Location: Start and end in Rutland, MA
Ride Type: SNOW Mixed Terrain Ride for fat bikes with studded tires (mtbs are likely to be good on the terrain as well, will update you)
Date & Time: Saturday, December 28, 8am start
Distance: 20-30 miles, lots of ways to cut it short if needed, expected ride time: ~4 hours
Price: Free; see NEER membership requirements discussed below after the first ride you do with us
RSVPs: Required, see bottom of page for RSVP form
Details
This snow ride takes cyclists on the interesting paths in Rutland, around old prison camps, in a quiet, beautiful snowy wonderland.
There is ice on the ground, thus studded tires are required. Fat bikes are ideal, we’re scouting to see if mountain bike tires will work on the terrain as well.
Pace
If you can maintain a 14mph average pace on the road (on a road bike) for 3+ hours, you have the fitness you need for this ride. This ride’s pace will be much much less than this (probably more like 4-5 mph max) with the winter clothes, big boots, new snow conditions, twisty trails, etc. We’ll regroup periodically.
Start Time
7:30am - Get to the ride early and get your stuff on! We need to roll promptly at 9am so getting there early to ensure 100% readiness at 9am is a very good idea!
7:55am - Be ready to ride! Stay in your car if you’re ready early if it’s cold enough to freeze you before the ride starts.
8:00am - Safety talk starts, then everyone rolls out
If the roads aren’t safe to drive, we encourage you to not be on the road.
Distance & Estimated Ride Time
The ride is 20-30 miles in length, the route can be cut short easily in a number of places.
Allow 4 hours for the ride. Bring food and water to last this long, we’re not expecting to have anywhere to stop to eat or refill water.
Parking
Parking is free and ample at the parking lot. All who RSVP will get directions to the parking lot.
Route
The route will be emailed to all who RSVP no later than 7pm the night before the ride.
Route Notes
The most important aspect of this ride is to dress appropriately for the weather since it will be very cold at the start and then warm up quite a bit. It’s going to be easy to overheat if you overdress (overheating leads to freezing). Wear enough layers so that it’s possible to start warm and then not overheat. Bring chemical hand & foot warmers if your gloves/boots are thin.
Any mechanical issue that will take more than just a couple of minutes will mean that rider needs to walk out to the car and the group will need to proceed or else everyone could be at risk with the cold. Please understand that the group will need to continue moving. We make sure to take care of people at these temps, so just do everything possible to minimize issues and have warm enough clothes that if you need to walk, you’ll stay warm.
After the Ride
Anyone who wants to enjoy a hot cocoa or talk about bikes after the ride is welcome to do so. We’ll make hot chocolates for anyone who wants one and be there at the big, red van.
Last-Minute Information
We will email all participants with any critical late-breaking news. Be sure to check your email the morning of the ride.
Contact Information
Email - connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com with questions about this ride anytime 1 hour or more prior to the start of the ride.
CALL US if you need us to know anything just before the ride start or during the ride at 413-461-7433.
Don’t txt if you need an immediate response, all txt msgs go to our email that we aren’t checking if we’re in front of people at the ride or on our bikes.
Riding Rules
All riders are required to read and are expected to abide by These Rules. RSVP’ing to this ride indicates you have read and accept all of the rules. These make the ride safer and more fun for all.
Waiver
NEER requires a signed waiver before your first ride. Please fill it out online prior to your first ride.
If this is your second or more ride with us, our insurance requires that you become a member of NEER.
Proper bike & Equipment
STUDDED 2” knobby tires OR BIGGER. Wider tires are nicer! Tire choice depends on your riding skill set and your raw power. We expect to see fat bikes at this ride considering the snow conditions. It is possible a mountain bike with studded tires will be okay out there too, we’ll let you know.
Bright clothes - There could be hunting in the area, so we want to be highly visible to everyone.
Clipless pedals and shoes. These are important elements of bike control. If you are an experienced cyclist who has used platform pedals and sticky shoes extensively, this is acceptable. Note that mountain-style pedals/cleats are significantly better than road-style. We strongly discourage road pedals/cleats on any mixed terrain ride. You can possibly get away with road pedals/cleats on a gravel (dirt road) ride, but not a mixed terrain ride.
A bike that’s in safe working order that is properly lubed and tuned. We’ll ask you to call for a ride or take an Uber home if you have a mechanical situation that will hinder the forward progress of the group by more than a few minutes.
High enough tire pressure to prevent pinch flatting and burping your tires.
Be sure you have supplies necessary for all common mechanicals including extra derailleur hangers, a multi-tool, quick chain links, tubes, CO2 or hand pump, etc. You are responsible for you and your bike.
RSVP to Participate in this Ride Now!
Please RSVP only after you’ve made sure you can attend. It is inconsiderate to RSVP prior to committing to attending since it affects the experience of the other cyclists in attendance. We understand that things come up last-minute. Be sure to email us if you can’t attend: connect@newenglandexpeditionriders.com.