In-Person Bikepacking Workshop

• Location: Seven Cycles in Watertown, MA. All who RSVP will get driving/parking directions.

• Date & Time: Thursday, July 24 6:00pm-8:30pm

• Price: Free, open to all. This will save you hundreds of dollars with good advice on gear and not having to waste time/money on making mistakes!

What we’re covering

This is an opportunity to bring your bikepacking gear, see what other people use, and if you don’t have anything yet, see what others are using and what works/what doesn’t work!

We’ll be sharing bikepacking advice on the following topics AND we want this to be a cross-pollination opportunity since so many people have ideas to contribute and experience to share as well!

• How to pack your bike: dropbar and flat bar bikes, which bike should you use?

• Bag/stuff carrying systems

• How to organize your stuff

• Sleep systems

• Tools, first aid, emergency equipment to bring

• Food! Satisfying meals & easy cooking on the trail

• Bring your recipes and/or ideas for foods you especially enjoy on the trail!

Quite a lot of knowledge (and gear) from backpacking translates to bikepacking! Many people have experience hiking/backpacking so remember to think to the gear and knowledge you’ve employed in this endeavor as well.

Bring your questions! What are you nervous about where it comes to bikepacking?

We expect to see all levels of people at this workshop with those who have no bikepacking experience to very experienced bikepackers and everyone in between! Your skill where it comes to riding a bike or riding off-road doesn’t matter at all for the purposes of this workshop. As long as you’re interested in bikepacking, you’re coming to a good place where it’s all about learning and sharing!

Gear Exchange

Do you have things related to bikepacking that you’ve bought that haven’t worked for you but might work for someone else? Someone might want to buy whatever it is. We encourage gear sharing and selling. If you have a sleeping blanket that’s too long, someone might want it! You get the idea.

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We’re providing simple refreshments for all to enjoy. This will be a fun, very interactive evening for all!

You’ll leave this workshop knowing more than before with new ideas to employ.

You’ll also be super excited to get out there on a bikepacking adventure soon!

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Ready for an overnight bikepacking trip with two great days of riding?

If you’re looking for a way to apply your new bikepacking knowlege and setup, we’re hosting a proper bikepacking ride August 9-10! Learn more about the ride and register at the Ride Page!

Questions about the workshop or bikepacking event?  Email us at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com

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RSVP now for this Bikepacking Workshop!

All who RSVP will receive driving/parking directions to Seven Cycles by 3pm Thursday, July 24.

Sunday Morning Mountain Bike Adventure Ride

• Location: Carlisle, MA

• Ride Type:  Mountain Bike Adventure Ride (it’s like a mixed terrain ride but with mountain bikes on proper mountain bike terrain)

• Date & Time:  Sunday, July 13 8am start

• Distance:  27 miles or 50 miles, 3-8 hours total ride time

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

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

Details

We have a designated Super Domestique leading a moderately paced group, faster riders can go ahead and ride together, let us know if you want a lesser pace since there’s a good chance we’ll have enough people to get a “fun” group together for this. The purpose of this ride is to enjoy a fun mountain bike adventure ride on a summer day.

There will be frequent regroups so everyone can ride the mountain bike sections at their own speed and then regroup for the next road section to get everyone to the next set of trails.

Distance

There are two options on distance: 27 miles or 50 miles. There are two loops that start at the parking lot so your car can be used as a refuel/water stop if you drive to the start. We’ll provide water and wholesome food bars for everyone mid-ride at this spot if you’re riding with the Super Domestique.

Parking

Parking location will be shared with everyone who RSVPs, it’s in Carlisle Center.

Route

Will be emailed to all who RSVP. We’re using routes created by “Mosquito” on RideWithGPS and we rode most of it a couple of years ago. Some portions of the route may have changed, bring your sense of adventure! We’re riding in a beautiful place with infinite trails all over!

Estimated Ride Time

4-8 hours depending on speed and which distance you select.

After the Ride

Bring a change of clothes and a snack for your trip home!

Last-Minute Information

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

Contact Information

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

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

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

Riding Rules

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

Waiver

New England Expedition Riders (NEER) requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out prior to your first ride. DO NOT wait until the parking lot to fill this out, it’s disruptive to a smooth rollout and it’s unlikely to work on your phone. No waiver = no ride, no exceptions.

