to have: Extra calories in your pockets

• Change of clothes to wear after the ride so you’re comfy!

Live Free and Ride Gravel Sunday

Details

• Ride Type: Remote paved and dirt roads

• Time & Date: Sunday, November 24

• Starting Point: New Boston, NH

• Distance: 65 miles / 105 km

• Price: Free

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

Description

This is a gorgeous, well-planned gravel route with others out there on it at the same time. It’s got a bit of everything (though averages out at smoother), all appropriate for gravel bikes and tires. Some people are doing the ride as a training ride so they’ll be on loaded fat bikes.

You’re welcome to ride whatever bike you want as long as the minimum tire size is met and you have tools/tubes in case of a mechanical.

You’ll have co-adventurers, you’re not out there alone. If you’re a slower rider, the loaded fat bike riders are likely to be either at your speed or behind you so you won’t be the last rider. Send an email if you’re unsure of your pace and who else is coming out.

Please know that fat bike tires are way, way overkill for this route. Gravel bikes/tires are totally appropriate!

Start Location

• Starting Point: New Boston, NH

Route Information

Here is some general information about the route:

• Distance: ~65 miles

• We will share the route and ride details no later than 7pm Friday before the ride to all who RSVP before then. If you RSVP Saturday, you’ll receive the route by 9pm the night before the ride (so don’t panic)!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waiver

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

Riding Rules

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

Preparation

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

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

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

After the Ride

• Bring a change of clothes and food to enjoy for the drive home. There aren’t a lot of food/drink options in this area.

Proper Bike for this Ride

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

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

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

Contact Information and How to Get Your Questions Answered

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

RSVP NOW!

Tri-State Mountain Bike Ride, Douglas State Forest

• Location: Douglas State Forest, Douglas, MA (near RI/CT corner)

• Ride Type:  Mountain Bike Ride

• Date & Time:  Saturday, November 16 at 9am

• Distance:  ~3-4 hours total ride time with option for extra 2-3 hours ride time

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

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

Details

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the group & we’ll split into pace/ability groups depending on who comes out for this ride. The purpose of the ride is to enjoy fun mountain bike riding on a beautiful autumn day in an area you’re unlikely familiar. The pace will be moderate, with frequent regroups, we’ll let people get through it and then keep moving. The route is comprised of “green” and “blue” trails so it’s not overly technical.

Distance

The route is 21 miles in length. It’s just off of a great gravel trail so once riders return to the lot, we’ll serve up hot chocolate to all. Anyone who wants extra time on the bike for endurance base miles is welcome to join in for another ~2-3 hours of pedaling.

Parking

Park in this lot, it appears there is no charge since this is off-season in the state park:

Here is a pin to the lot, this is off of Wallum Lake Park Road:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zzx6vunErF8uUqfW6

Route

Will be emailed to all who RSVP by 7pm the night before the ride.

Estimated Ride Time

3-4 hours. We will be done before 1pm.

Route Notes

None at this time.

After the Ride

We’ll be serving up hot chocolate to everyone post-ride! Then for those who want to keep riding for base miles, you’re welcome to join for more - we might even cross over state lines to both RI & CT!

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news.

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride anytime up until 10pm the night before the ride.

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

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

Riding Rules

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

Waiver

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

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

Proper bike & Equipment

• Mountain bike with 2” tires or wider are the most common on this ride. Some people are riding fat bikes. Gravel bikes will be too much “under” biked and not appropriate for this ride.

• Clip-in pedals: This is an important element of bike control. If you’re very experienced with platform pedals, these are okay.

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

• Be sure you have supplies necessary for all common mechanicals including extra derailleur hangers, a multi-tool, quick chain links, tubes, CO2 or hand pump, etc. You are responsible for you and your bike.

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

Please RSVP only after you’ve made sure you can attend. It is inconsiderate to RSVP prior to committing to attending since it affects the experience of the other cyclists in attendance. We understand that things come up last-minute. Be sure to email us if you can’t attend: connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.

Thursday Evening Mixed Terrain

• Location: Mighty Squirrel, Waltham, MA

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

• Date & Time:  Thursdays in November: Thursday, November 7, November 14 (Full Moon!), November 21

• Distance:  ~15 miles, 2 hours of riding

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

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

Details & Pace

This mixed terrain ride takes cyclists to many interesting trails with roads connecting them.

