The area around Rutland is Gravel Gold! Some of the area nearby was taken as part of the Quabbin Reservoir project in the 1930s. Settlements were removed, and few roads were ever paved. Also, there are two excellent dirt rail trails in the area- the Mass Central, and the Ware River Valley. This makes for ideal gravel riding, with little but beautiful woods and meadows to ride through.
Also, there are two very interesting sights on the rides- the Barre Falls Dam with its crazy engineering, (Ware River Diversion - Wikipedia), and the Rutland Prison Camp ruins.
There are 33 and 44 mile options, both starting at 10 am. Both are about 50% dirt road, 15% bike path, 35% paved road, and 0% single track with about 67 ft/mile of climbing. Note that at about mile 4 there is a ~1/4 mile section that is a bit technical (at least for gravel bikes). Best to walk if you are uncomfortable on this. Also, the routes cross route 122 a few times. Use caution- the traffic is fast moving!
Please wear bright colors! While there is no hunting on Sunday in MA, it’s best to be extra cautious.
RAIN CANCELS! If the ride is cancelled, a notice will be posted by 10 pm the night before.
For food, please bring a snack and enough water for the ride. There is no planned lunch stop. The plan is to eat a late lunch and enjoy a beer after the ride at the Milk Room Brewery. (The food truck will be “Fired Up Pizza”.) Milk Room Brewery is a 100% outdoor facility, so you’ll also want to bring warm clothes for after the ride.
Ride Leader: Wes DeNering, 508-397-6450.
Routes:
Medium: Milk Room Brewery 33 - A bike ride in Rutland, MA (ridewithgps.com)
Long: Milk Room Brewery 44 - A bike ride in Rutland, MA (ridewithgps.com)