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

Proper bike & Equipment

• Mountain bike with 2” tires or wider are the most common on this ride.

• Clip-in 2-bolt mountain bike pedals: This is an important element of bike control. If you’re very experienced with platform pedals, these are okay.

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

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

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

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

Saturday Mixed Terrain Ride starting in Arlington

• Location: Start and end in Arlington (near but not at) the Arlington reservoir

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

• Date & Time:  Saturday, July 12, 8am start

• Distance:  ~45 miles

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

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

Details

This mixed-terrain ride takes cyclists to many back roads, plenty of dirt paths and trails for a total of around 45 miles. This equates to 5ish hours of total time. Riders who want to ride for less will have no problem cutting the route short since it stays within a reasonable distance of the start.

The route is a mixed terrain route so any gravel bike with 35mm tires or larger should be suited for the terrain. We’ll split people into groups based on bikes and speeds that are likely to result.

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

Pace: endurance zone 2/3 for most cyclists - if you can average 15/16mph on a road bike on a paved road, you’re fit enough for this ride.

Distance

The ride is ~45 miles in length.

Parking

Free, all day parking at a parking lot near the Arlington Reservoir. All who RSVP will get exact parking directions.

Route

The route will be emailed to all who RSVP no later than 7pm Friday night, July 11. If you RSVP later than 7pm, that’s fine, the route will be in your inbox before the ride starts.

Estimated Ride Time

5-6ish hours

Route Notes

We discuss these with you prior to rollout. Note that a mixed terrain ride is rougher than a “gravel” ride on the dirt sections. There are a number of boardwalks. It should be dry on these so as long as you feel comfortable riding average width boardwalks, you’ll be fine. Trails are overgrown this time of year and there’s plenty of poison ivy out there. Be aware of what you’re brushing up against. Long socks and long-sleeve lightweight jerseys are nice for the sun and nature! Always do a tick check post-ride too.

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. DO NOT wait until the parking lot to sign the waiver, it’s nearly impossible to do it on the phone and it’s disruptive to a smooth roll out to need to do this prior to the ride. No waiver = no ride, no exceptions.

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

Proper bike & Equipment

• 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 likely be gravel bikes.

• 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.

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

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

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

NEER Makes Fire Bikepacking Weekend

Riders enjoy time sitting around a fire after a long day of great riding!

• Location: Starts in Athol, MA, Ride to and camp just north of Greenfield, MA, then return the next day

• Route: Bikepacking, mixed terrain, plenty of dirt under your tires

• Ride Type: Mixed Terrain

• Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, 9-10 August 2025

• Distance: ~77 miles day 1, 79 miles day 2

• Price: $65 per person. Must be a NEER member to participate (this keeps the price down for everyone since we don’t have to buy extra insurance, become a member!) The ride is likely to fill up. If there aren’t spots left at camp, we can’t accept further registrations.

• Non-Riding family/friend option! See details below.

Description:  The NEER Makes Fire bikepacking weekend is a two-day and one-night event that covers almost 150 miles of diverse terrain in New England.  This ride is equal parts challenge and fun.  The event is part bikepacking and part adventure ride.

This is a new route that will look familiar for the first 1/4 and last 1/4 to some people, otherwise, it’s definitely something you’ve never experienced before!

This is a great way to have a full weekend of riding, test your bikepacking setup, enjoy camping with others of similar cycling interests, and share the experience with your friends and family as well.

• Enjoy ~150 miles of mixed-terrain riding over two days

• This is not a catered trip, we’re not bringing stuff to camp for anyone. We’ve hosted a number of “101” bikepacking events in the past which are fun, but one way to step up your bikepacking readiness is to be thrown in the deep end!

• We’re providing knowledge and ideas, ask questions and we’ll get you answers. You get an invitation to an evening gathering July 24 6pm-8:30pm at Seven Cycles in Watertown, MA to discuss bikepacking gear, loading the bike, sharing knowledge!

• Self-sufficiency is important! We are not providing mid-ride support. You are expected to be able to fix mechanical issues or ride with friends who can help each other out.

