Hatfield, Massachusetts · Sunday, September 13, 2026
The Connecticut Valley Century - COVAC 2026 is a cycling event held on Sunday, September 13, 2026. It is located at Billings Way in Hatfield, Massachusetts.
Join Us For Our 25th Annual Cyclocross Camp, August 1-2 and 3-4, 2026
The Cycle-Smart Cyclocross Camp is the original, most popular, and most emulated 'cross camp in North America. The camp's unique attraction lies in its beautiful setting, fun atmosphere, mix of ability levels and personalities, and the opportunity to learn and practice skills with America's best and most experienced 'cross coaches and racers.
Camp is open to riders of all ability levels, and Cycle-Smart coaches provide in-depth instruction in technique and training. While all comers are welcome, everyone must have a USA Cycling license. Unlicensed riders can purchase a license at the camp or in advance for an additional charge.
For riders under the age of 13, we have a specific coaching group and discounted entry cost of $300, limited to 15 spots.
The camp’s alumni speak for themselves. Jeremy Powers, Ellen Noble, Stephen Hyde, Curtis White, Lyne Bessette, Emma White, Mike van den Ham, and so many others got their start as participants at our camp. Many have returned to join Adam Myerson and Alec Donahue as coaches. There is no other camp like it
In addition to our traditional weekend skills-focused camp, we are offering a 2-day Monday-Tuesday training-focused camp option, limited to 20 riders. This is an opportunity to do two big days of cyclocross-specific training with Cycle-Smart coaches and ‘cross pros like Adam Myerson, Alec Donahue, and Stephen Hyde. Participants must have completed the weekend skills camp, and be a minimum USAC Cyclocross Cat. 4 and racing age 13 to register.
Camp Info
2026 Coaches: Adam Myerson, Alec Donahue, Stephen Hyde, Jordan Villella, Ellen Noble, and Jeremy Powers.
Dates: August 1-2 and 3-4, 2026
Weekend Skill Camp Price: $600 ($300 for riders under the age of 13)
Weekday Training Camp Price: $400
Level 4 'Cross Camp Training Program: $250. This is a training program designed to complement the skills and knowledge you will gain when attending the 'cross camp. The training program will take you from the weekend of the 'cross camp through to the end of the cyclocross season.
PLEASE NOTE: The Level 4 'Cross Camp Training Program is ONLY available to people purchasing one of the camp attendance registration options.
More Information About The Level 4 Training Program
Refunds: Individual refunds will be provided up until the close of registration.
Schedule
Saturday
9 AM - 9:30 AM: Registration
10 AM - 1 PM: Morning Session
1 PM - 2 PM: Lunch
2 - 5 PM: Afternoon Session
Sunday
9 AM - 12 PM: Morning Session
12 PM - 1 PM: Lunch
1 PM - 4 PM: Afternoon Session
Monday and Tuesday
9 AM - 5 PM: Group ride
Driving Directions
Glendale Ridge Vineyard
155 Glendale Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Lodging
Lodging is not included in the camp. There are many nearby lodging options in Northampton, Amherst, Springfield, Westfield, and Greenfield. Allowing attendees to choose their own lodging gives people the freedom to find accommodations to match their budget and preferences.
For additional hotel information see Visit Hampshire County.
The Greenfield Triathlon is the longest running triathlon in New England!
Situated in the heart of Franklin County, the Greenfield Triathlon course meanders through the picturesque back roads of Greenfield, passes through the Historic Eunice Williams Covered Bridge, and features swimming in our very own Green River.
Offering both International and Sprint distances for individual athletes as well as two- and three-person teams, the Greenfield Triathlon is great for both beginners and seasoned triathletes. A triathlon training program is offered Sundays leading up to the event. In Greenfield, our motto is “To Finish Is To Win!”
All race proceeds benefit the Greenfield Recreation Department. The Greenfield Triathlon has raised thousands of dollars to support programs and events for families within our community. We thank you for your continued support.
NCC Trail Blasters Youth Cyclocross Racing Team Overview
Northampton Cycling Club's youth cyclocross racing program focuses on a local series of races (The River Valley CX Series) and a few other local events. The season includes twice-weekly team practices (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and 7 race days. Program dates, locations, and details below.
