Location: Start and end in Milford, NH
Ride Type: Gravel Ride
Date & Time: Saturday, April 15
Distance: ~64 miles // 100km
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 gravel ride starts in the pleasant town of Milford, NH and is a great way to spend time on dirt roads while being in a lovely area of New Hampshire.
Pace
We have a designated Super Domestique leading a moderately-paced group which is likely to be the second of two moderate groups offered with the first group keeping a slightly spicier pace.
NEW! Now we have a designated Super Domestique leading a “Party Pace” group for anyone who is unsure of your pace or distance capabilities! Please be sure to register for this group if you’d like to join in. It’ll be fun and you won’t get dropped. This group will probably trim off 14 miles from the route so as to get ~ 5 hours of riding in.
Fast Pace: We have some strong riders showing up who are likely considered “fast” by many people’s standards. If you want to ride strong and not stop long for food/water (staying focused without pausing for too long), this is also an option!
Distance
The ride is 64 miles in length.
Parking
Park in Milford center, NH. There is ample free on-street parking and there are public parking lots a short distance from the Oval which is where we will meet up to start the ride.
The green arrows point to town lots in the image below and on-street parking is ample. We are not aware of any payment necessary for parking in Milford.
Coffee in Town
A cycling-friendly Cafe is in Milford center, we recommend stopping by for pre-ride food/coffee. They open at 7am so there’s time to get something before the ride starts.
42 South Street
Milford, New Hampshire 03055
Start Time
Meet up at the Oval and be ready to ride by 8:55am. The safety talk starts at 9am, then we’ll roll as soon as the safety talk is over.
Route
The route will be emailed to all who RSVP no later than 7pm the night before this ride.
Estimated Ride Time
~5 hours moving time, thus at least 5.5 hours total time
Route Notes
The route offers 6,000 feet of climbing over the 100km. There are two places to stop to refuel. Nothing fancy, but we have been pretty impressed with the people who work at the Mobile station stop in the past.
After the Ride
We’re likely to be sticking around to eat at a local establishment after the ride’s conclusion. Feel free to join us if you have time to stick around. No worries if you have life to get back to!
Last-Minute Information
We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news. Very, very last-minute news is found on our Twitter feed (shown on the home page of this website in case you don’t have a Twitter account).
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
Ride Headquarters 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
28mm tires minimum. Wider tires are nicer! Tire choice depends on your riding skill set. Gravel bikes with gravel tires are best suited for the terrain. We have not seen the roads recently so can’t speak to their quality right now. We’re on both dirt and paved roads all day.
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.
Here are some mechanicals to get ahead of, esp at this time of year:
Tubeless tires need fresh sealant every 6 months. Make sure your tires have fresh sealant.
Have an electronic bike? Make sure your batteries are charged. Do you have a wireless system? Check your levers to be sure their batteries have a charge. Regardless, carry spares just in case.
Your spare tube has a hole in it from being in the saddle bag for too long. Get a fresh spare tube in there!
Unlubed chain: This makes you slow and co-riders can’t handle the sound.
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.