{"id":48,"date":"2011-02-16T13:03:26","date_gmt":"2011-02-16T13:03:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nerandonneurs.org\/nersite\/?p=48"},"modified":"2026-03-07T09:07:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T14:07:01","slug":"boston-300k","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ner.bike\/nersite\/?p=48","title":{"rendered":"MA 200k\/300k – Fifty Barns 300k & Royal Athols 200k"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ride Information<\/h2>\n

Start\/Finish Location:<\/b> 300 Baker Ave Extension, Concord, MA (See below for specifics)
\n300k Start Time:<\/strong> 5am
\n200k Start Time: <\/strong> 6am
\nNote different start times for 200 & 300k!<\/span>
\nLength:<\/b> 302k \/ 188mi or 206k \/ 128mi
\nTime Limit:<\/b> 20 Hours (300k) or 13.5 Hours (200k)
\nRide Leader:<\/b> Jake Kassen
\nLighting:<\/b> Lights & reflective gear required for 300k.
\nSanctioning:<\/b> ACP
\n300k Map, Track, and Cue:<\/b> https:\/\/ridewithgps.com\/routes\/46432365<\/a>
\n200k Map, Track, and Cue:<\/b> https:\/\/ridewithgps.com\/routes\/42207659<\/a><\/p>\n

Update March 7th, 2026:<\/b> In 2026 we’re using the Fifty Barns 300k route and the Royal Athols 200k route, both last used in 2024. Check<\/p>\n

Notable Change for 2025:<\/strong> Tweedo’s (Control at mile 43) now opens at 10am, too late for most riders on the 300k. There is a C-Store in Ashburnham at mile 38 (noted in cue\/rwgps) which is the last on-route services until Barre center at mile 66. Riders are highly encouraged to stop in Ashburnham unless they are confident they have enough food and water for the first 100k. Both routes pass relatively few stores so rider should plan accordingly. Places to buy food and water are noted on route.<\/p>\n

Parking\/Start Location: 300 Baker Ave Extension parking lot. Park away from the hotel.<\/p>\n

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300 Baker Ave Extension Map – Click to enlarge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lighting and Reflective Gear: Sunset is at 8:05pm. All riders (both distances) finishing after 7:30pm MUST BE WEARING REFLECTIVE GEAR AND LIGHTS. Riders will be checked at the start to ensure they start regulation safety gear and must use said gear starting with sundown.<\/p>\n

Controls: NER supported control in Ashburnham, MA (Both Distance) and Holland, MA (300k Only). Other locations are at local merchant where water and snacks can be purchased.<\/p>\n

Dirt & Pavement Conditions: Both distances are fully paved, however poor pavement will be found in many sections.<\/p>\n

Route Overview 2025 Version, Stay tuned for 2026 update<\/strong><\/i><\/p>\n

After many years of using a 300k route which traveled past the Conn. River we figured it was time for something new. After months of planning, checking, and riding a brand new route has been established. I (Jake) think this is one of the nicest brevet routes in Eastern NE but would love to hear comments from riders. A description is below.<\/p>\n

Leg 1 (200k, 300k) – It wouldn’t be a 300k without a stop at the famous Tweedo’s so that’s were riders will head. With the new start location in Concord it’s quicker to get to Ashburnham so no more stopping at the Dunkin’ in Harvard. Riders will leave out the back of the office park, cut through West Concord (last chance for snacks) and take the traditional roads to South Action before heading northwest. Much of this section is similar to previous years which is to say rural and hilly. Yes, Cushing (CRushing) hill remains perhaps steepest climb of the ride but it’s also pretty short.<\/p>\n

Leg 2 (200k, 300k) – From Tweedo’s the route heads almost due south though some of Massachusett’s small central west towns. IMHO, this is about as nice of a leg as they come. Almost no cars, rolling hills, small farms, interesting sites. It’s gorgeous and challenging but with some nice long descents to give riders a break. First, we pass Smith’s Country Cheese into Templeton, MA and then continue to Barre and finally to Hardwick. In Hardwick all riders have a chance to stop at the newly opened Mini’s Coffeehouse — the only store in the town. For 200k riders Hardwick is a control town and they’ll turn East to head back toward Concord. 300k riders will continue south (stopping optional) to Ware and into the DCR park in the south section of the Quabbin. There’s a long climb up to an overlook but it’s not too steep and the pavement is in good shape. Once at the top you can see 100,000 acres of pristine wilderness guarding Boston’s water supply. The overlook is an info control so be warned you still have another 10-15 miles until the next chance for water and snacks.<\/p>\n

Leg 3 (300k) – Enjoy the nice long descent out of the park and along the Swift River through Bondville and to Palmer. In Palmer there are plenty of chances for a meal for those who want a hot lunch. Leaving town you’ll pass the old Monson Developmental Center, an enormous, now closed state hospital. From there the route enters Monson which is a wealthy central Mass\/CT border town. From Monson riders go East to European cities of Wales and Holland. In Holland we’ll have a supported control with snacks and water.<\/p>\n

Leg 4 (300k) – From Holland the route heads North staying on the small farm routes through Brimfield (Antiques, anyone?) and on many of the roads representing the original ‘Boston Post Road’ which was the primary route between Boston and New York in the early 1700s. Riders will pass the large State Police training facility in New Braintree and drip through Oakham which riders of the MA 200k will recall. Finally the 200k & 300k routes rejoin in Rutland where there’s another chance for a food. In Rutland riders of Boston distances should put on their reflective gear and lights if they hadn’t already.<\/p>\n

Leg 5 (200k, 300k) – You’re in the home stretch now. From Rutland you’ll take some back roads to Sterling which many riders will know from NER’s early 100k. It’s a straight shot back to Concord at this point with less then 40 miles to go. Back at the Concord Hotel we’ll have snacks and if you arrive early enough you can even buy a beer at the hotel bar.<\/p>\n

So why should<\/strong> you ride the 300k?<\/p>\n