About Raid Rockingham
OG Gravel! Launched in 2012, Raid Rockingham has grown to be one of New England’s premier gravel events. In our first year we operated out of a construction zone behind the historic Newmarket Mills which were undergoing redevelopment at the time, we had about 75 riders. We now host more than 450 riders each year.
Raid Rockingham combines elements of the area’s best gravel roads on a supported course, with a great party awaiting you at the finish. There will be cold craft beer on tap and some tasty grub to match, all at at the legendary Stone Church Music Club!
The beauty of Raid Rockingham is that it holds something for every rider, from the gravel-curious to the seasoned veteran. Our 2 route distance choices, gravel segments peppered with paved transitions and a moderate amount of climbing allow each rider to meet their own personal challenge.
General Event Info
Based out of the historic mill town of Newmarket NH, the event offers participants not only an incredible day of riding but also a custom rider gift and an after-party spread featuring mouth-watering grub and craft beer!
Ride Start
Newmarket High School 213 S. Main St Newmarket NH
Park
Plenty of parking at the High School and nearby Elementary School lots.
REGISTRATION:
Packet pick up opens at 7:30AM on ride day (Sunday June 2nd), Newmarket High School 213 S. Main St Newmarket NH
How
The ride may be conducted on a properly prepared, gravel-ready bicycle.
Start
Roll off is at 9AM
Routes
45-mile & 60-mile options (60-miler includes an optional, bonus Class VI segment). Have it it your way! Routes will be marked and, for self-navigation, cue sheets and GPX (or similar) files will be provided.
Our “Intro to Gravel” category uses the 45-Mile route and is perfect for those riders new to gravel. Our experienced Ride Guides and “no-drop” approach make for a welcoming environment!
45-Mile route info linked here
60-Mile route info linked here
Party
The ride finishes at The Stone Church Music Club and they'll host a great post-ride party for us. The party starts around 11AM and starts winding down at 2PM, plan accordingly! Note: The Stone Church is approx. 4/10ths of a mile from the Start venue, a short ride back after the party. We will have a bag drop at the Start if you'd like a change of clothes at the finish.
Field Size
For 2024 we are again limiting registration to 450 riders. This event sells out! No waitlist but we have a convenient and popular transfer option - see below.
Beneficiary
A portion of your registration fee will go to the Newfields Sno-Raiders - a local club that does phenomenal trail maintenance! You are also welcomed to add a donation to them through our registration page.
2024 ONLINE REGISTRATION INFO
Registration opens January 20th!
$85 Early Registration until Midnight February 4th, then:
$95 Standard Registration February 5th until Midnight April 14th then:
$110 Late Registration April 15th until Midnight May 30th (or until our rider cap is reached).
Day of Event Registration: Only available if rider cap hasn’t been reached!
Bringing a non-riding friend or family member? You can buy an Extra Beer/Meal ticket when you register online or anytime here!
NO REFUNDS OR DEFERRALS, BUT:
You can transfer your registration to another online, through BikeReg only, until online registration closes.
NOTES:
NO DAY OF EVENT TRANSFERS – NO REFUNDS OR DEFERRALS
The ride is open to participants 18 years or older (must be 21+ to be served beer!)
Important: There is a self-seeding question that you must answer during the registration process – enter your typical road riding pace. This helps us with rider release at the start!
All will be revealed….
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ’s here
Our Supporters
The Alternate Route - Small Batch Cycling
FAQs
When is the Raid?
The event takes place Sunday June 2, 2024 with first riders departing by 9AM. Packet (rider bib & instructions) pick-up opens at 7:30AM.
Where is the Raid?
The event starts at Newmarket High School and finishes at The Stone Church Music Club, high atop Zion Hill ("the Rockenberg") in Newmarket NH.Is the Raid a race?
Absolutely not; this is a personal challenge ride. Riders of all abilities are encouraged to participate and to complete the route at their own pace.How old must I be to participate?
You must be at least 18 years of age to ride, 21 or older to be served beer!What kind of bike do I need to participate?
A properly prepared gravel-ready bike is the key to your enjoyment, anytime!How do I get ready for the ride?
The most important element to your enjoyment of the ride is your preparation, so make sure your bike is in tune and you train properly. Also, practice suffering!When do I roll off?
The staged start sends groups of similarly-trained riders off at the same time.Do I have to wear a helmet?
Yes, all participants are required to wear a US DOT approved or CPSC standard helmet during the entire ride.Do we follow rules of the road while we are cycling?
Yes, riders must follow the rules of the road. All traffic signs and operations must be acknowledged and center-line violations may result in ejection from the event.What about route safety?
It is up to you to ride safely! Please observe "rules of the road" and use caution while you are out there.Can I ride an eBike at this event?
Yes, but only Class 1 (pedal assist to 20mph), no Class 2 or 3 bikes allowed. Due to their weight and technology, we may not be able to provide on-route support. Know your battery range!
Are the routes marked? Routes will be marked but you are encouraged to try self-navigation! We provide a route file so you can download the route to your turn-by-turn capable GPS unit or phone. We will also have printed cue sheets on hand at the ride.
I signed up for the 60-Mile route but decided to ride the 45-Mile route, OK?
Sure! If you make that decision before the ride let us know; otherwise, you can decide while you ride. The 2 routes split right after the first rest stop at Mile 20 and the split will be prominently marked. For those riders who reach that rest stop after 11:30AM we make the decision for you, it's the 45-Mile route for you!Where are the rest stops?
For this ride there will be one rest stop (incl food and beverage options) at approximately Mile 20 for both routes and a Hydration Station with snacks at approx. Mile 40 for the 60-Mile riders. Both stops have port-o-potties in place.What’s provided at the rest stops?
At the 20-mile Rest Stop there will be food and beverage options (water & sports drink), a port-o-potty and a first aid kit. The Hydration Station has water and re-fuel snacks plus a port-o-potty.Where’s the party at?
The post-ride celebration takes place at The Stone Church Music Club located at 5 Granite Street in Newmarket, starting at 11AM and windinf down aroiund 2PM - plan accordingly!What about the weather?
We’re hearty New Englanders and roll rain or shine!What if I decide not to ride? We will miss you but Registration fees are non-refundable and non-deferrrable. However, you may transfer your registration to another rider as long as online registration is open on BikeReg. Transfer tips here.
Still have a question? Contact arlon@grvl.net
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