• We’re providing a comprehensive packing list so you know what to bring and are prepared for this and any bikepacking trip. You receive this in your inbox as soon as you register!

Photo from a warm 2017 Maneha bikepacking trip fire and post-ride feasting/post-ride food coma Saturday night.

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Maneha is the ride that started it all.  We first scouted Maneha in 2010. It has evolved over the years and has brought a terrific bikepacking experience to riders of all backgrounds and experience levels together and to cool places. This ride is a close relative of Maneha, the difference being that this ride isn’t catered and Maneha was.

This ride is equal parts challenge and fun.

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Warning

This is a serious ride.  Sign up and participate only if you truly respect the challenge, your body, the landscape, and your equipment.

Overview

NEER Makes Fire is a bikepacking endurance ride on a mixed-terrain route.  We're riding everything from primitive 'goat trails' to good paved roads.

Route Information

• Distance: About 150 miles. 77 miles on Saturday and 79 miles on Sunday. We’ll tell you the specifics of the route as we get closer to ride time.

• Territory: Ranges from deep woods to town centers.

• Riding Options: Two day, Saturday only, Sunday only - if you have a non-riding friend or loved one coming up to meet you, you’re welcome to ride one day up and get a ride home. We are not transporting anyone to the start or from the campsite back to the starting lot. The price stays the same regardless. Just let us know your plans so we’re aware, that’s all you need to do.

• Gear Packing Options: There are no options: if you want it to eat, to sleep on, to wear, you’re carrying it with you! You are expected to have everything you need for a long-day ride on you where it comes to fixing mechanicals. This said, there is a grocery store in Greenfield where it’s easy to buy dinner & breakfast food ~4 miles before getting to camp so that’s a good option for those wanting to eat better at camp.

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When:

9 & 10 August 2025.  Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s Grand Depart happens at 8am. Riders are encouraged to arrive at the start (a parking lot near area businesses) in Athol no later than 7:15 so there’s time to deal with all of the stuff on the bike prior to 8am. Starting on time is important!

Sunday’s ride back begins when riders want to get moving, no later than 8am.

Where we start & Where we Camp:  

The Grand Depart is in Athol, MA. There’s a parking lot for your car to stay overnight near area businesses and empty store fronts so it’s fine to leave cars for two days. The parking lot is lit all night.

We’re camping in a nice campground, Barton’s Cove, in Gil, MA. The route is a loop, not an out-and-back so both days offer a variety of mixed terrain riding.

We have campsites reserved together for riders in this campground. NEER buys wood for a fire/fires everyone can enjoy.

The campground is minimal, it’s mostly only open to tent sites and those using the campground for boating during the day. There is NO electricity and NO potable water so we’ll buy water in Greenfiled to bring with us for cooking.

There are showers!

Why:  

Bikepacking trips are hard to find and it’s nice to have the opportunity to test your equipment, figure out how to pack your bike, and isn’t it fun to get two big days on the bike with nice people also out for the same?

How:

Register at the NEER store!

Questions?  Email us at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com

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Who can do the NEER Makes Fire ride?

Any fit and competent cyclist with equipment that meets our minimum requirements and who is willing to abide by basic riding safety rules may participate.  This is a difficult ride. Riding 75-80 miles of mixed-terrain feels about three times that amount of road riding. If your bike is loaded, it feels even further. There are no time cut offs, you’re welcome to take your time. We do want you to be in to the campsite before dark.

All who register to participate in this ride will receive the following pre-ride:

• Equipment Checklist: This is a comprehensive list of what NEER recommends for participants to have on bike and body. It also includes a list of items we find useful on self-supported multi-day rides for your knowledge and you’re welcome to add whatever you wish for this ride.

• Special camp mug: Every good bike packer needs a camp mug! This mug can be placed directly over the fire to heat water, it’s easy to strap to your bags, and it’ll be etched to commemorate this bikepacking weekend too! Retail value: $30

• Invite to a Bikepacking Gear Clinic and Hands-on Session at Seven Cycles Thursday evening, July 24 6-8:30pm.

