Saturday Mixed Terrain Ride East!

• Location: Start and end near Bedford, MA

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

• Date & Time:  Saturday, November 22 9am start

• Distance:  48 miles

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

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

Details

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

The route is mixed terrain so any gravel bike with 40mm tires or bigger is suited for the terrain. Bigger tires are BETTER with leaves on the trails. We’ll split into two speed groups: quicker moderate and endurance moderate. If you want to ride at a lower pace than “endurance,” please send us an email!

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the endurance moderate group to depart, she’ll be riding a gravel bike with humongous tires.

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

Distance

The ride is 48 miles in length.

Parking

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

3 Maguire Rd, Lexington, MA 02421

Route

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

Estimated Ride Time

~5+ hours

Route Notes

We discuss these with you prior to rollout.

Last-Minute Information

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

Contact Information

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

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

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

Riding Rules

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

Waiver

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

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

Proper bike & Equipment

• 40mm knobby tires.  Wider tires are nicer! Don’t forget there are leaves covering hiding rocks and sticks on the trails. Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. Gravel bikes are best suited for most of the terrain. Do NOT ride road tires since you’ll be flatting out there.

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

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

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

• 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.

January 16-18: Three Day Hut-to-Hut Fat Bike Adventure Ride

• Ride Type:  Fat bike hut trip

• Date & Time:  Friday, January 16-Sunday, January 18 (3 days, 2 nights)

• Location: Carrabassett Valley, Maine, where the snow is the best and trails allow for incredible riding

• Distance each day:  Conditions dictate, options will be offered. Long ride option for Saturday of 40-50 miles.

• Price:  $450 per person. Open to NEER members due to insurance requirements. See what’s included, below.

• Register now!

Details

This is a fun and potentially demanding fat bike 3-day adventure riding incredible trails in Carrabassett Valley, a winter wonderland, and staying in nice huts to go further and see more!

The huts are full service offering freshly prepared, hot breakfasts and dinners accommodating all dietary needs of participants. Lunch is either at the hut or they pack it so riders can enjoy lunch in the wild.

Included in the price is stuff-schelpping from parking lot to the first hut, then from one hut to the next, then getting your stuff back to your car at the end of the trip. This allows you to enjoy riding with only the things you need for the day, not sleeping bag, toiletries, and your change of clothes.

Read about what to expect at the huts!

We have 9 spaces reserved for attendees and 2 are already spoken for. We expect to sell out and have a waiting list. We have to have a firm commitment via full payment the first week in December since we have to pay in full to the huts the first week in December.

The first night, we’ll be at lovely Stratton Hut.

The second night, we’ll be at secluded, private Flagstaff Hut.

Distance and pace

Ride at your own pace. Fat bike riding in the snow is slow for the fittest riders. Everyone will start and end at the same places each day and night for camaraderie and we expect enough people of various fitness levels so that everyone will have company out there. There is one designated trip organizer/ride leader who will likely be riding a fully loaded bike allowing for slower riders to have company. Route options will be shared with participants for each day (a shorter and longer option), so everyone is welcome to take on the distances that are comfortable for each person. Saturday’s minimum distance requirement is 20 miles to travel from the first hut to the second hut. There will be a long option of 40-50 miles for those who want a big day of riding.

Schedule

Exact timing of activities and rides will be emailed to everyone a few days prior to the start of the trip. Snow conditions will be factored into route lengths and will be adjusted as appropriate.

Friday - Meet up at 9:30am, at parking lot where cars can spend the weekend, drop overnight stuff off

10am - Ride starts

Arrive Stratton Brook Hut, enjoy a hot shower!

Enjoy a hot, hearty Dinner prepared by hut staff

Saturday -

7:30am - Enjoy a hot, hearty Breakfast prepared by hut staff

Ride 8:30am - Long - 40-50 mile

10am - Shorter - 20 miles (this isn’t short!)

Enjoy sack lunch hut staff prepared on the trail!

