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**Q: What is the plan if hurricane Lee affects our area on Saturday?**
A: We are watching the weather and will make the call to ride or cancel by Wednesday or Thursday, depending on when the weather predictions solidify. We'll provide more info and options via email when we make that call. Please know that your safety is very important to us and we're taking the weather predictions seriously. Thank you for your patience!
Q: Where does the ride start and end?
A: The ride starts and ends at Allyn Cox Reservation, 82 Eastern Ave., Essex, MA. There is parking on site, but we always encourage carpooling, if possible! It's a quick 1-minute walk or 10-second ride from the parking area to check in and the party tent. Bathrooms and changing rooms are available.
Q: Can I register the day of the ride?
A: Yes, day-of registration is at Cox Reservation, 7:30-8:45 am. The day-of reg fee is $125. Please note, our driveway will close at 8:45 so we can safely usher riders to the start line on the road. So please arrive early if you plan to register the day of the ride!
Q: Will there be food and drink after the ride?
A: Yes! When you pre-register, you'll be able to choose your lunch option from A&B Burgers. Lunch ordering is only available through Sept. 7, when we have to place our order with
the caterer. If you register after Sept. 7, please plan to bring your own lunch.
Beverages will be provided by Bent Water Brewing Co. All riders ages 21+ will get a ticket for 1 free beer included with your registration or pre-registration. You may purchase additional
beers directly from the beverage truck with cash or card.
Sports drink and water will be available for all riders and guests.
Q: What gear is required?
A: A bike appropriate for your chosen distance and terrain, and a helmet. The routes are all navigated using Ride with GPS, though the road routes have additional light marking (arrows at turns only), so you will need a fully charged smart phone. We will also have bracelets for you with the Safety and Gear Vehicle phone number at check in.
Q: Are there any aid stations along the course?
A: Yes!
50-mile road route: 2 aid stations
25-mile road route: 1 aid station
40-mile Gravel route: 1 self-serve aid station
28-mile Gravel route: 1 self-serve aid station
Q: What if I get a flat tire?
A: We encourage each rider to bring a repair kit, but there will also be a Safety and Gear (SAG) vehicle generously provided by Riverside Cycle! They can assist any rider along either of the
road routes with technical trouble with their bike.
Gravel Grinders, the SAG vehicle cannot reach you in the woods. Please carry any repair tools you might need with you! If you are near a road crossing, you can of course call for the SAG
vehicle to meet you at the road.
All riders will have a wrist band with the SAG vehicle dispatch phone number on it. Please note this is just for repairs or a pick up, not for a medical emergency. If you have a medical
emergency, please call 9-1-1.
82 Eastern Avenue
PO Box 1026
Essex, MA 01929
e. Contact by Email
p. 978.768.7241
Greenbelt thanks the photographers whose work is featured prominently on our website: Jerry Monkman, Dorothy Monnelly, Adrian Scholes, David Alden St. Pierre & Neil Ungerleider