NE DIrt

On this episode of New England Dirt, I'm joined by Seth Page and Stuart Horner of Gigantic Hawk Racing, 2 of the 4 event organizers responsible for bringing Single Speed New England to life. I'm also joined by Taylor Clark and Paul Martin, members of the Clark Brothers' Racing team who came out in force for the first annual New England Single Speed event.

This episode is recorded live at the event, so I apologize in advance for any inconsistencies in the audio, as well as the background noises from other attendees and weather.

Overall this event was a freaking blast. Great times with some truly fun people. There was a ton of local community support that made this event happen, especially from Hub North and Big Day Brewing.

For more information on Single Speed New England visit: Single Speed New Egland on Facebook or on Instagram, and to register visit their page on BikeReg.

Thanks to the sponsors of Single Speed New England for helping to make this all happen! Go show them some love!

• Moat Mountain Brewing

• Big Day Brewing

• Hub North

• Coos Cycling Club

• Forty Four Bikes

• Hand Up Gloves

• Endless Bike Co

• Esker Cycles

• Stans

I hope you enjoy this episode and if you're remotely interested in bad ass mountain bike events, keep an eye out for Single Speed New England to return in 2025.

Welcome to another episode of "Why We Ride" on New England Dirt, the show that brings you the joys of riding bikes on dirt here in New England. As always, I'm your host MTB Ben! In this episode I'm joined by Noelle Battle, Executive Director of Bikepacking Roots, a Not for profit organization dedicated to supporting, advancing, and diversifying the bikepacking community, the access to lands for bikepacking, and conservation of the places we ride.

I was just recently named one of the board members of Bikepacking Roots, and I wanted to take some time to bring more attention to this amazing organization. We are in the middle of our summer fundraising campaign and in order to help increase awareness of this effort and ask for your support, I thought it was only right to invite Noelle on to talk with me.

Noelle and I discuss her background a bit to learn more about why she rides and how she got involved in bikepacking. How that led to her becoming the Executive Director of Bikepacking Roots. We also learn more about the organization, how it was founded and why, plus what the mission of the organization is all about. We also talk about the fundraiser, what it supports, and how you can win some really cool prizes.

You can learn more by visiting bikepackingroots.org. Please also visit the summer fundraising campaign and if possible make a contribution.

Follow Bikepacking Roots at facebook.com/bikepackingroots on Facebook and @bikepackingroots on Instagram.

As always I love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with me anytime you want. Email [email protected] or on instagram @MTBBEN603 or @NE_Dirt_Podcast

I hope you enjoy this episode, and if possible can make a small donation!

Over the years I've learned that even some of your closest friends have some of the greatest stories to tell and lessons to teach. I've had the pleasure of recording many episodes with various friends since I launched this pod back in 2018. But in this episode, you'll hear from one of my best friends, Pat Engleman, who is a lifelong cyclist, event and race organizer, NICA Coach, and all around good dude. Simply put, Pat is as dedicated to getting more people on bikes as anyone I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, riding with, or getting to know. The fact that I get to call him a dear friend is something I'm honored to do.

Pat and I delve deep into his childhood, growing up on the bike, his family dynamics and exploring the world on two wheels. We then transition into his young adulthood - his ventures into being a bike messenger, working for some of the country's top bike shops, and eventually landing at Keswick Cycles, the same bike shop that I worked at in Philadelphia.

We move on to Pat's current role within the cycling world, especially the growth of cycling in the North East PA area, including his two gravel events Lu Lacka Wyco Hundo and the Starrucca Crossing. We also discuss what Pat's legacy is and how his biggest goal is to increase awareness of, and appreciation for NE PA region as an active sports area, suitable for endless joy on the bike.

Why we ride was intended to bring stories like Pat's to the New England Dirt audience. We all have great stories and experiences that drive us to ride the bike. I hope you find inspiration and joy in my conversation with Pat, who truly leads by example.

Thank you again for tuning into this episode of New England Dirt! Please take some time to learn more about Pat's events at his website Cliff View Productions. Also make sure to check out the NEPA region for a great next cycling trip, as well as the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and their work in protecting and developing cycling resources in the region.