The route is a mixed terrain route so any bike with 38mm tires or bigger is suited for the terrain. Faster riders are always welcome to go ahead, we discuss how we manage this before the ride starts.

There will be rocks, roots, boardwalks, road crossings, and short sections of road to ride.

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the main group. New-to-mixed terrain riders should try our weekend rides first prior to coming out to this ride.

It doesn’t mean much to talk about the average pace of a mixed terrain ride since it sounds a lot slower than it really is. We keep moving at an endurance pace but it’s not fast given it’s dark out. We have to stay moving since it’s cold so come prepared.

Distance

~15 miles

Parking

Address for your GPS: 411 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452

Pin of the exact spot to park in the lot - it’s not next to the Mighty Squirrel since that’s for customers: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7EWmn2YTh66Nj2Xj6

Route

Please download the route on your GPS device, it makes it easier for everyone to know which turn is coming next.

All who RSVP will receive the route in your inbox prior to the ride.

Start time, Estimated Ride Time

Start: 7pm, be ready to roll by 6:55pm

Ride time: Expect this to take a full 2 hours.

Route Notes

We discuss these with you prior to rollout. Note that a “mixed terrain” ride is rougher, twistier, and slower than a “gravel” ride. There are roots, a few boardwalks, etc to navigate. If you’re concerned about your ability to ride mixed terrain, do one of our weekend rides first.

After the Ride

Some riders will enjoy having a hot coca with us in the parking lot. We’re serving hot chocolate after this ride now that it’s chillier and hot chocolate really hits the spot! Mighty Squirrel is open and they serve beer, hot (large) pretzels, chips and guac, that sort of cuisine. It’s fun to hang out for a few minutes post-ride!

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news.

Contact Information

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

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

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

Riding Rules

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

RSVP’ing to this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.

Waiver

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

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

Proper bike & Equipment

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

• Lights, front and rear. Bring both front and rear lights with battery power to stay lit for a 2.5 hour ride. Correct, the ride is 1.5 hours, but if there’s a mechanical or if you accidentally set it too bright, then you want to still have enough light for the duration of the ride.

• Concerning Rear Lights: A super bright and/or flashing rear light will blind the person riding behind you and it actually hurts that person’s eyes and can make it hard for that person to see. Please look into your rear light. If it burns your eyes, get a “group ride friendly” light such as the Super Flash ($25) - it has a steady mode and isn’t too bright.

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. Note that mountain-style pedals/cleats are significantly better than road-style. We strongly discourage road pedals/cleats on a mixed terrain ride. You can possibly get away with road pedals/cleats on a gravel (dirt road) ride, but not a mixed terrain ride.

• A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. We’ll ask you to call for a ride or take an Uber home if you have a mechanical situation that will hinder the forward progress of the group by more than a few minutes.

• High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.  Ask us if you’re not sure where to set your tire pressure.

• Be sure you have supplies necessary for all common mechanicals including extra derailleur hangers, a multi-tool, quick chain links, tubes, CO2 or hand pump, etc. You are responsible for you and your bike.

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

Please RSVP only after you’ve made sure you can attend. It is inconsiderate to RSVP prior to committing to attending since it affects the experience of the other cyclists in attendance. We understand that things come up last-minute. Be sure to email us if you can’t attend: connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.

First Snow Ride - 2024/2025

• Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Ride / Roads and snow-covered trails - over 80% of the ride is on dirt trails

• Location: Waltham/Belmont. Exact location will be announced closer to when we expect the first snow to hit

• Date & Time: Right after the first “official” snow hits!

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

• Price: Free, but you must be a NEER Member to attend (use this as your excuse to join up since we have a full year of awesome rides ahead!!!)

• Please RSVP in the form below if you hope to join in on this ride. We’ll ask for a more definite RSVP once the “go time” becomes clearer

• #rscfirstsnow

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

Important Ride Updates Last Update: 31 October 2024 2:00pm - posting this information so everyone can start prepping for the first snow ride this season!

Details: When the first snow comes to eastern Massachusetts, we ride in it regardless of the time of day or day of the week. This is our 10th year hosting this memorable and much-too-fun ride!

Starting/ending Location: The ride will begin in Belmont/Waltham. Exact location will be shared with all who RSVP.

