The Massochistah is a challenging recreational gravel ride to raise money for youth and adaptive cycling.
We are completely volunteer-run to maximize our support for the expansion and growth of cycling for all people.
This marks the 253rd* year of the Massochistah, and after last year's abrupt cancellation due to a freak snowstorm that rendered most of the hill towns unreachable and without power... WE ARE BACK. AND READY.
Mother Nature tried to stop us. She failed. Let's ride.
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 and purpose—but all designed to challenge you. The bigger courses were originally envisioned as spring warm-ups and race prep for Rasputitsa, Unbound, Traka, and similar sufferfests. That competitive spirit remains. The shorter course serve as an introduction to the great riding to be found in Western Ma.
While not a race, you'll find PLENTY of motivation and maybe a few friendly rivalries along the way.
Expect gravel, dirt, mud, rocks, and possibly snow and ice. Oh, and climbing. Lots of climbing. Come prepared and willing to embrace the suck.
Of course, no suffering goes unrewarded: hot food, local beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and a full post-ride party await.
2026 ROUTES
THE MPC — 7:00am Registration | 8:00am Start
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. While this isn't really a race, with numbers and chips, we know how you people are so… come prepared for surprise… erm… competitions... more to come.
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 2.5-3hrs 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 — 8:30am Registration | 9:30am Start
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 works for both road and gravel setups depending 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 — 9:00am Registration | 10:00am Start
THE SPURTY — 9:00am Registration | 10:00am Start (Youth/Family Option)
The Dirty is your introduction to hill town dirt roads and small-town charm. The Spurty is a shorter option designed for adult-accompanied younger riders who want a taste of the adventure without the full commitment.
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.
Most riders finish in 2-3.5 hours. At least one stocked aid station and sag wagon support available.
IMPORTANT: Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
WEATHER & CONDITIONS
The Massochistah is an early-season event. In the hill towns, early season can mean many things—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, impassable, snow covered, flooded, bone dry…. Welcome to spring in Western New England. Plan accordingly. This ain’t Boston.
Organizers will communicate course updates and conditions the week of the event and reserve the right to shorten routes due to extremely foul weather.
The event will be cancelled only if local or state authorities say cancel it or in the case that Massachusetts declares a state of emergency.
Something a little different this year compliments of our esteemed colleague, Dr. Steak and Fries and his incredible route prowess!
The MPC Gurty 7:00am Registration; 8:00am Start
The Hurty 8:00am Registration; 9:00am Start
The Dirty 9:00am Registration; 10:00am Start
The Spurty 9:00am Registration; 10:00am Start
Proposed Schedule, But Stay Tuned For Updates:
6:AM Croissants and Coffee Served
8:00AM Gurty Mass Start (Registration Begins 7:00am)
9:00AM Hurty and Kid's Brigade Hurty and Dirty Mass Start (Registration Begins 8:00am)
10:00 Dirty, Spurty Kids Brigade Spurty Mass Start Start (Registration Begins at 9:00am)
12:00pm Lunch and Music Begins
4:00pmish Hopefully All Riders Are Back