Maneha 150 Bikepacking Weekend
Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, 2 & 3 May 2026
Location: Ayer, MA -> Hancock, NH & back - take the train from Boston!
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Bike Packing
Distance: 150 miles over two days
Price: $95
Maneha riders at camp in NH.
Location: Starts in Ayer, MA, Ride to and camp in NH, then return the following day
Route: Bikepacking, mixed terrain, plenty of dirt under your tires
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain
Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, 2-3 May 2026
Distance: 82 miles Saturday, 74 miles Sunday = ~156 miles over two days
Price: $95 until sites fill up. Once the campground is full, we can’t take more people
MUST BE A NEER MEMBER to participate in the riding portion since NEER membership insurance covers this ride. This helps keep ride costs reasonable. Become a NEER member today for all of the benefits membership offers for a full year.
No late registrations will be accepted. This 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 Maneha is a two-day and one-night event that covers ~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.
It’s early season and the best time to start bikepacking. We’ll be spending April hosting training rides and clinics so everyone is ready when it’s time for this ride!
We’ve got a really fun route together, this is real bikepacking, nothing crazy technical, but a nice mix of terrain. There are a lot of enjoyable dirt roads and trails for both days.
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
Arrive to the start easily from Boston or Porter, Belmont, Waltham, Lincoln or Concord via the commuter train for the 9am departure (a $10 weekend pass pays for you and your bike!)
We’re providing campfire and campfire treats
You’re staying at a campground (there’s no wild camping in this part of NH) so enjoy their showers, bathrooms, arcade, pool, camp store, etc.
You’re bringing camp food you want to enjoy at camp, and breakfast to enjoy around the campfire, cooked with your camp stove or water you boil using the fire.
There is a nice market close to camp so it’s easy to buy your dinner and breakfast if you don’t want to bring these foods with you. They have prepared foods there also.
Self-sufficiency is important! We are not providing 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 fire and post-ride feasting/post-ride food coma Saturday night.
This is the ride that started it all. First scouted in 2010, the Maneha 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 equal parts challenge and fun.
See Photos from the last Maneha bikepacking trip!
Warning
The Maneha 150 is a serious ride. Sign up and participate only if you truly respect the challenge, your body, the landscape, and your equipment. Your speed doesn’t matter! Your confidence does. Ask us if you’re nervous about any aspect so we can work with you to get you prepped and ready in advance!
It is FINE to ride your own pace and on your own. We prefer if you want to take your time that you start before the organized group or take a friend! We will worry about anyone who hasn’t shown up to camp at sunset and since we’re on our bikes, it’s not possible to go in search of someone in a car.
Overview
The Maneha 150 is a bikepacking endurance ride on a mixed-terrain route. We're riding everything from primitive 'goat trails' to good paved roads.
We’ve lightened up the rough riding so it’ll be more on the “gravel” end of the spectrum rather than mixed terrain or mtb. This will help your riding speed as well, it won’t take quite as long to get to camp though expect with the climbing and dirt roads, it will take hours still.
Route Information
Distance: About 150 miles. Probably around 82 miles on Saturday and 74 miles on Sunday. We’ll tell you the specifics of the route as we finalize the route. We’ve done a lot of scouting and riding in the areas you’ll be for Maneha so can confidently say you’ll be on at least 50% dirt (lots more time spent on dirt than pavement) and there will be ~75 ft/mile elevation gain on average. Sunday is an easier route back than Saturday.
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.
When:
2 & 3 May 2026. Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s Grand Depart happens between 7am and 9am.
Sunday’s ride back begins when riders want to get moving, no later than 10am.
Where:
The Grand Depart is in Ayer, MA. There’s a parking lot for your car to stay overnight in Ayer. This is at the commuter train lot, so it’ll be easy for all who take the train to the start.
We’re camping in a nice campground in Hancock, NH, then riding back to Ayer. The route is a loop, not an out-and-back so both days offer a variety of mixed terrain riding.
We have a whole section of the campground reserved for riders so there is privacy for our group and everyone will have a nice area to pitch a tent and relax. There is a group fire ring for a big fire and individual fire pits are available for everyone as well.
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 early in the summer?!
How:
Must be a NEER member, it’s worth being a NEER member for a full year of rides, at least 1 weekly email with good advice, tips, tricks, news of upcoming rides, discounts on event rides, gear and bikes & much, much more! Register at Bikereg.com.
Questions? Email us at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com
Who can do the Maneha 150?
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 in the Maneha 150. This is a difficult ride. Riding 75-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 sunset which is around 7:45pm.
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.
Logistics, Route & Route Notes by 7pm April 29: 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. You’ll see a waiver to sign electronically before the ride, it will likely show up in your inbox.
All details subject to change, all who register will receive every communication by way of BikeReg.com email so be sure you’re receiving BikeReg.com emails.
"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 the Maneha 150 as a solo rider, with a team/self-organized friend group, or ride with a NEER leader who is riding at an “endurance” pace and will be the last group to depart. Both ways of participating are fantastic. Solo riders and slower groups will be sent off earlier so as to have as much cross-over with other riders throughout the day.
A Maneha 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 7:45pm.
We hope you’ll want to start earlier in the morning so as to have groups riding behind you, it’s safer and should something happen to your bike, it’s easier to have others somewhere near on the route.