• Logistics, Route & Route Notes by 7pm August 4: You’ll understand how the ride is being run, where you’re headed, where to be when.

  This information will help you prepare your bike, mind, and spirit for the adventure ahead. It includes recommended food and rest stops along the route. The information also includes tips on how to navigate difficult trails.

• Waiver: This ride is being insured by NEER’s insurance. Your NEER waiver covers your participation on this ride.

All details subject to change, all who register will receive every communication by email.

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"The staff did a remarkable job on a complex event. I can't wait until next year!" - C.B.

Ride with Your Friend Group

You can ride this ride as a solo rider or with a team/self-organized friend group (AKA team) ahead of the NEER-led group.  All of these ways of participating are fantastic and your choice.  Solo riders and slower groups will be encouraged to start earlier than 8am so there’s some cross-over during the day. It’s early and understandable if people don’t want to start earlier than this!

The last group to depart will be Super Domestique-led, and the Super Domestique will be riding a loaded hardtail mountain bike so it won’t be fast, but steady.

• A team consists of as many riders as you want to assemble to take this on together.

• The team must have at least two people with GPS units for navigation along with backup batteries for the GPS units.

• The team members commit to riding together and finishing together.

Solo Riders

• Solo riders must have their own GPS navigation device with backup battery to charge the unit if necessary.

• Ride as fast or slow as you wish, we just want you to be at camp no later than 8pm.

Display your location

We will have ALL riders display their location on the route via Life360 (not necessary to pay for an account for this), it helps us know where everyone is. This will take a little more battery life from your cell phone, so a backup battery is essential. AND there is no electricity at camp so you’ll need electricity to last you 2 days!

Non-Riding Significant Other Camping Option / Bringing your Family

Your non-riding spouse or significant other is welcome to join you for the weekend at the campsite at no additional cost as long as you’re sharing a tent. Please let us know if you’ll have someone meeting you at camp.

If you’d like this to be a bigger family affair, we’ll ask you to make a reservation with the campground on your own and we’ll credit you for the campsite space you won’t be occupying. Email us separately if this applies to you and we’ll figure it out.

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Sunday After the Ride back in Athol, MA

We’re expecting riders to arrive back at their cars at various times. Most people will be tired from the long weekend and just want to get home. There is a nearby Market Basket, Red Apple Farm is right down the street (drinks, ice cream, woodfired pizza), and a few restaurants are close to where parking is located.

Contact Information - Call 413-461-7433 if it’s urgent

Email us with questions at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.

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

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

Riding Rules

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

Proper Bike & Equipment

There are quite a few bikes and setups that work great for bikepacking and gravel riding on terrain you’ll find on this ride. Your choices will potentially impact your speed relative to others. We don’t care how fast/slow you ride, this is up to you, as long as you are on a safe bike with minimum basics and arrive before sunset on both Saturday and Sunday.

• Required: A bike with 38mm tires or wider. Mountain, gravel, fat, CX bikes are all acceptable. Ideally, the bike will have 40mm knobby tires or bigger.

• Required: Flat pedals or mountain-style pedals should be used, no road pedals/shoes.

• Required: A GPS computer with the route loaded ahead of time if you’re riding solo. If you’re riding with a friend group, the group must have 2 GPS computers among members.

• Required: Backup battery to charge GPS computer and phone during the ride. (There is no electricity to recharge things at camp.)

• Required: Sign-on to Life360 or other service that you share with us so we can see your location you when you’re riding. We’ll share connection info with you in the pre-ride information email.

• Required: A bike that’s in safe working order that has been recently tuned and is free of creaking and squeaking. The chain should be lubed just prior to the ride. Squeaky chains and noisy bikes are unacceptable because it means there is something wrong with your bike and more might be wrong.

• Required: All of the tools for typical mechanicals. These are on the Gear Checklist you’ll receive when you register. Lots of extra “nice to haves” are on the Checklist too!

• Required: Cell phone and a plan to get back to your car in case your bike or body stops working - we cannot offer rides to anyone (per insurance requirements) and there won’t be a vehicle on the route.

