Pingree Farm Rd. Bridge

Why wait until evening?  Start your Fourth of July celebration early with either a 51 or 39 mile mixed terrain ride through some of the choice trails, paths, and railways of the North Shore.  

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 short 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
Saturday, July 4, 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
51 miles
Join Our Club

Enjoy riding with us?  Become a member of North Shore Cyclists!  Click THIS LINK to learn more and join.

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.