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.
Camping
A Maneha rider sorts her stuff prior to rollout Sunday morning.
We’ll be staying at a nice campground in Hancock, NH. This campground has a big area for all of the Maneha riders to stay within close proximity of each other. It has nice facilities and plenty of space for our group.
There is a salt-water pool for swimming if you’d like to take a dip! Bring your swimsuit if you want to use the pool. There are nice bathroom and shower facilities and an indoor recreation area near where we’ll be camping so it’s really comfortable.
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. This option is found within the BikeReg.com registration and is priced to assume you both will share a tent. If you’d like this to be a bigger family affair (that necessitates more than 1 campsite), we’ll ask you to make a reservation with the campground on your own.
Each campsite is big enough for 6 people and two tents.
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.
The Meaning of "Maneha 150"
Maneha: [ˈmä-nāʹ-jə] An abbreviation of the two states through which the route meanders: Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
150: The total route distance in miles; about 75 miles on Saturday and about 75 miles on Sunday.
Parking
Parking is at a commuter lot in Ayer. Overnight parking is fine and it’s a covered parking garage and uncovered lot space as well. It’s $8 to park for the full weekend.
Sunday After the Ride back in Ayer
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. It’s nice to have a welcoming committee, but don’t expect one.
Everyone who registers for this ride automatically receives train schedules for Saturday and Sunday so you can see when the trains back to Boston depart. In the past, there has been a 5pm and 7pm train. One of these should work for everyone. The return ride will take less time than the ride up since it’s a little more downhill than up on Sunday.
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 35mm 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 1 GPS computer. Friend groups should plan to ride together both days.
Required: Backup battery to charge GPS computer and phone during the ride. (There is electricity to recharge things at camp, bring wall outlets for your charging cables!)
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 such as:
Flat fix tools and at least TWO spare tubes (yes, even if you’re running tubeless tires), air via hand pump, multi-tool
Very nice to have: Extra chain link, chain breaker, chain pliers, Spare derailleur hanger if your bike needs a spare
Extra clothes for riding and for camp along with storage capacity on your body/bike so adding/taking off layers is easy
Required: Cell phone and a plan to get back to your car in case your bike or body stops working - we cannot offer rides to anyone (per insurance requirements)
Required: Two full water bottles/other vessel with at least this much water at the start of the ride
Required: Front and rear lights, 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.
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!
Nice to have: Camp chair that you carry on your bike up to camp! There are spaces to sit at camp, but camp chairs are more comfy.
FOOD: Dinner and breakfast are foods you bring with you or buy at a store not far from camp. Pre-ride instructions will tell you about a market not far from camp so you don’t have to bring these meals with you if you don’t want, but you will want either a backpack or extra room in your bags to carry groceries to the campground!
Brutiful Cape 2026: An off-season vacation paradise with super fun Gravel and Fat Riding
Location: Eastham, MA on the Cape
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Ride for gravel bikes & Fat Bike ride for Fat Bikes
Date & Time: Saturday, October 24 & Sunday, October 25
Distance: various!
Camping options exist to stay Friday night and Saturday night
Price: $65-115; Early Bird Pricing Offered Now!
Register at BikeReg.com
Location: Start and end in Eastham, MA on the Cape
Ride Type: Fat and Gravel adventure event ride! Mtbs have great fun on the gravel routes as well!
Date & Time: Saturday, October 24, 2025 (a VERY special 100 mi fat ride is on Sunday, October 25!)
Distance: 50km, 100km, 100mi options for gravel/mtn bikes AND
50km option for fat bikes on Saturday; 100 mi on Sunday for fat bikes only.
A 100 Mile VERY SPECIAL Fat Ride is happening on Sunday, October 25! 5th Annual running of this ride! This option is $30, also available on BikeReg - open to NEER members only so become a member by October 15 if you want to get in on this exceptionally special experience!
Price: $65 now for early bird registration, prices start going up September 1
Registration deadline: Thursday, October 22 at 11:59pm. No registration will be allowed after this time for any reason.
Camping option offered upon checkout (at BikeReg) - stay right where the ride starts & ends! It’s a great area that we have on one full side of the campground so it’s fairly private.
Register at BikeReg.com
Details
This very special ride takes cyclists to many interesting trails, dirt roads, and pavement that connects the dirt sections on the Cape. Fat bikes go to some sandier places and a few beautiful beaches for extra fun. This is a sandy place meaning the trails dry very quickly if they get wet and there is sandiness on the trails in general. The chances we would need to cancel this ride due to the weather are very small. We expect to ride rain or shine and will only cancel if the weather appears dangerous to riders or trails.
If you’re a bikepacker and want to test your gear, strap it to your bike and come along! If you just want to enjoy a lovely autumn day on the bike without hoards of people on the Cape, this ride is for you, too.
Keep reading, there’s a campsite near the start of the ride if you want to bikepack out to the ride or drive from somewhere that’s further away.
100 Mile Fat Bike Option offered for NEER members
If you are a fat bike rider interested in a 100-mile fat bike ride option, we have this running separately on Sunday, October 25. The 100-mile fat ride is open to NEER members (become one in advance to join in) and registration is $30 for this option. Riders will self-support via stores and have the ability to access the parking lot/one’s personal vehicle mid-ride. Every year, this ride is incredible and people who thought there is no way they can ride 100 miles on their fat bikes do it and LOVE it!!
