Valley Mass 2026

Join us for the inaugural Valley Mass bikepacking adventure – a 178-mile journey. This self-supported route climbs 17,000 feet through Western Massachusetts’ most diverse landscape, connecting the Five College scene of Northampton with the rugged independence of communities like Charlemont and Wendell. You’ll ride from ancient glacial lakebeds to metamorphic highlands, tracing paths used by indigenous peoples for millennia and experiencing the dramatic shift from valley coffee houses to hilltown general stores.


The Memorial Day weekend grand depart (Saturday, May 24th, 8:30 AM) brings together adventure cyclists looking to race and those up for more mellow holiday weekend adventuring. While completely self-supported, you’ll have the camaraderie of fellow riders and the knowledge that others are tackling the same challenging mix of gravel roads, hiking trails, and technical singletrack. Recommended are aggressive 45c+ tires and decent technical riding skills (this is not a gravel route) . Resupply opportunities exist but require planning – this is true backcountry cycling through some of New England’s most beautiful and varied terrain.

There are ample options to shorten this ride if needed- just go downhill to the CT River and ride flat farm roads back to Northampton.

Camping available Friday night before the Depart.

RSVP at using the form: forms.gle/HLeNSCCbdj3Cg5Ft7

Find the RWGPS event here.