Arrive Flagstaff Hut before dinner

6-6:30pm - Enjoy a hot Dinner prepared by hut staff

Sunday -

7:30am - Enjoy a hot, hearty breakfast prepared by hut staff

Ride - 9am - it’s ~15 miles to return to cars / longer option available

Enjoy the sack lunch hut staff prepared on the trail!

Monday is the Martin Luther King, Jr holiday so hopefully you don’t have to rush home Sunday night!

Are you training for an ultra winter cycling event?

If you’re an ultra winter cyclist preparing for future ultra events and want the challenge of sleeping outside in a bivvy and want to self-support (ie bringing and making most/all food on the trail), this is an option! You can still take advantage of the gear shuttle to get extra stuff to the huts and have stuff moved from one hut to the next to transport extra food and any extra gear you think you might want. This is an option at the bottom of the page where registration links appear.

Parking

Airport Trailhead. All attendees will receive driving directions to this parking lot. This is where you’ll bring your stuff so it can be transported to the first hut.

Routes

All routes will be emailed in advance of the weekend.

Complete Information

We will email all participants with full details at least 2 days prior to the trip, including routes of shorter and longer options. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions via email or txt.

If you need to arrive later on Friday and your stuff will miss the gear shuttle, we can arrange for you to get us your stuff prior to the trip (in the Boston area) and we’ll bring it up early so that it makes it to the hut.

Contact Information

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

Our Super Domestique rides with a Garmin InReach in case of emergency that is out of cell phone range. We do this to facilitate rider safety. If you’re not riding with the Super Domestique, we ask that you follow the proposed route for the day and let us know if you’re planning on doing something different for safety. We always want to know where you are!

Preparation

This is unlike our other rides. It’s very important to come prepared with all necessary equipment and have a bike that is tuned and completely ready for what this ride entails. Clothing appropriate for the temperatures is important and remember that overheating on very cold days can happen so layers are important. Everyone who registers will receive a packing list and guidance on proper gear.

Waiver

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

Proper bike & Equipment

• Fat bike with tires 3.8” or wider.

• A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. Have a plan in case your bike or legs stop working. Note there are a lot of dead cell phone areas in the areas where we’ll be riding.

• All necessary equipment and supplies - we’ll email a comprehensive list so you know what is necessary well ahead of time. This list includes bringing a sleeping bag (summer weight is fine) for sleeping in the hut beds.

• Lights - front and rear, back up lights and back-up batteries (cold batteries don’t work like warm ones do)

• Optional and fun! Stove - ability to make water from snow in cold temps

Register Now and Reserve Your Spot!! Space is VERY limited. If all spots are not reserved by January 1, we will cancel those bed reservations.

Sold Out

Ultimate Hut-to-Hut Fat Bike Adventure

$450.00

Purchase

Ultimate Hut-to-Hut Fat Bike Adventure - OUTDOOR Sleeping & eating

$125.00

Purchase

Ultimate Hut-to-Hut Fat Bike Adventure - WAITLIST

$0.00

Purchase

Fat Bike Weekend Getaway in Bethlehem, NH

Imagine this whole area under a beautiful blanket of snow! This is the house we rented in Bethlehem last year. We'll rent a similar big, nice home to enjoy the weekend together again!

• Location: Bethlehem, NH & surrounding nearby towns - an easy 2.5 hour drive north of Boston

• Dates:  Friday, Feb 13-Sunday, Feb 15

• Not required to stay in the NEER house, feel free to come up for 1, 2 or 3 days

• Price to ride with NEER: Free; price to stay in the shared home and see NEER membership requirements discussed below after the first ride you do with us

Details

This area is picturesque and offers some of the most fun fat bike riding we’ve found, quite accessible from the Boston area!

Bike the North Country, a non-profit organization in Bethlehem, Littleton, and Franconia, is the sponsor of a Fat Bike Poker Run event over this weekend and we overlay enjoying their event with riding together, staying in a shared AirBNB house, having a great time with camp fires, making food together, and sharing in the joy that snow and fat bike brings everyone. The reality is that we’re typically riding mid-day Sunday when the poker game is happening so riders are likely to miss it.