100 mile Fat Bike riders experience the very best of fat riding on glorious stretches of beach, sandy trails, back roads, and just have a full day of joy on their bikes!
What You Get
Ride a beautiful place not all that far from civilization nor too far from where you started. It’s off-season on the Cape but before everything closes for the winter - a perfect time to be there!
A well-vetted route that takes you to places you’d never know to ride otherwise.
An opportunity to ride your gravel or fat bike with plenty of dirt, cool trails and beautiful beaches.
The chance to share the day with your friend group, ride with a group of people we match up based on expected pace, or ride solo without feeling alone.
A hearty, warm meal at the end of the ride to finish feeling satisfied from riding and not being hungry!
No clock: this is not a race, it’s an opportunity to enjoy riding your bike, take the time you want to out there, ride as fast or slow as you wish.
Get your friends together to do the ride and enjoy camping together right at where the ride starts and ends, it’s a mini-vacation for everyone!
Get your Friends Together to Ride Together!
We’re offering a separate rollout time for all friend groups so you can start together and stay together. Get your friends together and when you register, tell us their names. Your start time will not be more than 30 minutes different from the start time for the category you register for unless you request a different time for your friend-group rollout. We’ll accommodate as much as possible, just ask!
If you don’t have friends who want to do the ride, that’s fine, we are grouping riders of similar paces to ride together or you’re welcome to ride solo. We prefer to start solo riders nice and early so you’re seeing others throughout the day and not be the last rider out there.
Start Time Requests if different from the category start time
We’re happy to accommodate anyone’s start time requests unless it looks like it’ll get you back too late so please tell us your requests in your registration information. If you’re riding with a friend group and you request a specific time, we’ll assume everyone in your group is on board with this request.
Pace
If you choose to ride with a group of friends you or one of your friends puts together, ride the pace your group prefers! We offer a start time for your group so that you can start separately and stay together.
If you’re riding solo, you’re welcome to ride the pace you want as long as you have time to complete the route before we stop serving food. If you’re wondering about your pace and timing, email us.
If you select to ride with a group of people we assemble, then you’ve told us your pace and hopefully those who we match you with are around the same pace. There’s always a risk of the group being a little faster or slower than how you want to ride so come with the route loaded and be prepared. Our rides typically attract people in this category who want to ride with others so will alter their pace to appease others in the group so as to have a group experience.
Start Times
Start times that you see when you register are all approximate. We will roll out groups of friends, groups we assemble, and solo riders separately. You'll get an email with exact rollout times by 7pm Thursday evening prior to the ride.
Your roll-out time will be within 30 minutes of the time you’ve registered for and it’ll probably be a bit closer than that.
We expect all riders to be done riding by 6pm, that’s when the sun sets. We don’t want anyone out riding after dark.
Distance Options
Distances offered for gravel & mountain bikes are 50km, 100km & 100 miles.
A 50km fat bike option is offered on Saturday.
A very special 100 mile fat bike option is offered on Sunday. We offer this separately in order to give adventure fat bike riders a special day of riding and it’s a way for adventure fat bike riders to find each other prior to the winter since there will be many other adventure fat rides happening that this ride is great prep for! NEER membership is required to participate on Sunday’s 100 mi fat ride.
Parking
The ride starts and ends at a lovely campground on the Cape where we’re serving coffee, a light breakfast, and after-ride warm, hearty meal. There will be plenty of chairs, places to sit and enjoy time together.
We’re offering a camping option at the campground (more details are further down this page) so you can park and start/end right there & be near us too (if you want!) We highly recommend you and your friends camp together the night before and night of the ride; we’ve had lots of people do this in previous years and have enjoyed a mini-vacation together doing this.
If you’re driving to the ride the day of the event, there will be ample and free parking offsite. It is 0.4 miles from the start on the same side of the road. Those staying at the campground can park their vehicles at the campground.
Bathrooms, water at the start & end
With the start at the campground, bathrooms and clean water are abundant. You’re welcome to all of the services a comfortable campground offers.
Route & Route Notes
The routes will be emailed to all who register no later than 7pm Thursday evening prior to the weekend of the ride. Please don’t email prior to this asking for the route.
This is a sandy area. Both gravel and mountain bikes are welcome for the gravel-version of the ride. Gravel cyclists not familiar with sand will have the opportunity to get familiar with it! 40mm or larger tires are recommended. The terrain is special and really fun to ride.
For the fat bike routes: fat bikes are required with a minimum of 3.8” tires in order to properly enjoy the beaches included.
Terrain Description & Which bike to ride?
The routes may evolve prior to them being finalized. Weather may change the route at the last moment, too. Last minute road work also sometimes requires re-routing. The point is, these percentages are estimates and may change.
Percentages are by shown by distance, not time.
Percentages are very similar regardless of route distance. The fat bike class is the exception; see those differences below.
