MAIN DEETS:
- Meet at 5:00, roll at 5:15
- Meet at Millside Park by the Easthampton Mill Building
- Free parking right there
- just off of the rail trail if you want to bike over!
- Plan for 2-2.5 hours of riding/adventuring
We welcome beginner adventurers on this ride and will go over some basic adventure riding skills at the beginning and during this ride to help you ride safely and confidently! If you’ve been curious about riding more off-road, join us and try it out!
Link to route here!
Total mileage: 11.5 mi / Total climbing: 758 ft
*Route is subject to change based on conditions, but we will still meet in the same place and try to maintain similar mileage and climbing.
Route Notes:
This route starts with a super steep and challenging climb, that folks should be prepared to walk! Then, we will cruise along a gorgeous paved road on Mt Tom, with incredible views of the town below. We'll drop into the woods and navigate some unmaintained singletrack, before popping out at the top of an absolutely rippin dirt descent. We'll make our way back to town through Nonotuck Park and the bike path. Expect some challenging bike handling, some breathtaking New England views, and lots of adventure!
What is an adventure ride?!
Adventure riding is the art of piecing together dirt and gravel roads, bopping about on some trails, and finding the hidden gems an area has to offer. Adventure riders get excited when they see an “end pavement” or “dead end” sign and welcome the idea of getting a little lost in the woods (don’t worry, though – the route for this ride is fully vetted and no one is getting lost!). In short, an Adventure Ride is a mixed terrain experience where you should be ready to get a little muddy, possibly walk your bike a few times, challenge yourself, and have a whole lot of fun exploring the woods of Western Mass.
Pace and timing: This is a no drop ride, so we won’t leave you behind in the woods! We will aim to average an 8-10 mph pace with minimal stopping. The ride will take approximately 2-2.5 hours total. We will take a ~10 minute snack break at the halfway point and stop as needed to regroup and check in.
What to bring: Please bring basic bike tools (if you have them), snacks, water, bug spray, and lights. We will have some extra tools and a first aid kit.
What bike to ride: Both a gravel/cyclocross bike and a mountain bike can be fun on this route! However, a minimum 40cc width tires with some knobby traction are strongly recommended. If you like the challenge of navigating some roots and rocks on a drop bar bike, great! If you prefer the stability of a mountain bike, also great! Ride leaders have ridden this on both types of bikes with success and joy. If you’re not sure, reach out to us! abob.westernmass@gmail.com
HELMETS ARE REQUIRED!