The benefit to us in riding here at the same time as the Poker Run is that these trail systems are really nicely groomed for this event, so it’s the way to find the best conditions of the trails. Besides, it’s fun to find poker chips out on the trails! We ask that you either participate in the Poker Run registration or make a donation to the grooming efforts in this area.

NEER is leading rides Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday at groomed Prkr, Bethlehem, and Laconia trails so everyone has others to ride with and there is a good ride plan to execute together.

Detailed Information and Ride Schedule

We will email all who express interest in the rides with further information so you know how everything will be organized.

NEER has organized groups for the past two years and each year has been exceptionally great. Thus, we received MANY requests to offer this again.

Contact Information

Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions.

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

Don’t send a txt msg 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.

Be sure to email us with questions: connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.

Tuesday Evening Mixed Terrain

• Location: Mighty Squirrel, Waltham, MA

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

• Date & Time:  Tuesday, November 18, 7pm start time, done by 9pm

• Distance:  2 hours of riding, ~15 miles-ish

• 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 40mm tires or bigger is suited for the terrain. Bigger tires are recommended and hard tail mountain bikes will do well on most of the ride. Faster riders are always welcome to go ahead of the group.

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 in the daylight 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.

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

The route will be emailed to all who RSVP.

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

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 hanging out and enjoying food/drink at the Mighty Squirrel. It’s a Thursday night so it’ll be hopping there. Invite your family to come join you 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

• 38mm 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 to SEE WELL for 2.5 hours (the ride is shorter than this but you don’t want your light dying before it’s over and it’s dark the whole 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.

Connecticut Coffee & Gravel, NEER x The Bike Shop

Details

• DATE CHANGE - Now happening Saturday, November 15 at 9am due to nice weather Saturday!!!

• Ride Type: Remote paved and dirt roads

• Time & Date: Saturday, November 15

• Starting Point: Willington, CT

• Distance: ~50 miles

• Price: Free

• Your first NEER ride does not require membership, if it’s your 2nd ride or more, you MUST be a NEER member to participate for insurance reasons.
  

Description

This is a gorgeous, well-planned gravel route that serves up a New England mix of classic gravel, scenic farm roads, rolling paved stretches, cat 4 roads, carriage roads, some single and some double track too. Thank you to The Bike Shop - One Love Outdoors for curating this route and sharing it with us!

We’ll be riding with NEER riders and The Bike Shop has invited their local community to join as well, so it’ll be a wonderful mix of people out there!

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

Start Location

• A free lot adjacent to The Bike Shop

  Address:

  14 Tolland Turnpike
  Willington, CT 06279

Pace

There will be at least three groups, possibly more. One will be a moderate-quicker pace, for those who prefer an ~18mph road pace for 4 hours (pace will be lower than this since it’s gravel).

One group will average a solid “moderate” pace, this is appropriate for riders who are comfortable with 16-17mph average on road bikes for 4+ hours. This group will have a Super Domestique.

There is likely a “fun” pace group with a Super Domestique that will average a little less than the “moderate” group’s pace.

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

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

• There may be 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 and where to go.

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 conditions this time of year, your personal circumstances, your health, etc. 

  • You will want to come prepared with the equivalent of three full 26 ounce bottles of water, enough food to fuel the full ride distance, and fitness for the distance. There might not be a good resupply for the entire route. (We’re researching options now and will tell all who RSVP more in the pre-ride email.)

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.

• The Bike Shop will be making lattes and will organize food to be brought in from a local establishment (think pizza). Bring cash if you want to join in on the food and drinks and fun social time together!

Proper Bike for this Ride

• A road or gravel bike that has 38mm tires or wider. 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!

Thursday Mixed Terrain Night Ride!

• Location: Revolution Hall near Bedford, MA

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

• Date & Time:  Thursday evenings, November 6, November 20, December 4 - 7pm start

• Distance:  ~15 miles, no more than 2 hours of riding (trying to keep it closer to 90 minutes)

• 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 are some easy-to-ride boardwalks on the route, it’s pretty well ridden so not hard to navigate when the sun is gone.

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 the waning sunlight.