Route:  The route will be emailed to those who have registered if time permits. We’ll have at least one ride leader, possibly more, who will lead the way so it is not required for you to come with the route loaded.

Estimated time: ~2 hours

RSVP: Please RSVP below (at the very bottom of this page) so we know if you’re interested in this ride.

Required: Possibly studded tires. We will determine this based on conditions. You might as well get the studded tires on your bike now regardless of this possible requirement since they’ll be needed in the post-snow freeze/thaw cycle which brings ice.

New snow falling on the frozen ground will turn to ice. If the ground isn’t frozen, there won’t be ice yet.

Front and rear lights are required anytime we’re riding in hard-to-see conditions which includes falling snow and/or night.

Ride Notes:  The pace is based on conditions. We don't ride too slowly because we'd get cold, we don't ride too fast because that wouldn't be safe with the snow. We will ride spaced out with a leader or two. Be sure to come prepared with the right bike & tires, and proper attire for the conditions and temperature.

The pace assumes riders who attend have adequate fitness to keep up on a 14mph avg road ride, if riders were on road bikes on a road ride. This is not that kind of a ride, of course, but that is the best way to describe the amount of fitness necessary to ensure you’ll have a good time.

Read on below, there is a lot to this ride and how it works. Be sure to understand it to be able to participate in it! KEEP READING - lots more information is further down this page.

Last Minute Information: We’ll send all who RSVP below an email - check your spam boxes and you’ll know if you’re getting our emails since we’ll email at least a day ahead to tell you where to go and further details.

Contact Information:  Email - connect@rideheadquarters.com, Phone - (413)-461-7433 - we receive voicemails left at this phone number regardless of where we are.

Riding Rules

• Everyone who chooses to participate in this ride must be comfortable with the protocols.

• All of our Riding Rules apply. Read and digest them before the ride. All riders are expected to abide by these throughout the ride. All rules stated here on this page override any conflicting rules stated in our ride rule page.
  
  Waiver:  When you join NEER, you’ll sign a waiver that applies for the year. Only NEER members may participate in this ride.

First Snow Nitty Gritty Details

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

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

We are ready.  Are you?

Ride Synopsis

• We are leading a ride that begins very soon (1-2 hours) after the first snow of the season begins. We define the first snow as having accumulation of approximately 1” of snow at “go” time, and the forecast must predict that it will snow for the duration of the ride. This means the prediction will need to be for 4+ hours of snow fall, at least.

• For 2024’s ride: we’re seeing a lot of snow on the way so we are likely to set the start time a little earlier knowing it’ll be accumulating and we want everyone to be able to get home before there’s too much accumulation!

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

• Most important to note: GO time is decided with at least 1 hour of notice for you, more if possible. So be ready and keep checking your email for our updates to know when it will hit. We try to get ahead of notifying you when it sounds like it might be happening a day or two in advance, depending on the weather forecast.

• The ride will be 90 minutes to 2 hours in length total. The distance of the route will take into account how hard the snow is falling & how fast the ride will be.

• The route is mixed terrain. Expect to be on- and off-road, on trails and through woods with some back roads too.

• The pace of the ride will be high enough to keep everyone working hard. This way, everyone stays warm. This doesn’t mean we’ll be moving fast considering studded tires and winter setups aren’t exactly fast. No one gets dropped.

Here’s How We Plan for the First Snow

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

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

• The Right Tires: Studded tires may be required for this ride. Once the first snow falls you will very likely want to be riding studs for the rest of the winter since ice will be much more likely with the freeze/thaw of winter temps during the day and amount of precipitation.

• Headlight & Taillight: Whether we’re riding at 2pm or 2am, you have to have at least one headlight and taillight to join us. Snowfall makes it really difficult for drivers to see cyclists. A headlight and taillight will help a great deal with visibility for everyone. Make sure you charge those lights a few days in advance. If you’re looking to upgrade your lights, we stock very good lights and can bring them to you already charged!

First Snow History

In 2024, the first snow hit on January 6 late in the day, we started riding late in the evening in the dark of night in Cambridge and experienced a city asleep while we soaked up the atmosphere…and the melted snow that turned to slush.

In 2023, the first snow hit on the MLK holiday, later in January - a Monday morning! We had a fun, small group come out and we enjoyed the morning from Revival Cafe.