Total climbing: 4,300 ft.
| Cars/No Cars | Terrain | Percentage | Ideal Bike |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars Likely | Pavement, roads | 20% | Gravel bike w/30mm slick tires |
| Cars Allowed | Dirt roads | 5% | Gravel bike w/30mm slick tires |
| No Cars | Pavement that's car-free, abandoned roads, closed roads, and bike paths | 10% | Gravel bike |
| No Cars | Fire roads and access roads | 20% | Gravel bike w/40mm tires |
| No Cars | Smooth Singletrack | 15% | Gravel bike w/40mm knobby tires |
| No Cars | Rough, abandoned, washed out, and class 4 roads | 10% | Hardtail Mountain Bike |
| No Cars | Singlegrack, tight, rocky, or overgrown | 15% | Hardtail Mountain Bike |
| No Cars | Trail Sand | 5% | Gravel 40mm knobby or wider, depends on how rainy it is just prior to the ride |
| No Cars | Beach Sand | 0.3% | Fat tires 4" or wider, Probably not rideable on a mountain bike tire. Definitely not rideable on a gravel bike tire. |
| For the Fat Bike Routes: | No Cars | Beach & Sand | 20% | Fat tires 4" or wider | This % replaces some of the above terrain |
Plant life on the Cape & Tall Socks
Cape plants are tougher than usual mainland plants, so they can be scratchier to your skin. We recommend wearing tall socks to protect skin from these plants and any insects, etc as well. There are some places where you’ll be riding through trails with plants that are a little overgrown into the trail.
Food & Water During the Ride
There are quality food stops on the route with stores that are open at this time of year that provide water and tasty food if you’d like to get extra things to eat while you’re riding. Free water is available at a number of stores so it doesn’t need to be purchased.
We charge less for this ride so that you have $ to buy food at local establishments. The routes we provide and pre-ride notes discuss nice places to stop for food and the route directs you through the front door of these places so you can’t miss them.
Our pre-ride email will include information on places to stop to refuel during the ride.
Support on the Route
There are no support vehicles on the route, be prepared to deal with the usual mechanicals by bringing tools and supplies. Have a plan if your body or bike won’t allow you to finish the ride. The Cape is quiet this time of year, but it’s not shut down, either. Cell reception is generally decent in places where we’re riding, though it can’t always be depended on.
After the Ride
Bring a change of clothes and a lawn chair so you can enjoy a bunch of social time post-ride! We bring chairs, there are tents to block the sun and any precipitation, we keep a fire going in the mid afternoon through evening Friday and Saturday.
We’ll provide a hot, tasty after-ride meal for all riders. We’ll be serving food until the sun sets and hanging out until everyone is done enjoying themselves. Be sure you have completed your ride prior to sunset which is 6pm.
The end of the ride is at a campground so enjoy the atmosphere, campfire, food together, and if you bring a bag with a change of clothes for the end of the ride, you can change and stay awhile!
What happens if it rains?
This runs rain or shine. Dangerous weather cancels and we’ll offer a partial credit for a future ride based on expenses already incurred by the time we need to make the decision.
Last-Minute Information
We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news via BikeReg.com so make sure you get communications from BikeReg!
Contact Information
Email us with questions at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.
CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the ride at 413-461-7433.
Don’t txt if you need an immediate response, all txt msgs go to our email that we aren’t checking if we’re in front of people at the ride or on our bikes.
Camping Option
We recommend staying at the Atlantic Oaks Campground if you’d like to camp at the start. We’ll be hanging out there Friday and Saturday evening.
We offer camping options in your registration if you want to stay next to us, right where the ride will start/end. This is the easiest way to camp since the sites are reserved and we can always reserve more; it helps us to show the campground how many sites we are reserving and using (helps us get invited back for future years).
Otherwise, you will want to make your reservation with this campground via calling them. Their phone number is (508) 255-1437.
Riding Rules
All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by these Rules. Registering for this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.
Waiver
The insurance for this ride requires a signed waiver. This will be shared with all who register to sign via an email from BikeReg.com.
Proper bike & Equipment
For the Gravel Routes: A gravel bike or mountain bike with 38mm tires which are minimum. Riders are typically happier with 45-50mm gravel tires or mtb tires on hardtail mountain bikes. It all depends on how technical of a rider you are as to which bike you’ll have the most fun on. The terrain is varied and really fun! If you don’t like riding on sandy trails, bring a bike with bigger tires. We don’t put gravel routes on beaches, but sometimes the trails are sandy. Amount of rain leading into the ride impacts the firmness of the trails and roads as well.
For the Fat Routes: A bike with tires 3.8” or wider is required due to the beaches these routes include.
For ALL Riders:
Required: A GPS computer with the route loaded ahead of time
Required: A bike that’s in safe working order that has been recently tuned and is free of creaking and squeaking.
Required: All of the tools for typical mechanicals such as:
Flat fix tools and at least one spare tube (yes, even if you’re running tubeless tires), air via CO2 or hand pump, multi-tool
Nice to have: Extra chain link, chain breaker, chain pliers
Spare derailleur hanger if your bike needs a spare
Extra clothes and storage capacity so adding/taking off layers is easy
Required: Cell phone and a plan to get back to your car in case your bike or body stops working - we cannot offer rides to anyone (per insurance requirements)
Required: Two full water bottles at the start of the ride (there is running water at the start so you can fill up)
Required: Front and rear lights if there is any chance you’ll be riding in rain or before the sunrise/after the sun sets
Nice to have: Extra calories in your pockets
Nutrition for Cyclists: a Road Map to Cycling Performance
Thursday, April 30, 7pm-9pm - Livestream session! Recording will be shared with all who register whether or not you attend.