As always I love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with me anytime you want. Email [email protected] or on instagram @MTBBEN603 or @NE_Dirt_Podcast

Until next time, I hope you get a chance to ride your bike today!

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of New England Dirt, the show that brings you the joys of riding bikes on dirt here in New England. As always, I'm your host MTB Ben!

In this episode of New England Dirt, I'm joined by Brian Gilman and Eric Corum, local riders who, along with their partners Seth Page and Stuart Horner of Gigantic Hawk Racing have teamed up to create Single Speed New England. A single speed race, ride, and party that will bring together a fun loving community of riders late June in Gorham NH (exact dates are Friday the 28th through Sunday the 30th).

Continuing with my new Why We Ride series, Brian, Eric, and I discuss the ins and outs of single speed mountain biking, why they both choose to commit to a single gear, and how this community of riders are truly a welcoming, albeit rambunctious, group of down to earth cyclists.

We also take some time to discuss the event world that surrounds and supports the single speed mountain bike community, discussing Brian and Eric's involvement in events like Single Speed Worlds and Single Speed USA. We talk about how Brian, Eric, and their partners Seth and Stuart joined forces to make Single Speed New England a reality.

Hope you enjoy this episode. We had a fun time recording it.

For more information on Single Speed New England visit: Single Speed New Egland on Facebook or on Instagram, and to register visit their page on BikeReg.

Thanks to the sponsors of Single Speed New England for helping to make this all happen! Go show them some love!

• Moat Mountain Brewing

• Big Day Brewing

• Hub North

• Coos Cycling Club

• Forty Four Bikes

• Hand Up Gloves

• Endless Bike Co

As always I love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with me anytime you want. Email [email protected] or on instagram @MTBBEN603 or @NE_Dirt_Podcast

Until next time, I hope you get a chance to ride your bike today!

New England Dirt is back for another season with a new series, "Why We Ride" which focuses on the reason behind the ride for MTB Ben, his friends, and those who inspire him.

MTB Ben gives a very personal look into his past few months, beaten down by depression and self-doubt he struggled to not only find inspiration to record new episodes for NE DIrt, but to also just go out and ride.

After a close friend suggested a new series - "Why We Ride" - Ben found the inspiration he was looking for. The next 35-ish minutes will bring you into his world, his struggles with hitting the mid point in his life, and his goals with this new series.

We hope you enjoy.

To reach out to Ben with questions, feedback, or anything - email him at [email protected], or on Instagram @ne_dirt_podcast.

In this episode, inspired by a recent bikepacking trip in Vermont, MTB Ben talks with Greg Western, Executive Director of the Cross Vermont Trail Association.

This past Labor Day Weekend, Ben and his buddy Kris Ivers (who you might remember from Adventures in Bikepacking Ep 2) and I rode the Rivers, Ridges, and Rails bikepacking route through North East Vermont.

This 75 mile, overnight route starts in St. Johnsbury VT, following route 5 south into Wells River, where you pick up the Cross VT Trail west through Groton State Forest (where you camp for the night) and then into Marshfield VT. Here riders leave the Cross VT trail to climb up over Cabot and into Danvers where the Lamoille Valley Rail trails return "Loopers" (this is what the state park staff refers to riders bikepacking the route) to St. Johnsbury.

Hands down, the most enjoyable section of this route is the section that follows the Cross VT Trail. This portion follows 25 of the 90 multi-use miles of path which connects towns, communities and natural areas across Vermont. Riders can start anywhere along the route, or go the whole length from Lake Champlain to the Connecticut River in New Hampshire.

Greg shares a bit of background about his experience as a trail builder, and the history of the Cross Vermont Trail starting back in the 90's. The two discuss the difference between wilderness/natural trails (Like the Appalachian or Long Trail) versus community trails like the Cross VT trail.