In 2021, there was no first snow! It came Friday, January 7 of 2022 and we started riding at 7:30am, in deep, rideable fluffy power. About 20 people joined in the festivities and enjoy hot cocoa at the big, red van afterward!

In 2020, we were out on December 17 in a big snowstorm with a ride that started at 10:30pm. We started from Sherborn so it was hard for people to drive to it. However, it was magical and in the heart of the pandemic, it felt normal and so full of good feelings and community. Sharing hot chocolate around a fire after the ride was special.

In 2019, we were out on December 1st in the early evening with 30+ people. This was the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

In 2018, we were out from 9:30-11:30pm on a weeknight in mid-November with over 40 riders.

In 2017, we were out riding at 1pm on a Saturday afternoon with over 40 riders.

2016 was an 8am Monday morning ride, the hardest time to find riders and quiet trails/roads of all - but we still did it!

2015 - This was our inaugural year. We were out riding with a “go” time of 3am. People came as far and wide as Jamaica Plain to join in the festivities!

Knowing When the Snowfall Ride Moment Arrives

We’re emailing everyone who RSVPs for the ride with timing and details and we’ll post frequently on Instagram as well.

This is the hashtag to use with all photos you post: #rscfirstsnow

Tricks for Riding in the Snow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Likely Weather Conditions

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

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

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

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

• Taillight batteries in good condition.

• Winter shoes or your autumn shoes with overshoes.

• Long thick wool socks

• Helmet – with light mount ready to go.

• Long finger gloves, possibly with liners.

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

• Neck gator - doubles as a face covering.

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

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

• Towel to dry off after the ride.

• Puffy jacket, a change of clothes that are warm and fleece-lined, warm cap and mittens feel so good post-ride!

Ride Headquarters Is Here To Help

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Winter Shoes: We’ve got 45NRTH Wolvhammers in stock and will order more upon request. We’ll help you find the right size, and install cleats on your new boots, too.

We hope to see you in the first snow!

#rscfirstsnow

Come by at least 15-minutes early to the ride starting location so you can make any last minute bike adjustments. We’ll be there with the van with supplies, hand warmers, toe warmers, and any gear you’ve asked us to bring to the start for you!

RSVP with your interest in joining now!

Martha’s Vineyard Island Adventure Tour with Mike and Mary

• Location: Martha’s Vineyard, MA

• Ride Type:  Bikes with 38mm tires or bigger will enjoy this Mixed Terrain Experience

• Date & Time:  Saturday, November 9 / Rain date November 10

• Distance:  25-30 miles depending on weather and other factors

• Price:  $45. Register at BikeReg.com. Must be a NEER member to join in due to insurance requirements.

Details of this Special Adventure with Mike & Mary

Come join mountain bike legends, Mary McConneloug and Michael Broderick, for a fun day of riding bikes on and off road on charming Martha’s Vineyard! They are taking you on a mixed terrain tour showcasing some of their favorite quiet back routes over ancient trails and roads. Highlights will include full immersion into the natural island beauty, cycling to remote areas, offering views from a favorite high point and a beach stop to to take in the Atlantic Ocean.

What You Get

• An exciting full day adventure on bikes with Mike & Mary, professional cyclists who have a lifetime of adventures to share and who continue to live their dream racing all over the world. 

• A day to just ride and enjoy nature, experience the incredible mixed terrain riding on Martha’s Vineyard.

• Nice welcome gathering with refreshments to start the day.

• Light meal served at the end of the ride.

• All diets and preferences are accommodated.

• Opportunity to enjoy ferry crossings of the Vineyard Sound which offer picturesque calm during the trip to/from the island. (Tickets for the ride aren’t included in event price.)

• A morning greeter where you park in the morning prior to catching the ferry.

• There are 3 ride guides and 2 professional mechanics so you’re well taken care of though we want you to come with tuned and ready bikes!

• An intimate cycling experience with locals, a chance to meet some new friends and gain knowledge of special places to ride off-road on Martha’s Vineyard!

Food & Water During the Day

After arriving to Martha’s Vineyard on the ferry, Mike and Mary will greet riders and treat everyone to coffee and tea and something to eat.

There will be food & water stops during the ride where riders may fill water bottles or purchase food if desired.