• Required: Two full water bottles/other vessel with at least this much water at the start of the ride

• Required: Front and rear lights (do not need to be turned on if visibility is good but available), reflector on ankle or pedal (this is now required per MA law at dusk and later). Visibility is always a good thing for safety regardless of weather or time of day. Lights are important at camp too!

• Nice to have: Extra calories in your pockets to get you to stores where you can buy more.

• Change of clothes to wear after the ride at camp and for sleeping so you’re comfy!

Saturday, July 5: Adventure Gravel Ride around Modnadnock

• Location: Start and end in Baldwinville, MA

• Ride Type:  Adventure Gravel Ride for gravel bikes or hard tail mountain bikes who can do the distance

• Date & Time: 7am, Saturday, July 5

• Distance: 75 miles

• Price:  Free, but we’re requiring NEER membership if this is your second ride with us.

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

Details

This scenic gravel ride takes cyclists on a beautiful journey from Baldwinville, MA into NH and around Modnadnock for lots of views of this mountain all day long! There will be dirt roads and a little Class 4 roads to keep it interesting!

Special thanks to Kenny C for putting this route and all of the details together!!!

Pace

We have one Super Domestique on the ride who will be riding a steady endurance pace for the distance (would translate to a ~14-15mph pace if we were on paved roads so the pace will be less than this but with that kind of effort) and one person who knows the route and the area who will be riding single speed at a steady pace.

You are welcome to ride faster than the led group(s) if you wish. You are also welcome to ride slower, but we advise bringing a friend if you’ll be behind the group for safety since we’ll be in an area with spotty cell coverage.

Please mention your pace in your RSVP if you think you’ll be faster/slower than the Super Domestique and be aware that there’s a chance you will be riding solo if you want to be faster/slower.

Parking location, Start, Distance & Estimated Ride Time

Please be ready to ride at 6:55am. We’ll start the safety talk/route talk at 7am and then roll out.

We’ll meet up in Monument Square in Baldwinville, MA center.

Pin for where riders should meet & parking is on-street on roads bordering the square: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JBCTKy56L3ZdvzPs7

Route is 75 miles long, we expect to be out there until ~3pm, you’ll be done sooner if you ride faster and keep food stops reasonable.

Route

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

Route Notes

Elevation gain is ~4,900 ft. according to RideWithGPS.

Expect some paved roads, around 60% dirt roads, some rougher dirt, a couple Class 4 roads, possibly a couple of places where you’ll want to walk your bike for a short span.

Food & Water During the Ride

There are 3 general stores along the route and a natural water spring. These are marked on the route.

Mi 30.7 - Dublin General Store

Mi 34.8-35.8-ish - Might be a Natural Spring (water!) - there was in the past, keep your eyes open!

Mi 36.5 - Harrisville General Store

Mi 51.3 - Deli / Convenience Store

After the Ride

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

Bring something to eat, too. There are a number of local establishments in the center of town where riders may decide to grab food 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 up until 10pm the night before the ride.

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

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

Riding Rules

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

Waiver

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

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

Proper bike & Equipment

• 38mm knobby tires or wider are recommended.  Wider tires are always nice! Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. Skinnier tires are strongly discouraged since your chances of flatting go up.

• 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.

• A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. We’ll ask you to call for a ride if you have a mechanical situation that will hinder the forward progress of the group by more than a few minutes or if you haven’t come prepared. There might not be much cell reception on this route so it could be a long walk.

• Be sure you have supplies necessary for all common mechanicals including extra derailleur hangers, a multi-tool, quick chain links, 2 x extra tubes, CO2 or hand pump, etc. You are responsible for you and your bike.

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

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

Saturday Rhode Island Adventure Ride

• Location: Start and end in North North Scituate, Rhode Island

• Ride Type:  Gravel Adventure Ride! Gravel Ride for gravel bikes or any bike that has appropriate tires for dirt roads and meets the minimum requirements

• Date & Time: 9am, Saturday, June 28

• Distance: 55 miles

• Price:  Free, but NEER membership is required if this is your second ride with us.

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

Details

This scenic road and gravel ride takes cyclists on a beautiful journey in Rhode Island. We’re riding a route put together by NEER super adventurer - Kenny C!