We welcome riders with a range of speed and skill levels, however we want to emphasize that our program is geared toward athletes who are ready to be engaged in practice and improve their skills and fitness for a season of racing. Riders are expected to be motivated and ready to be challenged at an appropriate level for their age and skill level. Riders should be ready to climb uphill, ride for extended periods of time, spend significant time on trails and grass, run for short distances, and will be expected to come in to the program having enthusiasm and a base level of fitness, but maybe not the racing experience or advanced handling skills just yet. We expect the riders to work hard, focus, behave, and have fun. We will spend time at the start of the season setting expectations around behavior and commitment and ask that parents help us reinforce these expectations.
This is a great way for motivated kids to get out and try their hand at cyclocross racing, or gain some new skills and fitness if they already have experience! Practices will focus on strategy, skills, faster-paced riding, and will be tailored to our team’s needs. Races will offer multiple age groups and will be attended by trained coaches and parent volunteers.
Requirements
This program is designed for racers with a cyclocross racing age of 9-19. Cyclocross Racing Age is your age by the end of the following year, therefore the minimum age requirement is being 9 by the end of 2027.
Participants must also be Northampton Cycling Club members who are ready to learn, work hard, and compete. Acceptable bikes include cyclocross, gravel, or mountain bikes.
In addition to the program fee and individual race entry fees (typically $0 - $35 each), riders will also need a valid USA Cycling junior race license ($40), and they must be a current NCC member with either an individual junior ($25 per child under 18) or family membership ($75/year) to participate. This ensures all riders and coaches are adequately insured and covers our program costs.
Racing Team Policy
This program is run by the Northampton Cycling Club (NCC) and NCC Membership is required. Participants are encouraged to race for the NCC Trail Blasters race team and are able to participate at a discounted rate for representing the team and sponsors at races. Community members who race for other teams are welcome to join this program and race for their other team at our standard community rate. A $100 clothing reimbursement is offered to cover the cost of a Trail Blasters jersey or other racing gear for all participants in the program.
Practice Dates & Locations
We practice on Tuesdays (typically cyclocross specific skills & workouts) and Thursdays (typically endurance or interval workouts).
August 18th - November 7th
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00 arrival, Practice Runs 5:15 - 7:00
Tuesday Practice: Southampton, Easthampton, Northampton, Hatfield, and Williamsburg locations (skills / cyclocross specific work)
Thursday Practice: Holyoke and/or Williamsburg, Hatfield locations (gravel endurance ride)
Race Schedule
River Valley Series Race #1 Sunday 8/30/2026 Blunt Park CX / Springfield, MA
River Valley Series Race #2 Saturday 9/5/2026 NCC Hydra Cross / Holyoke, MA
River Valley Series Race #3 Saturday 9/26/2026 Kilowatt Cross / Northfield, MA
River Valley Series Race #4 Saturday, 10/17/2026 Tree House Cyclocross / South Deerfield, MA
Cycle-Smart Northampton Weekend: Saturday & Sunday 10/31 - 11/1 Northampton International Cyclocross Northampton, MA
River Valley Series Race #5 Saturday, 11/7/2026 West Hill Shop / Putney, VT
Optional: Various September & October Races
Some team members also may attend more races in the Northeast in September and October and the USA Cycling National Championships in Fayetteville, AR in December
All races will have youth categories for our team and plenty of racing opportunities for adults and younger kids too! We plan to make the races a fun time with food, cheering, and friends!
Coaches
All coaches will be Safesport certified and First Aid and CPR trained and have years of experience running youth cycling programs.
I have questions!
I'm not sure if my child is ready for this!
Do we have the right bike?
We have other sport or extracurricular commitments that may interfere.
I'm not sure we can afford the program or race fees.
What is a racing age?!
Feel free to reach out to head racing coach Ross Krause if any of these ring true or you have other questions (use the ‘Contact Us’ link below).
D2R2 - The Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnée 2026
RIDE FOR THE LAND
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Presented by the Franklin Land Trust
We celebrate the landscape, the history, and the rural culture of western Massachusetts, and work to ensure, through a program of land protection, that the historic pattern of field, woodland, and village will endure for the benefit of generations to come.