An incredibly informative conversation with Kristen Arnold MS, sports dietitian who works for pro team EF Education–EasyPost, is a cycling coach, retired professional athlete, and team sport director.
This is a 90-minute presentation + 30 minutes Q&A.
$25 per person
Thursday, April 30 7pm-9pm EST
Livestream via Zoom
Join us for an incredibly informative conversation with Kristen Arnold MS, RDN, CSSD is a board-certified sports dietitian who works with pro teams such as EF Education–EasyPost, she is a cycling coach, retired professional athlete, and pro team sport director.
Kristen Arnold MS RDN, CSSD
Instagram: @sportsnutritionforwomen
website: https://sportsnutritionforwomen.com/
This sports nutrition talk dives into practical, science-backed fueling strategies to help you unlock stronger performances, faster recovery, optimized overall health, and consistent daily energy.
We are paying Kristen for her insights. In no way is this an advertisement for any particular brand of sports products or her or affiliated services. You’re getting special access to information that is difficult to get otherwise.
What blood tests should you get done at your annual physical exam? What additional testing should you get done and where in terms of blood testing and performance testing that will be useful to helpf you reach your cycling goals?
This session unpacks the latest research on how to fuel effectively around training, events, and throughout the day so you can get more out of every ride. She will emphasize the longer rides, hardest days, biggest events since these are when riders find the limits of the usual nutritional guidelines.
Highlights Include:
Energy availability
Foundational nutrition needs
Fueling for performance
Gut health
What blood tests to get from your doc/other sources
Performance testing that shows you what you need nutritionally
How to eat for endurance events and races & ultra endurance events too
How to eliminate cramps during and after hard rides
Get your specific questions answered
Kristen will discuss how to individualize your approach based on ride duration, intensity, and personal tolerance, taking the guesswork out of what and when to eat.
You’ll leave with clear, actionable strategies you can immediately apply to daily life, training, and race day to ride stronger and feel better doing it.
You’ll get your questions answered during this session. You want to know everything from how to fuel your training rides to avoiding gut rot on the Unbound 200 race. You suffer from cramps when you ride or are haunted by them hours later. How much protein should you be taking in on ultra endurance events? Exactly how many carbs per hour need to be getting ingested and how does this change with the level of intensity? She has a 90-minute presentation prepared (much of it based on your questions) and the last 30 minutes will be all Q&A time.
Kristen will address all of your burning questions with insights she’s gained throughout her career, all backed by thorough study of the research and hands-on experience with her professional athletes.
The insights Kristen will share are applicable to men and women. She has the additional level of expertise to specifically look at studies with female athletes offering her even deeper knowledge of athletes needs and their differences.
Kristen has been practicing sports dietetics since 2015 in her private practice, sportsnutritionforwomen.com where she and her team work with recreational to professional athletes and teams. Her practice is centered around empowering women through evidence-based sports nutrition coaching and information. She has worked with hundreds of athletes and teams from recreational fitness enthusiasts to Olympians, both men and women.
Currently Kristen is a Team Nutritionist for EF Pro Cycling, world tour cycling teams, and a sports RD for Eternal Co, healthcare for athletes company.
Register Now!
EVERYONE who registers will be emailed a link to join the session and will receive a full recording of the session. Register if you aren’t able to attend to receive a full recording (and have the opportunity to submit questions ahead of time). The full session will only be available to those who register. The recording will be available later for a higher cost (because it takes admin time to share it with those who want access to the information later).
Watch this incredibly informative presentation by Kristen Arnold MS, RDN, CSSD who is a board-certified sports dietitian, cycling coach, retired professional athlete, and team sport director.
Date: Thursday, April 30 at 7:00pm EST
You will receive connection information to the Zoom call via email once we confirm your order (during the next business day). If you can’t attend: You and all who register will receive a recording of the session for replay at your leisure & you can submit your questions ahead of time to be answered during the session so it’s okay if you can’t be there to watch it live.
Mixed Terrain Night Rides!
Location: Start and end Revolution Hall
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Ride for gravel bikes
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 1
Distance: ~15mi
Location: Revolution Hall near Bedford, MA
Ride Type: Mixed Terrain Ride for gravel, mountain & fat bikes
Date & Time: 7pm start time, Wednesday, July 1
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.
Wednesday Morning Training Speed for Spring
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 15, 6-8am
Location: Start and end Cutler Park, Needham, MA
Ride Type: Road Training Ride
Location: Start and end at Cutler Park in Needham, MA
Ride Type: Road Training Ride for riders of ALL speeds/abilities
Date & Time: 6am start, Every Wednesday in April and May, 2026
Distance: ~20 miles. The ride is always done just before 8am
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
Join in this ride to Build Strength, Speed, and Camaraderie!
Are you ready to elevate your cycling game in a supportive, fun group setting? Whether you're a seasoned rider looking to sharpen your skills or someone building fitness from the ground up, this ride is designed for you!
Led by our dedicated Super Domestique, it's the perfect opportunity to get focused, effective training that boosts your leg speed, overall endurance, and confidence on the bike – all while enjoying the early morning hours with like-minded cyclists. No matter your pace, you'll leave feeling accomplished and energized - and you’ll get faster, too.