Riders will enjoy something to eat prepared by Mary prior to departing the ride/catching the ferry for those who are taking it back to the mainland.

All dietary preferences are accommodated, we ask for this information when you register.

Price

$45 for the experience, ride, and everything Mike & Mary are providing.

Refund Policy

Please be sure you’re able to ride on the rain date of Sunday, November 10 if we need to move the ride from November 9 due to rain or inclement weather that stops the ferry from running. If the ride can’t be run either day, a rain date will be established and anyone who isn’t able to make it will be given a 50% refund.

Parking for People Coming from the Mainland & Ferry Details

For riders coming from off-island, there are a number of free parking lots a short bike ride away from the ferry. Everyone who registers will receive detailed information about where to park, where to meet up with each other and when to ride over to the ferry. A NEER Super Domestique will be at the lot to get everyone together for the ride to the ferry terminal.

Riders will be taking the 9:30am ferry which arrives Vineyard Haven at 10:15am.

At the end of the day, riders will be back at Vineyard Haven around 3pm making the 3:45pm ferry the earliest ferry ride possible to return on. Be prepared to take the next ferry in case it’s not possible to get back in time for the 3:45pm departure or if you’re having such a nice time you want to stick around a little longer.

Ferries run nearly every hour until the last ferry which is ~9:30pm.

Route, Distance, Pace

This is a guided experience so no one needs to have the route. No one is getting dropped or lost. The route will be appropriately adjusted if the weather or time requires. The route length is 25-30 miles.

The pace will be moderate throughout the day, it’s important to keep riding to stay warm. The ride assumes riders have the ability to ride 15 mph on a road bike (this is not a road ride, it’s just a way to state speed/fitness levels), and the ride assumes riders have experience riding mixed terrain (mixed terrain is more technical than gravel).

Terrain Details

Mostly off road paths, trails, dirt roads, and some pavement, very light traffic. Most trails are not overly technical, but there will be more emphasis on super fun trails this year than in previous editions of this adventure ride. There is a fair amount of sand on the roads and trails. You’ll see some secret spots very few people have visited!

Who are Mike & Mary?

Mike Broderick (born on Marthas Vineyard, MA) and Mary McConneloug (born in Fairfax, CA) met at a MTB race in Northern California during the Spring of 1999.  Their first date, a 70-mile road ride out to Point Reyes National Seashore set the back drop for a life time of adventures on the bikes - which they continue to enjoy today.  Their second date was a week long road trip to race at the NORBA National XC in Big Bear, CA…. They were smitten from the start, by each other and the challenge of racing, riding bikes and pushing their limits to improve.  They have supported each other, creating their own 2 person team, alongside a handful of great companies, pursuing many disciplines of off road cycling - mainly XCO, cyclocross, stage race and Enduro.  For the past 25 years Mike and Mary have built their life around sustaining a career in racing bikes and continue to be involved at domestic and international events and sharing the ride.

Both Mike and Mary are the current 2024 USAC Masters 50+ Enduro National Champions!!

Read more about Mike & Mary at the bottom of this page!

Riding Rules

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

Waiver

Be sure you’ve signed the NEER waiver, this is the same one you should have already have signed when you became a member of NEER.

Proper bike & Equipment

• A bike with tires 38mm wide or bigger.

• Required: A bike that’s in safe working order that has been recently tuned and is free of creaking and squeaking.

• Required: All of the tools for typical mechanicals such as:

• Flat fix tools and at least one spare tube (yes, even if you’re running tubeless tires), air via CO2 or hand pump, multi-tool

• Nice to have: Extra chain link, chain breaker, chain pliers

• Spare derailleur hanger if your bike needs a spare

• Extra clothes and storage capacity so adding/taking off layers is easy

• Required: Cell phone

• Required: Two full water bottles at the start of the ride

• Required if coming from off-island: Front and rear lights that have at least 1.5 hours of run time.

• Nice to have: Extra calories in your pockets

More about Mary McConneloug!

Mary was born and raised in Fairfax, CA . She received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Santa Clara University, CA (1993).  She was always interested in sports - but did not discover competitive xc mtb racing until 1997 while living in Bend, Oregon.  She has since been hooked on the ultimate challenge of pushing her mind, body and spirit to be the best she can be on her bike and in life.   

