Pingree Farm Rd. Bridge

Before firing up the Barbie, before chilling some beverages, before sitting down to a great Labor Day picnic, come on out for NSC's Firecracker, two gravel routes to set right your holiday and your appetite.  

The routes, 51 or 39 miles, pass through rail trails, fire roads thru forests, and single track through meadows and woods.  The routes are mostly
Category 2

Dirt/gravel roads, wide single-track, or dual-track trails with potholes, washboard, and occasional loose surfaces. Larger tires size and lower pressure is recommended.  
Ideal bike: Endurance, all-road, or gravel 
Tire size:  32-35mm  
See Types of Gravel Rides

except for a segment on the long route that is
Category 3

Infrequently maintained trails and roads requiring a higher skill level. Use  30-40 psi tire pressure, depending on your weight and the minimum sidewall rating. 
Ideal bike: Gravel bike 
Tire size: 33-40mm 
See Types of Gravel Rides

.   

Please have bikes ready to roll at 9:15 am before the pre-ride safety talk.  

Gravel ride
Category 2 Dirt/gravel roads, wide single-track, or dual-track trails with potholes, washboard, and occasional loose surfaces. Larger tires size and lower pressure is recommended.  
Ideal bike: Endurance, all-road, or gravel 
Tire size:  32-35mm  
See Types of Gravel Rides
Monday, September 7, 2026 at 9:30am
MassDOT Parking Area
12 Park St
Topsfield MA 01983
Routes
Please download this latest version of the routes before each ride.
Route Miles Elev.* Print Files
FireCracker 38 40 1,370 Cue sheet Send to device
FireCracker 51 51 1,982 Cue sheet Send to device
* Elev. is the elevation gain in feet.
Route maps
40 miles, 42% unpaved
51 miles, 48% unpaved
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First Time NSC Riders

First Time NSC Riders (or anyone else with questions) please review the First-Time NSC Riders Q&A.

NSC Ride Safety Culture

For the safety of riders including you, please adhere to all of the NSC safety guidelines and Bicycle Law/ Courtesy guidelines.