Rain or Shine Event - Sorry No Refunds
ROUTE CHOICES (see descriptions)
180K (the OG route that started it all!)
160K (New portions for 2026)
105K to Rowe
100K (the Original!)
92K (with a 77K option)
80K Point-to-Point Ride (New for 2026!)
36-mile Green River Tour (customizable from 36 to 52 miles)
12-mile Family Ride
Register early for the best rates.
New Starting and Finish Location!
With the continued growth of the event and the desire to offer even more potential fun into the future, we have made to decision to move the D2R2 headquarters to the Franklin County Agricultural Fairgrounds on Wisdom Way in Greenfield, MA.
CAMPING - Our new location offers an expanded on-site camping area with water, electricity, and pump out station. Bathrooms and showers are adjacent to the camping area. (Just bring your guitar, firepit and S'mores to make the experience complete!)
PRE-RIDE PARTY - FRIDAY EVENING - Friday night will bring a lively, welcoming atmosphere with new food trucks, music, and games! Plus, celebrate our 21^st birthday at our brand-new beer garden! Bring friends and family to gather with the D2R2 community before the ride to kick off the festivities.
Keep an eye out for exciting updates in the weeks ahead!
CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE
180K, 160K, 105K, 100 K, 92K (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and rest stops provided - see: What’s Included)
$150 Early Registration (until December 31, 2025)
$175 January 1, 2026 - March 31, 2026
$200 April 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026
$225 July 1, 2026 - August 9, 2026
$250 on Ride Day
80K Point-to-Point (Transportation to stating location, plus breakfast, lunch, dinner, and rest stops provided - see: What’s Included)
$230 Early Registration (until December 31, 2025)
$255 January 1, 2026 - March 31, 2026
$280 April 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026
$305 July 1, 2026 - August 9, 2026
$330 on Ride Day
Green River Ride (Breakfast, lunch, dinner provided - see: What’s Included)
$100 Early Registration (until December 31, 2025) / $50 for riders under 18
$125 January 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026 / $50 for riders under 18
$150 July 1, 2026 - August 9, 2026 / $50 for riders under 18
$175 on Ride Day / $50 for riders under 18
Family Ride (Lunch and dinner provided - see: What’s Included)
Adults $50, $10 for riders under 12
Visit us on Facebook facebook.com/fltrust and Instagram instagram.com/fltrust
for up-to-date information about D2R2
Be sure to use #D2R2 across social media to join the conversation and share your photos!
General Information
Ride Info (All the Important Stuff)
Plan Your Visit (Camping, Lodging, Directions)
Raffle
Routes (descriptions, maps, cue sheets)
Volunteer
Sponsorship
Past media
About D2R2
The Deerfield Dirt-Road Randonnee was conceived in the 1990's as just a favorite dirt-road loop in the hilltowns of Franklin County, Massachusetts. Since its birth as an organized event in 2005, many have hailed D2R2 as the hardest, most beautiful, most fun, most traffic-free, most unique, and overall best ride that they have ever done. However, D2R2 will continue to maintain its original character as just a bike ride –
The courses will use the narrowest, oldest, twistiest, quietest, and most-scenic roads available.
A range of courses will provide access to novices as well as challenge the world's strongest riders.
D2R2 will never offer prizes for anything other than gags, nor will finish results ever be presented like it was a race.
Riders shall cover the course in a self-sufficient manner, without motorized crew vehicles.
The organization will put as much effort into its food offerings as the routes
The event is a key fundraiser for the Franklin Land Trust's efforts to preserve land in the region.
QUESTIONS?
Registration & Franklin Land Trust questions: email Mary [email protected]
All other questions: email Sandy - [email protected]
D2R2 Event Headquarters and starting point
The event headquarters will be held at the Franklin County Agricultural Fairgrounds on Wisdom Way in Greenfield, MA.
The starting location and finish line, registration, food and beverages, music, Friday night party, showers, bathrooms, camping and parking areas are all within the fairgrounds gates!
Bring the entire family!
Area attractions for non-riders include Historic Deerfield,
PVMA's Memorial Hall Museum and Indian House, Shelburne Falls,
Yankee Candle, Art Galleries and so much more.