She is a 2 x Olympian (Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008), 4 x US National MTB Champion and also the 2017 Masters Enduro MTB World Champion.  She loves to get creative in the kitchen, fueling their days with good healthy foods.  Mary loves the outdoors, riding in new places where the car cannot go.  She manages many of the fine details necessary to run their professional race team. 

Mary loves to cook, garden and is learning to surf waves on her SUP.  An advocate for healthy active lifestyles, and sharing that with others, she is excited for the potential ahead!  She has coached herself from the beginning and is currently starting her own practice of coaching /mentoring others.  She holds a nutrition based philosophy combining lifestyle balance and periodization training techniques to reach fitness goals

More about Mike Broderick!

Mike was born and raised in Chilmark, MA and has always enjoyed riding in the woods, shredding dirt and surfing waves since he was a kid. In his 30+ years of mtb competition, he has ranked among the top of his field in Cross Country, Cyclocross, mixed team stage racing (with Mary) and most recently in the Masters Enduro World Series. Legendary for his technical handling skills and fitness, Mike has raced on the US National Team for over 10 years alongside Mary. He earned the Masters Enduro MTB World Champion Title in 2016. His mechanic skills have stood by him as he continues to tune and refine both his and Mary’s race machines. He earned his University degree with a Bachelor in English and minor in Art from Springfield University, MA (1995).

Fat Bike Fun Ride on the South Shore

• Location: Start and end in a town on the South Shore, MA (just south of Marshfield)

• Ride Type:  Trails, Beaches, Roads on Fat Bikes

• Date & Time:  Saturday, October 12, 10am start

• Distance:  ~3 hours of riding, 20 miles total

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

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

Details

This is a fat bike shake down ride! It’s got a little of all of the fun riding and it’s a great chance to dust your fat bike off and get it ready for all of the super fun fat bike rides we have coming up! Doesn’t matter if it’s not a snowy winter, it’s always a sandy winter and we’ll be on beaches when we can’t be on the snow. This is also good prep for the upcoming Brutiful Ride happening October 19 & 20!

Pace

This ride is suitable for people with any level of fitness on a fat bike. We’ll regroup as necessary to keep everyone together. Riding beaches is good since no one actually gets lost or dropped, just do your thing and we’ll regroup before leaving each beach section.

Start Time

9:55am - Be ready to ride!

10:00am - Safety talk starts, then everyone rolls out

Distance & Estimated Ride Time

Allow 3 hours for the ride. Distance will be appropriate for the time we’re trying to hit.

Parking

Parking is free and ample. We’ll share the exact location with all who RSVP.

Route

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

Route Notes

Expect everything on this ride! Beaches, paved roads, plenty of fun trails.

After the Ride

Anyone who wants to hang out and talk about bikes after the ride is welcome to do so. The Super Domestique might put in additional miles/offer extra adventure. Please inquire if you’re interested in a longer ride.

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news.

Contact Information

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

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

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

Riding Rules

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

Waiver

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

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

Proper bike & Equipment

• 3.5” knobby tires OR BIGGER.  Wider tires are nicer! We’ll be on beaches so mountain bikes don’t have wide enough tires for these sections.

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. Note that mountain-style pedals/cleats are significantly better than road-style. We strongly discourage road pedals/cleats on a mixed terrain ride. You can possibly get away with road pedals/cleats on a gravel (dirt road) ride, but not a mixed terrain ride.

• A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. We’ll ask you to call for a ride or take an Uber home if you have a mechanical situation that will hinder the forward progress of the group by more than a few minutes.

• High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.  8psi is usually max for fat tires, you’ll probably be happier somewhere around 6psi depending on the width of your tires and your weight.

• Be sure you have supplies necessary for all common mechanicals including extra derailleur hangers, a multi-tool, quick chain links, tubes, CO2 or hand pump, etc. You are responsible for you and your bike.

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

Please RSVP only after you’ve made sure you can attend. It is inconsiderate to RSVP prior to committing to attending since it affects the experience of the other cyclists in attendance. We understand that things come up last-minute. Be sure to email us if you can’t attend: connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.

Brutiful Fat 100 Miles

• Location: Start and end near Eastham, MA on the Cape

• Ride Type:  Endurance Fat Adventure Ride!

