Faces of Greenbelt: Dan Tieger and Noah Leavitt, Cyclists, Advocates, Supporters

Dan Tieger and Noah Leavitt are devoted gravel riders who are energized by the sense of adventure that comes with getting off paved roads and into the woods. They both love exploring the region’s vast network of interconnected trail systems, communing with nature, and discovering beautiful hidden landscapes not accessible by car.

Committed to building a strong cycling community, they also enjoy organizing group rides and encouraging others to experience the unique rewards of venturing off the beaten path.

In that spirit, Dan and Noah launched Greenbelt’s annual Gravel Bike Meetup, now in its fifth year. The upcoming ride takes place on Saturday, May 3, starting at Vineyard Hill Reservation in Hamilton and winding through a number of adjoining state forests and conserved lands. This free event covers 25–35 miles — distance depending on trail conditions — and welcomes cyclists of all paces. Pre-registration is required.

“What’s really fantastic about gravel riding in this area is how you can link together so many different trails and properties with minimal on-road time,” says Noah, a Danvers resident, who organizes a number of popular group rides in the region. “That’s what this Gravel Meetup is all about — showcasing how you can navigate the North Shore through a mixture of Greenbelt and other protected lands, rail trails, and a wide variety of different paths without relying on busy streets.”

“These gravel rides are a great way to raise awareness about Greenbelt’s conservation work, highlight some of its beautiful properties, and connect with new people,” says Dan, a longtime Manchester resident with a deep and impressive cycling résumé that includes years of cyclocross racing and helping to develop the Border to Boston Trail — a growing 70-mile network of multiuse pathways linking communities from the New Hampshire border to Boston.

In fact, it was Dan who spearheaded the addition of a gravel route to the Tour de Greenbelt cycling fundraiser in 2018 (after years of trying), introducing an off-road alternative that broadened the event’s appeal to a wider cycling audience. He’s remained actively involved ever since, continuing to fine-tune the route over the years. This year’s ride returns on September 20, featuring up to 40 miles of mixed terrain that winds through a variety of scenic Greenbelt properties.

When they’re not leading group rides or checking out new routes, Dan and Noah are out cycling themselves — a lot. Noah rides between 6,500 and 7,500 miles a year, while Dan, more than three decades his senior, still averages around 5,000. They both cycle year-round in all kinds of weather — just not when it’s icy.

“One of my favorite things after a group ride is when someone comes up and says, ‘Wow, I never knew that trail even existed,’” says Noah. “That’s what makes these gravel events so fun. It feels like we’re opening up a whole new world for people to explore.”
​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Off the bike, Dan and Noah bring a wealth of professional experience to their cycling advocacy and outreach efforts. Dan retired in 2021 after a distinguished career as a physicist in the semiconductor industry, while Noah currently serves as the Director of Marketing and Communications at Northeast Arc in Danvers.