Distance

~15 miles

Parking

Address for your GPS: 10 Maguire Rd, Lexington, MA 02421

Pin of the exact spot to park in the lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ebJ1c1ufZA3bL4ZR7

Route

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

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40871313

Start time, Estimated Ride Time

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

Ride time: Aiming for 90 minutes, possibly a few minutes beyond this depending the pace of the group and if there are mechanicals.

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 post-ride food and drink at Revolution Hall. Feel free to join in having food and hanging out afterwards if you’d like!

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. We like you to have more than enough air for these reasons:

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

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

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

RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!

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

Martha’s Vineyard Off-Road Adventure Tour with Mike and Mary - Spring 2026

• Location: Martha’s Vineyard, MA

• Ride Type:  Mixed Terrain Adventure - ride trails, dirt roads, ancient paths, and back roads with the day catered by Mike and Mary with homemade, tasty food to delight hungry riders

• Date & Time:  Re-scheduled to Spring 2026 when it’s warm and Mike & Mary are back in town!

• Distance:  ~40 miles

• Max attendance: Registration is capped at 35 riders

• Price:  $125. Register at BikeReg.com. Open to everyone! (NEER membership not required.)

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If you’re interested in doing a private ride or tour of the Island with Mary at a separate time, please email Mary at:

marymcconneloug at fastmail.com (replace “at” with “@” when you email her!)

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Details of this Special Adventure Tour with Mike & Mary

Come join mountain bike legends, Olympian Mary McConneloug and pro Michael Broderick, for a fun day of riding bikes on and off road on charming Martha’s Vineyard! They are taking riders on a mixed terrain tour showcasing some of their favorite quiet back routes over ancient trails and roads with an emphasis on cool trails that are hiding all over the island. Highlights include full immersion into the natural island beauty, cycling to remote areas, offering views from a favorite high point and a beach stop to take in the Atlantic Ocean. Riding will be fun at a moderate pace; all riders will enjoy a solid day on the bike at a moderate (not slow) pace. This should not be a rider’s first gravel or mixed terrain ride, participants should be experienced cyclists with experience riding on dirt and mixed terrain.

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.

• Hot, homemade 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 on the ride 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 some homemade wholesome treats 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.

Martha’s Vineyard riders having the time of their lives with Mike and Mary and crew!

Price

$125 for the experience, ride, and everything Mike & Mary are providing in terms of homemade food, hot drinks and baked goods at the start of the ride, hot tasty food at the end of the day and mid-ride food too.

Refund Policy

Cancellations up to 2 weeks in advance will be refunded 50%. If the ride can’t be run due to dangerous or miserable weather (forecast of light rain doesn’t cancel), a rain date will be announced and if participants can’t make the new date, a 50% refund & 50% credit will be issued.

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, but a route file will be provided and a shorter option will be provided as well via GPS file. No one is getting dropped or lost. The route will be appropriately adjusted if the weather or time requires. The route length is 40 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 15-17 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 a little more twisty, turny and sandy than gravel), but this is not an overly technical route. As long as riders have experience riding some dirt on a gravel or mountain bike and fitness for a 15-17mph road pace, this ride is within the scope of riders’ abiities.

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!

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

• Required: A bike with tires 38mm wide or bigger. The bigger, the better!

• 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

  • 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

About Mary McConneloug!

Mary 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.  She is an advocate for healthy active lifestyles, and sharing that with others!  She has coached herself from the beginning and has her own coaching and mentoring business.  She holds a nutrition based philosophy combining lifestyle balance and periodization training techniques to reach fitness goals.

About Mike Broderick!

In Mike’s 30+ years of competitive bike racing, 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). 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.

More about Mike and Mary, The A-Team!

Mike was born on Martha’s Vineyard, MA and Mary was born in Fairfax, CA. They 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 (which includes Seven Cycles), pursuing many disciplines of off road cycling - mainly XCO, cyclocross, stage race and Enduro.  For the past 26 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.

Still going strong, both Mike and Mary were the 2024 USAC Masters 50+ Enduro National Champions in their respective fields!