• Date & Time: Sunday, October 20, 2024

• Distance: 100 miles for fat bikes

• Price:  No charge, must be a NEER member to participate

• Registration deadline: Thursday, October 17 at 5:00pm. No registrations will be allowed after this time.

• Register by filling out the RSVP form at the bottom of this page

Details

This very special FAT bike ride takes cyclists to many interesting trails, dirt roads, beaches, and pavement that connects the dirt sections on the Cape. Fat bikes go to some sandier places and a few beautiful beaches for extra fun. This is a sandy place meaning the trails dry very quickly if they get wet and there is sandiness on the trails in general. The chances we would need to cancel this ride due to the weather are very small. We expect to ride rain or shine and will only cancel if the weather appears dangerous to riders or trails.

If you’re a bikepacker and want to test your gear, strap it to your bike and come along! If you just want to enjoy a lovely autumn day on the bike without hoards of people on the Cape, this ride is for you, too.

Keep reading, there’s a campsite near the start of the ride if you want to bikepack out to the ride or drive from somewhere that’s further away.

Gravel and shorter fat options offered for everyone (not necessary to be a NEER member Saturday, October 19)

Check out these options at the Ride Page if you aren’t wanting this big of a day on your fat bike or if you’re looking for a gravel ride.

What You Get

• Ride a beautiful place not all that far from civilization nor too far from where you started. It’s off-season on the Cape but before everything closes for the winter - a perfect time to be there!

• A well-vetted route that takes you to places you’d never know to ride otherwise.

• An opportunity to ride your FAT bike with plenty of dirt, cool trails and beautiful beaches with others who are REALLY into fat bike riding.

• The chance to share the day with your friend group, ride with a group of people we match up based on expected pace, or ride solo without feeling alone.

• A simple, hearty warm meal and treats at the end of the ride to finish feeling satisfied from riding and not being hungry!

• No clock: this is not a race, it’s an opportunity to enjoy riding your bike, take the time you want to out there, ride as fast or slow as you wish.

Start Time - Grand Depart!

4:00am - Be ready to ride and gather at the big, red van! We’ll discuss logistics, safety, food stops, and take a group photo.

4:15am is the Grand Depart for ALL RIDERS, no exceptions.

It’s a BIG BIG day and we want everyone in before sunset. This timing allows everyone to complete the ride before sunset. If you’re fast, that’s great. It’s still special to roll out prior to the sunrise and get in some amazing beach miles before the sun comes up.

At the very early morning rollout for the inaugural 100 mile Brutiful Cape fat ride.

Get your Friends Together to Ride Together or Select to Ride in our assembled group

Everyone will roll out together regardless of your ideal pace (it will be a chill pace for the first few miles), then if you and your friends want to ride separately together or if you want to ride solo, there will be a spot where everyone has the choice to opt in/out of the NEER-assembled group. It’s a big day and having the dynamic of a group adds to the fun! But there’s no pressure if you want to execute it solo.

Please mention in your RSVP if you want to ride with the NEER-assembled group, if you want to ride with your own friend group (& include names), or if you prefer to ride solo.

More about Pace & Groups

If you choose to ride with a group of friends you assemble, you’re welcome to ride the pace your group prefers. See notes above about the Grand Depart.

If you’re riding solo, you’re welcome to ride the pace you want as long as you have time to complete the route before sunset.

The route returns to the parking lot during the ride so if your pace is off from the needed pace to complete the ride before sunset, you can stop early and not risk riding too late into the day.

We are assembling a group to ride together for those who can handle a ~7mph average pace. The ride will take approximately 14 hours to complete with stops averaged in for an average rider who has the fitness to be on the bike for this long. The route includes sandy beaches that are not fast, but they are gorgeous and super fun!

Parking

There is a large parking lot that allows for all-day parking at no charge where we’ll be starting and ending. Long routes will visit the lot during the day so there’s an opportunity to go to your car/grab stuff, etc. The parking lot is DARK before sunrise. Bring lights so you can see what you’re doing at your car/setting up your bike, etc. prior to rollout

The big, red van will be at the parking lot to greet riders no later than 4am. You can arrive anytime you wish prior to this, there are no gates keeping cars out of the lot.

Route & Route Notes

The routes, parking information, and further instructions, will be emailed to all who register no later than 7pm Friday evening prior to the weekend of the ride. Please don’t email prior to this asking for the route.