Come join us – it's a fantastic way to challenge yourself without overdoing it!
How this ride is run
We start with a group warm-up to get everyone rolling comfortably together as we ride over to the loop where we execute quality laps from the parking lot. This is about 20 minutes. Then, we ramp up into hill intervals where everyone tackles them at the pace that feels right for each person. The terrain isn't overly steep or punishing – it's just the right setup for putting in solid efforts that build real fitness gains without pushing you too far. Think improved power, better recovery, and that satisfying "I did it" glow!
Each interval lasts about 6 minutes (faster riders might finish in around 5, slower ones closer to 7), and we fully accommodate all speeds with a designated regroup spot. Here, you'll catch your breath, chat with the group, and gear up for the next one – it's all about recovery and enjoyment in between efforts.
We'll kick off with a survey loop so everyone understands how each effort works, where it starts and ends, then the group executes 3 intervals for the first two weeks, ramping up to 5 as we progress.
The best part? It's totally flexible to fit your needs. Feel free to sit out an interval, ride at a leisurely pace, or even choose a shorter section for a quicker burst – it's entirely up to you. We're not about maxing out your effort or heart rate; the goal is sustainable pacing so you can complete the full session and cruise back to the Cutler Park parking lot feeling strong and ready to start the work day.
Don't miss out – this is your chance to train smarter, connect with others, and take your riding to the next level. See you there!
Distance
The ride is ~20 miles in length, about 1 hour and 50 minutes total. The first two sessions include more warm-up time to allow bodies to acclimate to the efforts. Regardless, we’re certain to get people back to the parking lot before 8am.
Parking
Cutler Park, Needham, MA
Route
Here's the Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42427386
It's called "20 GIDSIB Training"
GIDSIB = Glad I Didn't Stay in Bed
Estimated Ride Time
No more than 2 hours. We’ll try to get everyone back slightly before 8am, but not too much before that!
Route Notes
None. We discuss where we’re going easy and where we’re regrouping at the ride.
After the Ride
Everyone needs to get to work or start their day. We’ll stick around with anyone who would like to discuss a new bike!
Last-Minute Information & Weather Cancellations
We will email all participants (those who RSVP) with any critical late-breaking news. If it’s looking like bad weather the night before, we’ll email letting everyone know if the ride is on or not. Check your email first thing in the morning if there’s any question about weather, we’ll be sure to email late the night before with a decision or further information.
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 (NEER) requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out prior to your first ride.
If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.
Proper bike & Equipment
Road bike with road tires. 25mm-32mm are the most common on this ride. Want to get faster on your gravel bike for gravel racing or whatever you do on it? Bring it!!
Clip-in pedals: This is an important element of bike control, especially given the speeds we’ll be riding and needing to climb hills as efficiently as possible.
Front and rear lights that will last the duration of the ride and WILL NOT blind your riding friends. Eye-piercing rear lights (look into it, does it hurt your eyes?) should be pointed downward or replaced with non-eye-piercing bright lights. All rear lights should be set on steady, not blinking.
A Tuned Bike: 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.
Conjure Series Road Ride: Lincoln, MA
Date & Time: Saturday, April 11, 9am Start
Location: Start and end in Lincoln, MA
Ride Type: Road ride, all pavement
Distance: 58 miles
Location: Start and end in Lincoln, MA
Ride Type: Road ride, all pavement and it’s a flowy route
Date & Time: Saturday, April 11, 9:00am start
Distance: 58 miles
Price: Free; first ride with NEER is no charge/membership not required. See NEER membership requirements discussed below. We hope you use this as a way to get to know NEER and become a member!
RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form
Details
This is a really satisfying day on the road bike on pavement starting/ending in Lincoln, MA! The route is nicely flowy and heads south from Lincoln, MA. There is minimal traffic on these roads.
We’ll split into 3 pace groups: fast, faster-moderate, and endurance. Endurance is a 16mph average pace. This allows people to ride with similar-speed riders so you get the ride you’re after. There is a NEER Super Domestique leading the endurance group.
This is a chance to enjoy a great day on the bike with others at the pace that feels comfortable to you and your fitness level.
If you have questions about the pace, route or anything else, please email us in advance at connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.
Distance
The ride is 58 miles in length total.
Parking
Parking is at the Lincoln train commuter lot, it’s free and all-day parking. This is around the corner from Twisted Tree Cafe, open before the ride, may be closed at the end of the ride.
Route
The route will be shared with all who RSVP by 7pm the night before the ride via email.
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
~3.5-4 hours depending on your pace and the time the group takes at the food/bathroom stops.
Route Notes and Food Stops
Food/water: There is an early stop at Dunkin Doughnuts at mile ~20 for warm up/bathrooms if needed.
Last-Minute Information
We will email all participants who RSVP with any critical late-breaking news if there is any.
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 OR gravel bike with whatever size tires you enjoy riding that will allow you to keep pace with one of the groups that you would like to ride with.
If the roads are 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. Roads at this time of a year are a mess and flats are more common.
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.
Wednesday Morning Training Speed for Spring
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 8, 6-8am
Location: Start and end Cutler Park, Needham, MA
Ride Type: Road Training Ride
Location: Start and end at Cutler Park in Needham, MA
Ride Type: Road Training Ride for riders of ALL speeds/abilities
Date & Time: 6am start, Every Wednesday in April and May, 2026
Distance: ~20 miles. The ride is always done just before 8am
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
Join in this ride to Build Strength, Speed, and Camaraderie!