Express your interest in attending this event now! Once registration opens up, you’ll be the first to know (we’ll email you)!!!

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Revere Beach Fun Season Opener

Location: Revere Beach (you’ll see a lot more than just Revere Beach!)

• Ride Type:  Fat bike ride

• Date & Time:  Sunday, November 2, 9am start

• Distance:  ~3ish hours of riding, 17 miles (plus extra adventure option to go to Nahant for an extra 2.5-3 hours after the first part wraps up)

• Price:  Free*

• * You are welcome to ride once as a non-NEER member, after this membership is required to attend

• RSVPs: Required, form is at the bottom

Details:  

This ride departs at 9am. We’re riding together as a group, but on the beach, everyone can ride at his/her own pace; no one will get dropped, we re-group before exiting the beach where we pick up trails and back roads. Most of the ride is on sand and dirt. It is great fun on big tires on the sand. There are roads and trails connecting the beaches so be ready for both pavement and sand.

If your fat bike has studded tires on it, that’s OKAY. Just get you and your bike out for this ride regardless since it’s important to shake down your bike and get it ready for other really great upcoming fat adventures happening this “FUN” Season!!!

It’ll be windier on the sand, so be sure to dress warmer than the weather forecast predicts numerically.

Schedule: We’ll be at the meeting spot by 8:45am. Please be ready to roll by 8:55am.

Parking: There is free, ample on-street parking next to the start.

Route:  The route will be shared via email with all who RSVP.

Questions? We’re at connect@rideheadquarters.com. Need to reach us at the ride? Call 413-461-7433, this is our shop number and reaches the organizer who is at the ride.

Estimated time: ~2 ish hours for the first part, and 2-3 hrs for the optional second part to Nahant

Ride Notes:  We discuss these with you prior to rollout. There will be beachy sand and paved roads to connect various sections. It’s all appropriate for 3.5” tires or bigger. We can’t speak to the exact quality of the sand for those of you who want to ride skinnier tires and we can’t recommend anything narrower than 3.5”.

Contact Information:  Email - connect@rideheadquaters.com, Phone which reaches the ride leader before and during the ride: 413-461-7433

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

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

The proper bike for this ride includes the following:

• Fat bike with 3.5” minimum tires.  

• 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.

• Always bring a spare tube, air, tools for taking your wheels off your bike, a derailleur hanger and ALL of the tools you’d need to fix common mechanical situations.

• Bring warmer clothes than you think you’ll need

Horizon Chasers, Leaf-Peepers Wachusett Ride!

• Location: Start and end near Twisted Tree Cafe in Lincoln (parking & actual start in the Lincoln MBTA train parking lot)

• Ride Type:  Road ride, all pavement

• Date & Time:  Saturday, October 18, 7:30am start

• Distance:  ~90 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 takes riders to the top of Mt Wachusett on a beautiful autumn day!

We have a designated Super Domestique leading the last group to depart which will be rolling at a ~16-17 mph pace which is peppy given the amount of climbing. We’ll split into groups so faster riders can ride faster together.

If you want to ride slower than the Super Domestique for the distance, please email us. We usually have people looking for paces under 17 mph, but we need to know who you are and what your pace is so as to find others to fill this group.

Parking

Lincoln MBTA lot: 160 Lincoln Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773

Look for the big, red van in this lot! The van will be there no later than 7:15am.

This is lot is around the corner from the Twisted Tree Cafe so feel free visit there before the ride starts for coffee or food! Please DO NOT park in front of Twisted Tree, this is for their customers who are coming/going throughout the day.

Distance

The ride is ~90 miles in length.

Route

The route will be shared with all who RSVP by 7pm the night before the ride.

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

Start Time & Estimated Ride Time

The ride starts at 7:30am, just after we do a safety talk. Please be ready to ride at 7:25am and at the big, red van.

~6.5ish hours total ride time depending on your pace and the time the group takes at food stops.

Route Notes

These will be emailed to all riders, there will be proper stops for food, bathrooms, and water refills.

After the Ride

Anyone who wants to enjoy food/drink/social time at Twisted Tree 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

Our insurance 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 ever, 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.