As they dig deeper into the importance of the Cross VT Trail and how that has positively impacted the communities it connects, Ben and Greg discuss the trail users, how bikepackers have begun to connect routes via the Cross VT Trail, and how that has inspired other trails to form, like the Cross NH Trail.

They wrap the conversation with discussing the most recent storms that hit Vermont in June and July, damaging many sections of the trail. As the two wrap the show they advocate for help, not only for the Cross VT Trail, but for all trails. Many forms of assistance are needed, from financial contribution, to actual trail maintenance and building. Look to connect with your local trail org, or visit crossvermont.org to get involved.

Hope you enjoyed this episode. Remember to please like, comment, and follow this podcast, which helps to spread the word!

Show Links:

Cross Vermont Trail

Rivers, Ridges, and Rails Bikepacking Route

Bikepacking.com

Bikepackingroots.org

Ride With GPS

Groton State Forest

MTB Ben is joined by longtime friend and accomplished bike pack racer Maggie Livelsberger in this episode of New England Dirt.

In 2023 Maggie has competed in, won, and recorded an FKT in three major Bikepacking races, The DOOM in Ozark, AK, The Coast to Coast in Michigan, and the GRUSK in West Virginia – all on a single speed Otso Fenrir.

The duo catches up on old times before Maggie talks about how she got into endurance sports, from swimming to running and eventually bike pack racing. Maggie then shares her highs and lows while learning to compete in endurance bike pack racing and what led her from doing her first century with her Uncle (which took all day) to now being one of the top female bikepacking racers in the country. She shares her shakedown trips in her home state of PA and on the VTXL before diving into the AK High Country race in 2022. The two then discuss Maggie's experience this year so far winning Doom, Coast to Coast, and GRUSK. The wrap everything up by talking gear and how the support and comradery of the bike pack racing community is truly set up to welcome anyone into the sport. Maggie's final word of "don't wait" is inspiring and should help motivate anyone remotely interested in bikepacking and bike pack racing.

Make sure you check out the first video edition of this episode on the New England Dirt YouTube Channel!

For more information about Maggie, her previous accomplishments and upcoming race schedule follow her on Instagram at @Large_Marge

For more information on the races:

· DOOM

· Coast to Coast

· GRUSK

Follow MTB Ben at @mtbben603 or @ne_dirt_podcast on instagram. Visit nedirt.com for more podcasts on Bikepacking, Mountain Biking in New England, and more! Email MTB Ben at [email protected]

MUSIC:

Provided by epidemicsound.com – check them out for more resources on music for creators.

When I originally started this podcast back in 2018 my goal was to shed a light on the amazing mountain biking we have here in New England. I wanted to highlight the trails, groups, brands, shops, and community that makes this region of the world what it is. If you missed any of my original shows which were featured as part of the Mountain Bike Radio Network, go check out the link on NE Dirt.com for the archived shows on Spotify.

As I was talking about the show with one of my riding buddies and giving him the backstory it dawned on me that I've never given a rundown of my favorite riding spots here. I get asked all the time for recommendations on places to ride, from all skill levels too. My goal here is to not provide a comprehensive list on the riding areas, trails, and communities that are great for beginners, advanced, or expert riders, nor is it intended to be a travel guide of places to go and things to see. This is purely just me raving about some of my favorite places to go.

As I worked through this list I started with a blank canvas - if I were to pack up my gear and head out today - where would I want to go ride RIGHT NOW… that was the simple basis to crafting this list. Strip away all the ego, pressure, influence, etc… Where do I want to ride right now…

So here is my list, in no particular order, of my TOP 5 Favorite MTB spots in New England.