Are you ready to elevate your cycling game in a supportive, fun group setting? Whether you're a seasoned rider looking to sharpen your skills or someone building fitness from the ground up, this ride is designed for you!
Led by our dedicated Super Domestique, it's the perfect opportunity to get focused, effective training that boosts your leg speed, overall endurance, and confidence on the bike – all while enjoying the early morning hours with like-minded cyclists. No matter your pace, you'll leave feeling accomplished and energized - and you’ll get faster, too.
Come join us – it's a fantastic way to challenge yourself without overdoing it!
How this ride is run
We start with a group warm-up to get everyone rolling comfortably together as we ride over to the loop where we execute quality laps from the parking lot. This is about 20 minutes. Then, we ramp up into hill intervals where everyone tackles them at the pace that feels right for each person. The terrain isn't overly steep or punishing – it's just the right setup for putting in solid efforts that build real fitness gains without pushing you too far. Think improved power, better recovery, and that satisfying "I did it" glow!
Each interval lasts about 6 minutes (faster riders might finish in around 5, slower ones closer to 7), and we fully accommodate all speeds with a designated regroup spot. Here, you'll catch your breath, chat with the group, and gear up for the next one – it's all about recovery and enjoyment in between efforts.
We'll kick off with a survey loop so everyone understands how each effort works, where it starts and ends, then the group executes 3 intervals for the first two weeks, ramping up to 5 as we progress.
The best part? It's totally flexible to fit your needs. Feel free to sit out an interval, ride at a leisurely pace, or even choose a shorter section for a quicker burst – it's entirely up to you. We're not about maxing out your effort or heart rate; the goal is sustainable pacing so you can complete the full session and cruise back to the Cutler Park parking lot feeling strong and ready to start the work day.
Don't miss out – this is your chance to train smarter, connect with others, and take your riding to the next level. See you there!
Distance
The ride is ~20 miles in length, about 1 hour and 50 minutes total. The first two sessions include more warm-up time to allow bodies to acclimate to the efforts. Regardless, we’re certain to get people back to the parking lot before 8am.
Parking
Cutler Park, Needham, MA
Route
Here's the Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42427386
It's called "20 GIDSIB Training"
GIDSIB = Glad I Didn't Stay in Bed
Estimated Ride Time
No more than 2 hours. We’ll try to get everyone back slightly before 8am, but not too much before that!
Route Notes
None. We discuss where we’re going easy and where we’re regrouping at the ride.
After the Ride
Everyone needs to get to work or start their day. We’ll stick around with anyone who would like to discuss a new bike!
Last-Minute Information & Weather Cancellations
We will email all participants (those who RSVP) with any critical late-breaking news. If it’s looking like bad weather the night before, we’ll email letting everyone know if the ride is on or not. Check your email first thing in the morning if there’s any question about weather, we’ll be sure to email late the night before with a decision or further information.
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 (NEER) requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out prior to your first ride.
If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.
Proper bike & Equipment
Road bike with road tires. 25mm-32mm are the most common on this ride. Want to get faster on your gravel bike for gravel racing or whatever you do on it? Bring it!!
Clip-in pedals: This is an important element of bike control, especially given the speeds we’ll be riding and needing to climb hills as efficiently as possible.
Front and rear lights that will last the duration of the ride and WILL NOT blind your riding friends. Eye-piercing rear lights (look into it, does it hurt your eyes?) should be pointed downward or replaced with non-eye-piercing bright lights. All rear lights should be set on steady, not blinking.
A Tuned Bike: 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.
Conjure Series Road Ride: Norwood, MA 45 mi & 60 mi
Date & Time: Saturday, April 4, 9am Start
Location: Start and end in Norwood, MA
Ride Type: Road ride, all pavement
Distance: 45 miles or 60 miles
Location: Start and end in Norwood, MA
Ride Type: Road ride, all pavement in a bucolic part of our state! Starting & ending at a large tap room with food and all kinds of drinks.
Date & Time: Saturday, April 4, 9:00am start
Distance: 60 miles with an option to cut the route to 45 miles
Price: Free; see NEER membership requirements discussed below after the first ride you do with us, we hope you use this as a way to get to know NEER and become a member!
RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form
Details
This is a beautiful day on the bike starting/ending in Norwood, MA!
We have a designated Super Domestique leading one group which will be rolling at a steady 15-16mph average endurance pace perfect for many this time of year.
We’ll create other groups based on expected average speeds so people can ride with similar-speed riders so you get the ride you’re after. No one should be looking for race pace or surging this time of year. This is a chance to enjoy a great day on the bike with others at the pace that feels comfortable to you and your fitness level.
If you have questions about the pace, please email us in advance.
Distance
The ride is 60 miles in length. There is a shorter 45-mile option which simply involves cutting the route around mile 21 so everyone starts the same 21 miles and we’ll make it obvious via a separate route for anyone who’d like a 45-mile option.
Parking
Exact parking directions will be emailed to all who RSVP. We’re starting at the Castle Island Brewing Company, 31 Astor Ave, Norwood, MA 02062
Route
The routes will be shared with all who RSVP.
