New England Randonneurs

Join NER in Vermont for a classic challenge on July 19th: the 6 gaps. Final course checks had been completed — the registration page is here. This is NER’s most challenging ride of the year in terms of average elevation gain.

Hey NERds,

June we are featuring 3 events (there are 4 different “rides” total) that for the regulars we all know and love; Registration for all 4 rides are up on BikeReg.

6/7/2025:  Portland DayTrip (400km) and Portland Express (200km).  Start time for both ride will be at 4:30am instead of 4am at Woburn HIE.  Very minor detour of the route from last year.  Ride page will have more detail.  Ride organizer (Tsun) is looking for 1 or 2 additional help at the Woburn finish (or simply supportive spouse to wait for their rider).  Please thank Rob G for providing a staff control at Wells this year and please also thank Christian R for opening their home and be the gracious host at the turn around point/Portland Finish for the 200km whenever you see him.

6/14/2025:  MidCoast Maine 300km.  5AM start at Sewall St Portland ME.  NER’s “easiest” 300km that is being offered this year.  Strava or Garmin climbing do egregiously estimate more climbing than actual due to all the bridges we crossed on this route.  If you don’t come for “easier” climbing, at least come for the company and the Pemaquid light house rest stop.  We are going to reuse the entire route so we will make eBrevet app use available for this ride but please stop further into the Pemaquid light house to look for your lunch and check in at the end of the ride at the hotel (we are likely to be outside if the weather is nice and in the lobby if the weather is lousy…).  For the Mainer here who may be available to help as volunteer, either contact the ride leader Mike A directly if you know him or via board@ner.bike.

6/28 to 29/2025:  White Mountain 600km.  4AM start again at Woburn HIE and we will more or less use the same route.  E-Brevet app will be an option as the EPP.  Challenging yet scenic 600km ride involve climbing the Kagamancus Hwy (hopefully before sunset).  Overnight at the Westbrook Community center.  Expect to be fueled by NER volunteers at the overnight and ride on the remaining ~200km with stride (and much more forgiving terrain).  As above, please contact board@ner.bike (which ride organizer Jacob will get a message) if you would like to volunteer.

Please note that the starting/finishing hotels are not associated with the ride other than we are having/had grace with them in prior years.  Hotel cost doesn’t look terribly bad this year (in comparison to previous years) but room sharing/car pooling are highly encouraged.  For all 3 rides (sans the one way 200km) if riders bring their own towels, you can expect to have shower access immediately after the ride at Tsun’s hotel room.

Hope our mind and body meet somewhere in Maine (or adjacent) in June.

Tsun and NER board

On May 3rd NER had first VT brevet of 2025: A semi-dirt 200k out of Waterbury, VT It was the fourth wet NER event of the year and the fourth in a row with pouring rain for most of the event. But we still had a nice turn out with 23 riders starting the dirt-heavy, fairly hilly 200k and only one rider deciding to end their attempt early. Results have been posted at normal spot: https://results.ner.bike

On May 10th, NER had a 200k & 300k out of Concord, MA. You can read Emily O’Brien’s pre-ride report or Jake’s post-ride organizer’s report.

On the weekend of May 16th we have the annual New England Fleche and Trace team events. In 2025 we’re going to Old Saybrook, CT. These team events are often considered the highlight of the randonneuring season as you get to ride with friends on a route you design. New for 2025 we also have “Open Invitation” teams that use a route designed by the organizer. If you’ve wanted to participate but didn’t have team, this is a nice option. Please email organizer Jake with questions about this team event: jakekassen@gmail.com. Applications for teams are due May 11th but late registrations will be considered.