1. Adams Camp - Stowe VT

   1. About 14 miles of trail

   2. Climb up for an amazing playground

   3. Take your time to explore and session features

   4. Don't miss:

      1. Serenity and Adrenaline

      2. Haulapalooza

      3. Cheddar to Shredder to Kimmers

2. Carrabassett Valley - Maine

   1. Features over 75 miles located across 4 different PODs - or riding centers all interconnected by various connector trails

   2. Fun spot worth the drive and a couple of days dedicated to exploring

   3. Varied terrain and conditions

   4. Don't Miss:

      1. Newton's Revenge w/a stop at the Stratton Brook Hut

      2. Jabba the Hut

      3. Bob's Bruiser

3. Coos Trails - Gorham NH

   1. 22 miles throughout Moose Brook State Park (great camping spot) and through town of Gorham

   2. Something for everyone!

   3. Cool Enduro style area behind the Gorham airport

   4. Don't miss:

      1. For Pete's Sake

      2. Baggage Claim

      3. Howie Roll

4. Perry Hill - Waterbury Area Trails Association - Waterbury VT

   1. 10-miles

   2. Climb up - rip down!

   3. Cool cliff side climbs on the way up

   4. Don't miss:

      1. Burning Spear

      2. Joe's

      3. Six Flags

5. Ascutney Outdoors - Ascutney/Brownsville VT

   1. 35+ miles, climbing a Monadnock (stand alone mountain - extinct volcano)

   2. Great variety of technical terrain and flow

   3. Beautiful beach or birch glades with trails winding through

   4. Don't miss:

      1. Boulder Dash

      2. Rock N Roll

      3. The Grassy Knoll

Honorable Mentions:

1. Millstone Trails - Barre VT

2. NOCO - North Conway NH

3. Vietnam - Milford, Mass

4. Cady Falls - Morrisville, VT

5. Boston Lot - Lebanon, NH

Places I Still Need To Ride:

1. Lynn Woods - Lynn, Mass

2. Pine Hills, Plymouth, Mass

3. Arrowhead, Claremont NH

4. Diamond Hill, Cumberland, RI

• Check out my YouTube: NE Dirt

• Follow me on instagram:

• Ne_dirt_podcast

• Mtbben603

• email : [email protected]

Thanks for listening!

Part 2 of the Great Belgium Randonnee get's us back into the mix with MTB Ben and Aidan. They continue their adventure where we left them at the tiny trailer. Aidan has to start the day with a 7km round trip ride into Malmady to get some money to pay for the trailer the boys slept in, and then they're off again on the Ardennes Abralete.

After another great day on the bike - with some more substantial climbing, which leads Ben to crack due to calorie depletion, they make it into St. Viht. A planned side trip into one of the instrumental cities during the Battle of the Buldge. The guys enjoy more great food and brews, before calling it a night.

The following day the guys wake up ready to get back on the route and have a night outdoors. Unfortunately due to yet another mechanica (4 in 4 days for those of you keeping track) the guys are sidelined and stay another night in St. Viht.

They decide to take their trip to different lands, after coming to the realization that maybe Beligum doesn't want them there. This epsiode ends with the guys recapping their adventures (folies) on the Ardennes, discuss what they would do differently if they were to attempt the route again, and find comfort in the fact that while they didn't accomplish the goal of finishing the ride, they had an amazing time with what they did do.

As always, thanks for S&W Sport in Concord NH for sponsoring this episode.

In Part 1 of this 2 part episdoe, MTB Ben and his son Aidan take you on their journey riding the Ardennes Arbalete in Belgium.

After a day full of traveling, they explore the city of Brussels by bike visiting beer gardens, the EU Parliment, and some local cafes for tasty food. Day 1 of the ride, Ben and Aidan hop a train to Liege and begin their ride on the Arbalete route. After learning that everything was closed due to the Easter Holiday, they travel to a hotel in Verviers so they can do some much needed supply shopping before continuing on the route. Day 2 the boys begin to really get into the hills and forests of the Ardennes. Aidan exeperinces some mechanical set backs (Spoiler alert - they get worse as the trip continues), but the guys are able to do some field repair and continue riding.

Part 1 ends with Ben and Aidan camped out in a tiny trailer at a campground too keep them out of the rain. They discuss their adventurs up to this point, over coming adversity which is a common need on larger bikepacking trips, and the tasty beer they were able to enjoy at a local brewery.

Part 2 picks up on Day 3 and will be out shortly.

Show links: - The Ardennes Arbalete - Belgium Peak Beer Brewery