So, you’ve got a new bike, and you’re eager to share it with some like-minded folks. Awesome.
By and large, the cycling community will welcome you with open arms, and there’s no better way to improve your riding than sharing time in the saddle with others who share your passion. Sure, it’s natural to feel a little self-conscious in a group setting. The key is to not take it too seriously (and, really, how seriously can you be when everyone is wearing Lycra and Spandex).
Below are a few favorite races and/or rides. For a complete listing, check out BikeReg.com.
June 19
VTMonster Gravel Grinder
Newbury, N.H.
A 78-mile romp through central New Hampshire, beginning and ending at Mount Sunapee
Bond Brook Tread Fest
Augusta, Maine
Choose between 45-kilometer, 30-kilometer and 15-kilometer mountain bike routes
June 26
Trail Mix 100 Gravel Rhode Island Edition
Voluntown, Conn.
This fabulous 100-kilometer route incorporates dirt roads and some trails, but nothing too technical — the perfect route for anyone new to gravel riding
June 27
Coyote Hill Classic
Bradford, Vt.
Take you pick of four race routes — 18 miles, 12 miles, 6 miles or 2.5 miles.
Central Vermont Cycling Tour “Original Gravelgrinder”
Montpelier, Vt.
Among the best one-day bike tour routes in New England, featuring mountain vistas working farms, white-steepled churches, historic barns and waterfalls and lakes, the fully supported ride wraps up with a homestyle picnic dinner
July 5
Round Quabbin
Hardwick, Mass.
A 70-mile gravel fondo, with 5,500 feet of climbing, explores the long-abandoned network of roads that surrounds one of the largest reservoirs in the world
July 9-10
The Dirty Project
Norwich, Vt.
This two-day event (riders can choose to ride either day, or both) totals 130 miles (88 miles of dirt) and 13,645 feet of elevation gain
July 11
Maxxis ESC Intense Cycles DH Series/Maxxis ESC ENDURO Series
Thumder Mountain/Berkshire East, Charlemont, Mass.
Gravity racing at its finest, with both downhill and enduro disciplines
July 17
Carrabassett Backcountry Challenge
Carrabassett Valley, Maine
Three routes — 100 kilometer, 50 kilometer, 25 kilometer — cover a great mix of backcountry terrain winding through the unspoiled forests and hillsides of Carrabassett Valley and surrounding communities, consisting of technical singletrack, double track and dirt roads, with steep climbs and exciting downhills
Raid Lamoille
Craftsbury, Vt.
Hosted out of the Craftsbury Outdoor Center since 2012, Raid Lamoille traverses some of the most sublime gravel in the Northeast. Be sure to stay for the postride party.
July 18
Bikes for Bovines MTB Race
Keene, N.H.
Held at Stonewall Farm in Keene, this mountain bike event is a great family and spectator friendly venue, with proceeds supporting the Keene High School Nordic Ski Team Booster Club and Stonewall Farm
July 25
Plymouth Gravel Grinder
Plymouth, Mass.
Offering 55-mile (with 12 gravel sections) and 20-mile (with one gravel section) routes
Guilford Gravel Ginder (or The G3)
Guilford, Vt.
The fourth annual Guilford Gravel Grinder features some of the best rural dirt backroads in southern Vermont
Aug. 1
Maxxis ESC Intense Cycles DH Series/Maxxis ESC ENDURO Series
Bolton Valley, Vt.
Rooted Vermont presented by UnTapped
Richmond, Vt.
Featuring 48- and 82-mile routes, this celebration or Vermont’s gravel roads is close to Burlington
Kearsarge Klassic
Warner, N.H.
Relatively sane 55-mile and 35-mile options and, for the truly adventurous, an 83-mile route
Aug. 6-8
Vermont Gravel Camp presented by The Cycling Formula
Stowe, Vt.
Designed for both the experienced gravel racer looking to gain an edge or the casual intermediate rider looking to improve, this camp features the picturesque dirt roads and panoramic scenery of central Vermont
Aug. 7-8
Moat Mountain 24 Hours of Great Glen
Gorham, N.H.
A return to the classic 24-hour LeMans race format to Great Glen Trails, with teams competing all day and all night in the shadow of Mount Washington. There’s also a 12-hour version.
Cycle-Smart Massachusetts Cyclocross Camp
Southampton, Mass.
The 20th edition of this annual camp offers the chance to learn and practice cyclocross skills with experienced coaches and racers. The most popular, and most emulated, ’cross camp in North America, its unique attraction lies in its beautiful setting, fun atmosphere, mix of ability levels and personalities.
Aug. 12-15
The Vermont Challenge Tour
Stratton Mountain, Vt.
This will be the final year of this wonderful four-day tour of Vermont, from Manchester Center to Dorset. Limited to 100 riders. Don’t miss out.
Aug. 21
Deerfield, Dirt Road Randonee (D2R2)
Deerfield, Mass.
All three routes —– 180 kilometer, 100 kilometer, and a new 160 kilometer “mystery” ride — celebrate the landscape, the history, and the rural culture of western Massachusetts
Aug. 28
Rose Mountain Rumble
Lyndeborough, N.H.
The sixth annual Rose Mountain Rumble benefit gravel bike ride offers four routes — 20 miles, 40 miles, 50 miles and 100 kilometers
Aug. 29
Vermont Overland
West Windsor, Vt.
Don’t let the distance of 50 miles fool you. The Overland is tough, boasting 6,500 feet of climbing, seven sectors of “Vermont pavé” (unmaintained ancient public roads), two well-fortified sag stops, a magnificently scenic route and a terrific party afterward
Sept. 11-12
Maxxis ESC Intense Cycles DH Series/Maxxis ESC ENDURO Series
Sugarloaf, Carrabassett Valley, Maine
Sept. 14-19
TourXNewEngland presented by KC&E Adventures
Litchfield, Conn., to Woodstock, Vt.
This fully supported six-day, point-to-point ride from the Litchfield County Hills to the heart of the Green Mountains in lovely Woodstock. Traverse quiet back roads and dirt roads, averaging 40 to 60 miles and 3,000 to 6,000 feet of climbing (including Mount Greylock in Massachusetts) each day.
Sept. 26
Maxxis ESC Intense Cycles DH Series/Maxxis ESC ENDURO Series
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
Hancock, Mass.
Oct. 2
Maxxis ESC ENDURO Series
Powder Ridge Mountain Park
Middlefield, Conn.
Oct. 3
Maxxis ESC Intense Cycles DH Series
Powder Ridge Mountain Park
Middlefield, Conn.