Pace

We have a designated Super Domestique leading one group which will be rolling at a steady endurance gravel pace. If you can maintain a 14-15mph average pace on the road (on a road bike with drafting others employed) for 3+ hours, you have the fitness you need for this ride to roll with the group. At this time of year, we’re consistently having faster riders show up who will ride ahead as a group.

This ride’s pace will be gravel-appropriate so probably in the ~12mph range.

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

Start, Distance & Estimated Ride Time

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

Parking

There is plenty of parking in this school’s parking lot:

Ponaganset High School, 137 Anan Wade Rd, North Scituate, RI 02857

Please plan to meet up here for the ride start.

Route

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

Thank you to Kenny C for creating and offering up this route!

Route Notes

There is a stretch of paved/faster road at the very beginning to get riders from the parking lot to the route. There shouldn’t be many cars on this road, but be aware that their speeds are higher than we’re typically used to.

Food & Water During the Ride

Please bring a minimum of two 26 ounce water bottles or water in a hydration pack. Also, bring all of the calories you need during the whole day. One never knows if a store doesn’t open or if you can’t find what you like there.

There is a food stop at mile 28, Oneco Market. this is the only resupply we are aware of in this area.

After the Ride

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

Last-Minute Information

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

Contact Information

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

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

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

Riding Rules

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

Waiver

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

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

Proper bike & Equipment

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

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

• A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. We’ll ask you to call for a ride or take an Uber home if you have a mechanical situation that will hinder the forward progress of the group by more than a few minutes or if you haven’t come prepared.

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

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

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

Sunday Horizon Chasers Road Ride

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

• Ride Type:  Road ride

• Date & Time: 9am, Sunday, June 22

• Distance:  55 miles

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

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

Details

This road ride is a flowy route intended to just let riders ride without too many turns or need to stop.

We’ve included the route here in the Ride Page. We’ll email all who have RSVP’d in case of any late-breaking news that impacts the ride. Otherwise, we won’t be sending a pre-ride email out to those who RSVP. RSVPs are required to participate so we know who to expect and who is on the ride!

Pace

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

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the last group to depart which will be rolling at a steady pace of ~16-17mph average on the flats (faster on the downs, slower on the hills). There’s usually a faster pace and often people who want to be just a tick under this 16-17mph pace.

Start, Distance & Estimated Ride Time

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

The ride is ~55 miles in length.

Allow 3.5-4.5 ish hours for the ride. There is a stop at a store to refill, this usually takes 15 minutes.

Parking

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

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

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

Route

The route is: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51325559 please download this on your GPS device.

Route Notes

None.

After the Ride

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

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

Last-Minute Information

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

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 in 2025. Please fill it out online. If it’s not filled out, we can’t have you ride with us, it’s a requirement of insurance.

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

Proper bike & Equipment

• 25mm or wider road tires.  Whatever you like to ride that allows you to keep the pace of the ride. Ask us in email in advance if you have questions about your equipment.

• 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.

• Be sure you have supplies necessary for all common mechanicals including a multi-tool, tube, CO2 or hand pump, tire levers, 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.

Very Barre Mixed Terrain

Details

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

• Time & Date: Saturday, June 21 - 8am

• Starting Point: Barre, Massachusetts

• Distance Options:

  • ~107 miles - this includes a cut back to Barre center, complete details about mid-ride fueling options will be included in the pre-ride email

  • ~77 miles (taking an easy way to cut back)

  • 48 miles (taking easy way to cut back)

• Elevation gain:

  • 100 mile route - 6,200 ft

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

• Price: $0, but you MUST be a NEER member if this is your second or more ride with us to participate
  

What you get

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

• Van support! Just added - the big, red van will be support the ride all day for riders! It’ll have food bars and water for everyone out there!!

• The route has been vetted this year through mile 70 so we expect it to all work. Bring your spirit of adventure!

• The opportunity to pop into Barre center during the ride so as to use your car as a place with extra calories or water. Barre center has plenty of businesses including a gas station, ice cream place, and diner we’ve enjoyed in the past.

Start Location

Middle of Massachusetts. Barre center, MA.

Estimated drive times:

• A 70-minute drive from Lexington or Sherborn

• An 80-minute drive from Boston

Route Information

• Miles of dirt:  Many. Lots of chunky trails too. Plenty of smoother sections as well.

