Each loop is designed to be able to be ridden by any experienced rider with an appropriate bike. The start/finish area is a rest stop off route 1 in Newcastle.
What started as a series of mixed surface routes shared at the beginning of the pandemic has morphed into a weekend of fun running and riding to raise money for the Schmid Preserve in Edgecomb. There are bathroom facilities as well as a place to dip in the water quick after your ride if the tide is right. There are no stores on any of the loops, so come prepared with everything you may need. Howev
er, there is at least one brewery stop option on each loop. Loops 1 & 2 pass by Oxbow Brewing in Newcastle and loop 3 passes by both Oxbow and Sheepscot Brewing. There is minimal water/mud on any of the loops. What little there is can either be ridden or easily walked around. There is generally good cell reception on all three loops, but it does drop out for periods of time. Be prepared! Loop 1 is approximately 22 miles and includes a mix of paved road, dirt road and woods road. This loop is suitable for a cx, gravel or mountain bike. This loop is very easy to follow with the provided gps track. Most riders will be able to complete this loop in 2-3 hours. Loop 2 is approximately 40 miles and includes a mix of paved road, dirt road, woods road, 4-wheeler trails and single track. This loop is most suitable for a mountain bike but a cx/gravel bike can handle 90% of the route quite easily. One section of the loop is very uh "back country" but the gps track will get you through this section (less than 1/2 mile). the section is also clearly visible in the Strave heatmap. Skilled riders will be ok on a cx/gravel bike. Less skilled riders will be very sad... Most riders will complete this loop in 3-5 hours. Loop 3 is approximately 64 miles and includes a mix of paved road, dirt road, woods road, 4-wheeler trails and a healthy amount of single track. There are a couple of uh "back country" sections, but the gps route and Strava heatmap will get you through just fine. You will be wicked sad if you attempt this route on anything but a mountain bike. Come prepared, the fastest riders will take AT LEAST 5 hours to finish this route. Most will take well over 6 hours to complete this route. You will pass stores at about miles 12 and 16. There are no other stores on the route, but there is a place to fill your water at the Hidden Valley Nature center at about the mid way point.
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