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
~3.5-5 hours depending on your pace and the time the group takes at the food/bathroom stops.
Route Notes and Food Stops
Food/water: There is one food/refuel stop at mile 25 at a small market (basic store and sandwiches offered). It is worth being a little hungry at the end since there’s a nice food truck with a lot of offerings in addition to the tap room full of beer and non-alcoholic drinks as well.
Route notes: The 1/2 way destination is Diamond Hill Reservoir in Rhode Island. It’s a beautiful place to ride to and through. There are many lovely areas and bodies of water to be seen enroute as well. The roads are not heavily traveled and are most back roads with a few crossings of major roads. As always, there will be rough roads and potholes so keep an eye open.
After the Ride
Enjoy food and drink at the Tap Room and time together before you take off! There is plenty of room in the Tap Room for us to have our own large table(s). At 2pm, there’s a “Puppy Bowl” happening at the tap room so if you like dogs, this is the place to be.
The Tap Room opens at 12pm. The fastest riders are likely to arrive right around 12pm.
Last-Minute Information
We will email all participants who RSVP with any critical late-breaking news if there is any.
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 OR gravel bike with whatever size tires you enjoy riding that will allow you to keep pace with the group you would like to ride with.
If the roads are 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.
Wednesday Morning Training Speed for Spring
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 1, 6am-8am
Location: Start and end Cutler Park, Needham, MA
Ride Type: Road Training Ride
Location: Start and end at Cutler Park in Needham, MA
Ride Type: Road Training Ride for riders of ALL speeds/abilities
Date & Time: 6am start, Every Wednesday in April and May, 2026
Distance: ~20 miles. The ride is always done just before 8am
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
Join in this ride to Build Strength, Speed, and Camaraderie!
Are you ready to elevate your cycling game in a supportive, fun group setting? Whether you're a seasoned rider looking to sharpen your skills or someone building fitness from the ground up, this ride is designed for you!
Led by our dedicated Super Domestique, it's the perfect opportunity to get focused, effective training that boosts your leg speed, overall endurance, and confidence on the bike – all while enjoying the early morning hours with like-minded cyclists. No matter your pace, you'll leave feeling accomplished and energized - and you’ll get faster, too.
Come join us – it's a fantastic way to challenge yourself without overdoing it!
How this ride is run
We start with a group warm-up to get everyone rolling comfortably together as we ride over to the loop where we execute quality laps from the parking lot. This is about 20 minutes. Then, we ramp up into hill intervals where everyone tackles them at the pace that feels right for each person. The terrain isn't overly steep or punishing – it's just the right setup for putting in solid efforts that build real fitness gains without pushing you too far. Think improved power, better recovery, and that satisfying "I did it" glow!
Each interval lasts about 6 minutes (faster riders might finish in around 5, slower ones closer to 7), and we fully accommodate all speeds with a designated regroup spot. Here, you'll catch your breath, chat with the group, and gear up for the next one – it's all about recovery and enjoyment in between efforts.
We'll kick off with a survey loop so everyone understands how each effort works, where it starts and ends, then the group executes 3 intervals for the first two weeks, ramping up to 5 as we progress.
The best part? It's totally flexible to fit your needs. Feel free to sit out an interval, ride at a leisurely pace, or even choose a shorter section for a quicker burst – it's entirely up to you. We're not about maxing out your effort or heart rate; the goal is sustainable pacing so you can complete the full session and cruise back to the Cutler Park parking lot feeling strong and ready to start the work day.
Don't miss out – this is your chance to train smarter, connect with others, and take your riding to the next level. See you there!
Distance
The ride is ~20 miles in length, about 1 hour and 50 minutes total. The first two sessions include more warm-up time to allow bodies to acclimate to the efforts. Regardless, we’re certain to get people back to the parking lot before 8am.
Parking
Cutler Park, Needham, MA
Route
Here's the Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42427386
It's called "20 GIDSIB Training"
GIDSIB = Glad I Didn't Stay in Bed
Estimated Ride Time
No more than 2 hours. We’ll try to get everyone back slightly before 8am, but not too much before that!
Route Notes
None. We discuss where we’re going easy and where we’re regrouping at the ride.
After the Ride
Everyone needs to get to work or start their day. We’ll stick around with anyone who would like to discuss a new bike!
Last-Minute Information & Weather Cancellations
We will email all participants (those who RSVP) with any critical late-breaking news. If it’s looking like bad weather the night before, we’ll email letting everyone know if the ride is on or not. Check your email first thing in the morning if there’s any question about weather, we’ll be sure to email late the night before with a decision or further information.
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 (NEER) requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out prior to your first ride.
If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.
Proper bike & Equipment
Road bike with road tires. 25mm-32mm are the most common on this ride. Want to get faster on your gravel bike for gravel racing or whatever you do on it? Bring it!!
Clip-in pedals: This is an important element of bike control, especially given the speeds we’ll be riding and needing to climb hills as efficiently as possible.
Front and rear lights that will last the duration of the ride and WILL NOT blind your riding friends. Eye-piercing rear lights (look into it, does it hurt your eyes?) should be pointed downward or replaced with non-eye-piercing bright lights. All rear lights should be set on steady, not blinking.
A Tuned Bike: 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.