The 2027 Massochistah! (A Fundraiser For Youth and Adaptive Cycling)

It's 2027, all over again!!!

Join Northampton Cycling Club for an exploration of the most scenic and challenging roads in western Massachusetts while supporting the expansion of cycling for all people in Hampshire and Franklin County.

ALL proceeds fund youth and adaptive cycling programs in Hampshire and Franklin County. We are completely volunteer-run to maximize support for these programs.

*253 years of tradition (give or take 249 years)

THE ETHOS

The Massochistah offers four distinct courses – each with its own character, all designed to challenge you. The longer courses were originally envisioned as spring warm-ups for Rasputitsa (RIP) and major gravel events. The shorter courses serve as an introduction to the great riding to be found in Western Massachusetts. 

While not a race, you will find PLENTY of motivation and maybe a few friendly rivalries along the way. In the past some very serious riders have used this as race prep for Rasputitsa, Unbound, Traka, etc.  The competitive spirit is alive and well here, particularly on the longer rides.  That said, this is not a race!  You will be riding on public roads and rights of way open to other users including walkers, cyclists, equestrians and motorized users.  Be aware of your surroundings at all times.  It is up to you to ensure crossing an intersection or a challenging section of trail is safe and within your abilities. 

Similarly, navigation is part of the challenge of these rides. If you are riding the MPC or Hurty, expect to receive a Ride with GPS route in the days before the event.  It is up to you to download the route (and the free app, if needed) to your smartphone, cycling computer or other device. We strongly recommend completing the download before traveling to the event.  The closer you get to the venue, the less reliable cell reception becomes. We will not have the resources to help you download the file and set up the app or your cycling computer when you arrive. You should have a strong working knowledge of the device you intend to use for navigation.  MPC and Hurty routes are not marked, so it is up to you to navigate the loop successfully!

If you are riding the Dirty or Flirty, the route will be marked. You will also be provided with a Ride with GPS file prior to the event and a cue sheet when you check-in.  Because route markings may move, disappear, or prove otherwise inaccurate, we strongly encourage Dirty and Flirty riders to track their own progress using a digital device or their cue sheet in addition to following route markers.  Navigating the short courses will be much less complicated than the long routes, but it is still possible to get lost!

You will experience a good bit of climbing, regardless of the route. The paved sections will be mostly low-traffic, although occasionally crossing or briefly following busier roadways is unavoidable.  The unpaved sections will range from smooth, recently-packed gravel to overgrown two-track jeep trails.  Some are maintained annually, but many are not.  You can expect to encounter surfaces such as loose rocks, tree roots, rock slabs, mud, slippery rocks and standing water, not to mention potholes and washboard.  We do our best to ensure routes are free of large logs or blow-downs, but cannot guarantee this.  Hills can be gentle or absurdly steep, but most are somewhere in-between.  Be ready to dismount your bike to get over an obstacle, up a hill, or through a slick situation.  Come prepared and willing to embrace the suck, even on the shorter rides.  Expect to get hungry, tired and dirty.

Of course, no suffering goes unrewarded!  Hot food, local beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and a full post-ride party are waiting for you back in Goshen!!

2027 ROUTES*

THE MARGARET PIWONKA CHALLENGE (aka MPC) — 8:00am Start

Course- TBD

The crown jewel. The beast. This is where reputations are made (mainly for crying).

Approximately 75 miles of jeep track, dirt roads, and pavement connectors. Some singletrack and hike-a-bike sections are possible. Plan on at least 120 ft/mi of elevation gain. If you don't know what that means, choose a different course.

What you need: A well-tuned bike with big tires (40mm+), big gears, and the skills and fitness to finish within 9 hours (approximate moving speed: 10mph). Most riders clock 5-7 hours on course.

The reality check: Due to the remote nature of portions of this route, be comfortable going 2.5-3 hours between fully stocked aid stations. If your bike breaks or you crash, it's a long walk—or longer wait—until help arrives. There will be time cutoffs at each of the two aid stations to ensure everyone gets a warm meal at the end.

The promise: An emailed, RWGPS route at least two days ahead of the event, two stocked aid stations and… an adventure. You'll love it. You’ll hate us. Then you’ll love us again when you get to the party at the finish line

THE HURTY — 9:00am Start

Course- TBD

The classic. Approximately 50 miles of quality dirt and pavement with brutal-but-doable climbs. Expect at least 100'/mi of elevation gain. This may not be the longest event, but it'll hurt just the same.

What you need: We recommend a gravel bike with well-functioning disc brakes and 35-45mm tires, though this route goes just fine on both road and gravel setups. The one you should choose depends on conditions and your comfort level on loose or washed-out descents. Most riders finish in 3.5-5 hours.

The promise: Stocked aid stations strategically placed 1.5-2 hours apart. At least one sag wagon on course for emergencies. A great ride and maybe some leg cramps to laugh about at the party. 

THE DIRTY — 10:00am Start

Course- TBD

The Dirty is a 25ish mile introduction, for those who want to flirt with hill town gravel without fear of major commitment; as our shortest option, it is also designed to be accessible for younger riders (accompanied by their adults).

What you need:  Just about any well-maintained bike with good gears and brakes.  Hybrid bikes, kids’ bikes, mountain bikes, road, gravel, CX should all work just great.  Just make sure you aren’t running some ultra-light tires that will deflate out of fear if they come within 5 feet of a rock – you gram-counters know who you are. It’s best to bring some snacks and a water bottle or two along with you to maintain energy and hydration.  During the ride the aid station always seem so very far away!

The promise: Both routes offer varied terrain with a little bit of everything. Expect to climb, but also to soak in beautiful spring scenery in western Massachusetts.  At least one stocked aid station and sag wagon support will be available.  Most riders finish in 2-3.5 hours.  IMPORTANT: Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, regardless of route.

 *We have moved the event from Ashfield to Goshen – new location, but same great routes!

WEATHER & CONDITIONS

The Massochistah is an early-season event. In the hill towns, early season can mean many different weather conditions – sometimes all of them on the same day!

Come prepared for winter conditions, but pack sunscreen and electrolytes for heat. Expect roads in all types of shape: perfect, muddy, snow covered, flooded, bone dry…. welcome to spring in Western New England.  This ain’t Boston.   Plan accordingly. 

Organizers will communicate course updates and conditions the week of the event and reserve the right to shorten routes due to extremely foul weather or impassable sections. 

The event will only be cancelled if local or state authorities recommend it, or if Massachusetts declares a state of emergency in the area. This is just about the only condition when we will consider issuing refunds, or offer entry carry-over to next year.  Since this event is a fundraiser, no refunds will be made if you decide not to ride due to bad weather or weather-related course modifications.  Thanks for understanding!