We plan to offer a free mini D2R2 for our very youngest riders right inside the Fairgrounds! Bring their trikes and bikes. Watch for more details to come!
Who is the Franklin Land Trust (FLT)?
FLT is a 501(c)(3) devoted to the conservation of farm and forest land, and the rural character of western Massachusetts. FLT helps farmers and other landowners protect their land from unwanted development. To date, FLT has helped to preserve over 32,000 acres of open space. The hills and valleys of the region—with their farms, sugar bush, rambling old New England roads, and small towns steeped in history—are a unique and precious resource that D2R2 riders will experience at every turn in the road.
Contributions to the Franklin Land Trust allow us to continue our efforts to protect this invaluable resource and are tax-deductible.
Please visit our website www.franklinlandtrust.org for more detailed information about road conditions and training for this event.
For complete information and ride photos please go to: d2r2.franklinlandtrust.org
Other generous sponsors and supporters include:
Day-of registration is available on Sunday with a $15 surcharge for adult races. Register today--save yourself time and money. Save your friendly promoters time and energy. We can do this NECX! :)
Come out to enjoy one of the most welcoming and friendly bike races in New England -- home to train primes, Holyoke's muscle beach, and the angry orchard off-camber.
Race #2 in the River Valley CX Series (@rivervalleycxseries on Instagram)
Details (en español below)
When: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Location: Pulaski Park, St. Koble Drive and Maple St, Holyoke, MA 01040
Day-of-race registration will be available for an extra $15 for all adult categories. Save money, register online before it closes. (Youth races can all be registered for day-of at no extra cost).
New to bike racing?: Hydra Cross is a great event to try out bike racing or cyclocross for the first time. There is a free intro to cyclocross racing clinic at 8:00 am on race day that is taught by local, friendly bike racers. Learn the basics to help you enjoy your race. Beginner races following shortly after -- novice men should sign up for the 9:00 am category 4 and beginner race and novice women should sign up for the 11:00 am women's category 4 and 5 race. Just a note on lingo, brand-new racers and novices start as 'category 5' racers. Since we are a USA Cycling sanctioned race, you will need a license but can purchase one when you register at http://bikereg.com/hydracross for $15. If you have any questions about the clinic or racing, please just shoot us an email at [email protected] and we'll respond with what you need.
Course Description: A fun, fast, twisty course that is primarily flat but has some surprising uphill kickers. After a slightly uphill, wide start from the "Legion Shelf," the course heads towards Holyoke's "Muscle Beach" and the hilly southern end of the park. The course design takes full advantage of the elevation to make riders work–but then also brings rewards with a swooping downhill that cuts back and forth across the hill. We have some stinging off-camber sections that will require your skills, with the most challenging and decisive sector coming at the end of the course (see Youtube videos below for a preview). The course runs the full length of the long, linear park with ample opportunities for spectating, with continuous announcing throughout the race by the voice of NCC Hydra Cross 2025, Jake Kravitz. Mountain and river views abound.
Equipment Recommendation: File treads (if dry) and all-around tires will work well for most riders. The course is a mix of grass, dirt, and some pavement. New to cyclocross? Mountain bikes, in any shape, work fine for getting started racing. Road or touring bikes that allow for 32mm tires also work fine.
Race Atmosphere: Come for the race, stay for the atmosphere. Our beer garden and picnic area are family-friendly. There is a playground, splash pad, and popular skate park as well. Our race is known for its good vibes and community-driven feel.
The excellent Thai Chili Street Food Hub will be serving food in the American Legion Parking lot at lunch time. As usual, expect the American Legion to be serving up coffee, breakfast items, beer and alcohol throughout the day, in addition to lunch and snack items.
Thai Chili Food Truck, 100 State St Stockhouse 122, Ludlow, MA, United States, Massachusetts 01056, 24 April
Want to do a second race? Great, the second race is just $15, just register for two races at the same time when you sign up.