A general note about the route: you’re never going all that far from where you park so cutting the course is not an overly challenging thing to do if necessary to get back early for whatever reason.

This is a sandy area. Bikes with a minimum of 3.8” tires are required in order to properly enjoy the beaches included on the route. Be ready to take air out/put air back in your tires if you’re not used to riding beaches and aren’t sure about your ideal tire pressure. Generally, most people will be good with 6-8psi in their tires for the duration of the ride.L

Terrain Description

The routes may evolve prior to it being finalized. Weather may change the route at the last moment, too. Last minute road work also sometimes requires re-routing. The point is, these percentages are estimates and may change.

Percentages are by shown by distance, not time.

• Percentages are very similar regardless of route distance. The fat bike class is the exception; see those differences below.

• Total climbing: 4,300 ft.

Cars/No Cars	Terrain	Percentage	Ideal Bike
Cars Likely	Pavement, roads	20%	Gravel bike w/30mm slick tires
Cars Allowed	Dirt roads	5%	Gravel bike w/30mm slick tires
No Cars	Pavement that's car-free, abandoned roads, closed roads, and bike paths	10%	Gravel bike
No Cars	Fire roads and access roads	20%	Gravel bike w/40mm tires
No Cars	Smooth Singletrack	15%	Gravel bike w/40mm knobby tires
No Cars	Rough, abandoned, washed out, and class 4 roads	10%	Hardtail Mountain Bike
No Cars	Singlegrack, tight, rocky, or overgrown	15%	Hardtail Mountain Bike
No Cars	Trail Sand	5%	Gravel 40mm knobby or wider, depends on how rainy it is just prior to the ride
No Cars	Beach & Sand	20%	Fat tires 4" or wider
		The beach % replaces some of the above terrain

Food & Water During the Ride

Be ready to either carry all of your calories or buy food at local establishments during the day. There is one stop on the route that brings you back to the parking lot so you’ll have access to your car and anything you bring to self-support at that point. Bring extra water to refill here as well. We will have food and water in the van, but there’s no guarantee you and the person with the van key will be at parking lot at the same time.

Our pre-ride email will include information on places to stop to refuel during the ride.

After the Ride

Bring a change of clothes and a lawn chair so you can enjoy a bunch of social time post-ride! Bring food and drink to enjoy as well. We’ll have some food and drink to share, but if you end up back at the lot early and don’t want to stick around, you’ll want something to eat right away pre- post-ride party!

What happens if it rains?

This runs rain or shine. Dangerous weather cancels and we’ll offer a partial credit for a future ride based on expenses already incurred by the time we need to make the decision.

Last-Minute Information

We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news.

Contact Information

Email us with questions at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.

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

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

Camping Option

We recommend staying at the Atlantic Oaks Campground if you’d like to camp nearby the start. We’ll be hanging out there both Friday evening and Saturday evening. Select a red “A” site if you’d like to be near to us and other Brutiful riders. You will need to make your reservation with this campground via calling them. If you try making the reservation online, it makes it look like the sites are full or that a 3-day reservation is required. It’s $42/night this time of year. Their phone number is (508) 255-1437.

Riding Rules

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

Waiver

Be sure you’ve signed the NEER waiver, this is the same one you should have already have signed when you became a member of NEER.

Proper bike & Equipment

• A bike with tires 3.8” or wider is required due to the beaches these routes include.

• Required: A GPS computer with the route loaded ahead of time

• Required: A bike that’s in safe working order that has been recently tuned and is free of creaking and squeaking.

• Required: All of the tools for typical mechanicals such as:

• Flat fix tools and at least one spare tube (yes, even if you’re running tubeless tires), air via CO2 or hand pump, multi-tool

• Nice to have: Extra chain link, chain breaker, chain pliers

• Spare derailleur hanger if your bike needs a spare

• Extra clothes and storage capacity so adding/taking off layers is easy

• Required: Cell phone and a plan to get back to your car in case your bike or body stops working - we cannot offer rides to anyone (per insurance requirements/no vehicle will be on route)

• Required: Two full water bottles at the start of the ride

• Required: Front and rear lights that have at least 3 hours of run time. Be sure your rear light does not blind the person riding behind you.

• Nice to have: Extra calories in your pockets