• We will share with you exactly how to cut the route short if you’re not interested in the full 107 miles.

• Everyone is on the same route until the short cut-backs so if you want a shorter ride, you’re not riding for more than 3 miles solo since the cut-back points are close to Barre center.

Pacing for this distance

It is important that you feel confident you can average at least 10mph over the course of the day for the 107 mile route. If you are falling off the minimal pace, we want you to take an alternate route back to cut the route short.

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

There will be one group riding the 107 mile distance, averaging a solid “moderate” pace. This is not necessarily a sweep group. Everyone up for a solid moderate pace is welcome to join in this group.

A 100 mile gravel ride will take you hours longer than a 100 mile road ride. Your pace will be at least 20-30% slower than your road riding pace.

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• Don’t risk fast descents or not eat enough causing you to bonk. Drink plenty of water considering how hot it may be! This is common sense for any ride, especially smart when you’re riding further away from people who can give you a ride home.

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

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

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

• All of our Riding Rules apply. 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

• 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. Don’t take this lightly - you will likely need a CamelBak with water to get through this ride.

• Waiver: If you think you haven’t signed the waiver in 2025, please do it now: https://www.newenglandexpeditionriders.com/ride-waiver (If we discover that you haven’t filed out a waiver at the start, you won’t be able to ride with the group, no exceptions. It’s a requirement of our insurance.)

After the Ride

• Enjoy a tasty meal or a drink at Stone Cow if you have the time and interest in joining us there! It’s a fun place to be. Bring $ for food and/or drinks if you would like to eat post-ride.

Proper Bike for this Ride

• A road or gravel bike that has 38mm tires or wider. 40mm should be ideal. Hardtail mountain bikes will be happy out there, just a smidge slower on the road sections. There is some loose gravel on the roads, and sandy spots. Narrower tires are more likely to pinch flat and are less stable.

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

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

Contact Information and How to Get Your Questions Answered

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

RSVP NOW!

Horizon Chasers Road Ride - 55 miles, Saturday, June 7

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

• Ride Type:  Road ride, all pavement

• Date & Time:  Saturday, June 7, 8am Start

• Distance:  ~>55 miles

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

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

Details

This is a fun ride up to Harvard and includes views of the Fruitlands. Please be ready to ride by 7:55am. We have a safety talk then split people by pace and then roll out!

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the last group to depart which will be rolling at a ~16 mph steady pace. Slower up hills, faster on flats and downhills. If you have questions about the pace, please email us in advance.

We’ll split the group so faster riders can ride faster together.

Distance

The ride is 55 miles in length. Yes, this just got longer by 5 miles - there was something a bit wacky in the routing.

Parking

Address for your GPS to get to the parking lot:

10 Maguire Rd, Lexington, MA 02421

Look for the lot south of 10 Maguire, so once you pull in, turn left. The lot is next to Maguire Rd, as far south as you can get in that business complex lot. The red van should be obvious once you get into the lot and look south. Across the street from Revolution Hall. Do NOT park in the Revolution Hall parking lot.

Route

The route is here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51119254

All riders should load the ride on a GPS computer so everyone knows where we’re going and it makes splitting into groups easier.

Estimated Ride Time

~4-5 hours depending on your pace and the time the group takes at the food/bathroom stops.

Route Notes

There is one place to stop for food/water on the route in Harvard (Harvard General Store) at mile 25. There are more places where a stop could happen.

There is a cut through Assabet for making it a little more interesting on the way out, it’ll be broken pavement, possibly some dirt. Nothing technical.

After the Ride

Anyone who wants to enjoy food/drink/social time at Revolution Hall after the ride is encouraged to do so!

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

We require 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

• Bring your road bike with whatever size tires you enjoy riding that will allow you to keep pace with the group. A gravel bike is acceptable.

• If the roads wet/messy, please mount a rear full-coverage fender. If you don’t have one, expect to ride at the back!

• Clipless pedals and shoes.  These are important elements of bike control. Since we are riding near to each other on the road, platform pedals don’t offer necessary bike control for this kind of riding.

• 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.

• 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.