This is a charity ride to benefit the East Quabbin Land Trust, an organization that Cares for the Land that Sustains Us. NEW ROUTES for both distances! The ride tours through rural, central Massachusetts towns giving participants beautiful views of active farmlands, deep woods and multiple town commons. The route follows local roads with light traffic. Road conditions are generally good, though there are a few segments with worse conditions. The Long loop is a 46.4-mile ride with 3,800 feet of climbing and includes two sections of dirt road or rail trail. The Short loop is a 23.1-mile ride with 2,100 feet of climbing and one section of dirt rail trail. 

The ride starts and finishes at Farmer Matt’s, 860 West Brookfield Road, New Braintree. After the ride, locally-sourced Farm-to-Table food is available. Receive a $5-off coupon for a hamburger, hot dog or veggie burger with your choice of sides from Farmer Matt’s. See his delicious menu at https://farmermatt.com/. Take-home options are available too!

The rest stop for both the Long loop and Short loop rides is at the East Quabbin Land Trust’s headquarters, 120 Ridge Road, Hardwick, with sweeping views of the Ware River valley, bathroom facilities with snacks to refuel on. Other tour highlights include passing EQLT properties of Mass Central Rail Trail (New Braintree and Hardwick), Wendemuth Meadow (25 Bates Street, North Brookfield), Mandell Hill (660 Barre Road, Hardwick), Deer Park Preserve (481 Barre Road, Hardwick), Pynchon’s Grist Mill Preserve (165 Wickaboag Valley Road, West Brookfield), and Eva’s Woods (Ware Corner Road, Oakham).

The course maps (subject to change) can be found at:

Short Loop (23.1 miles)  - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50158187

Long Loop (46.4 miles) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49878836