River Valley Cyclocross Series
Follow @rivervalleycxseries on Instagram for updates and series standings
Volunteer Info
VolunteerSignup - Online volunteer signup sheets - 2026 NCC Hydra Cross signup sheet
In order to bring this race to you again this year, we can't do it without volunteers. Seriously, we can't do it without you, and we appreciate you believing in the value, community, and camaraderie that this grassroots race brings to Holyoke and NECX.
Please sign up to volunteer where you can. Volunteers will receive special “staff only” swag this year!
We pride ourselves on taking great care of our volunteers. Friday course setup volunteers will be provided with lunch. All setup, reg, and course maintenance volunteers will receive a free (refunded) race entry AND invite to the volunteers-only after-party (including a free beer ticket) hosted right on-site at our incredible hosts, the American Legion, at 4:30pm or as soon as the course tear-down is complete.
We need folks to stick around and help us tear down the course immediately after the last race--if you stay to tear down the course, dinner from Pizza d'Action (Holyoke's best, with ample vegan and vegetarian pizzas) will be provided for you on-site while the last race is in progress so that you can stay and help with a full stomach. Volunteers who work registration or course repair jobs during race day will also be provided with lunch.
VolunteerSignup - Online volunteer signup sheets - 2026 NCC Hydra Cross signup sheet
Join the club
Hydra Cross p/b Open Square is supported by the Northampton Cycling Club (NCC). Join in numerous weekly group rides (all ability and skill levels, including gravel rides, cross practices, and practice crits). Learn more about the club and become a member here: https://www.nohobikeclub.org/
Media from our 2021 event:
2021-09-05 Hydra CX from Jeff Dieffenbach on Vimeo.
Detalles
Lugar: Parque Pulaski, St. Koble Drive y Maple St, Holyoke, MA 01040
¿Eres nuevo en las carreras de bicicleta?: Hydra Cross es un evento excelente para probar correr en bicicleta o hacer ciclocrós por primera vez. Hay una clínica gratuita de introducción a las carrera de ciclocrós a las 8 am el día de la carrera que es impartida por corredores de bicicleta locales y amistosos. Aprende los conceptos básicos para ayudarte a disfrutar de tu carrera. Las carreras para principiantes empiezan poco tiempo después -- los hombres novatos deberían inscribirse para la carrera de principiantes categoría 5 de las 9 am, y las mujeres novatas deberían inscribirse para la carrera categoría 4 y 5 de las 10 am. Solo un comentario sobre la jerga, los corredores nuevos y los novatos comienzan como corredores ‘categoría 5’. Debido a que somos una carrera sancionada por USA Cycling, necesitarás una licencia, pero puedes comprar una por $15 cuando te inscribes en http://bikereg.com/hydracross. Si tienes alguna pregunta acerca de la clínica o las carreras, por favor envíanos un c
orreo electrónico a [email protected] y te responderemos con la información que necesitas.
Descripción del Recorrido: Un recorrido divertido, rápido y sinuoso que es principalmente plano, pero tiene algunas subidas inesperadas. Después de un comienzo levemente cuesta arriba y amplio desde “Legion Shelf”, el recorrido se dirige hacia “Muscle Beach” en Holyoke y hacia el extremo sur montañoso del parque. El diseño del recorrido aprovecha al máximo la elevación para hacer trabajar a los corredores, pero también trae recompensas con un descenso en picada a través de la colina que acorta las idas y vueltas. Tenemos algunos punzantes sectores off-camber que requerirán de tus habilidades, siendo el sector más decisivo y desafiante el que está al final del recorrido (ver el video de Youtube indicado más abajo para una vista preliminar). El recorrido abarca la longitud completa del largo parque lineal, con amplias oportunidades para los espectadores, con relato continuo durante la carrera por la voz de Hydra Cross, Adam Syzmkowickz. Abundan las vistas a la montaña y al río.
Recomendaciones de Equipamiento: Neumáticos con banda de rodamiento lisa (para terreno seco) y multiuso funcionarán bien para la mayoría de los corredores. El recorrido es una combinación de pasto, tierra y algo de pavimento. ¿Eres nuevo en el ciclocrós? Las bicicletas de montaña, en cualquier estado, funcionan bien para empezar a correr. Las bicicletas de carretera o de turismo que permiten usar neumáticos de 32mm también funcionan bien.
Ambiente de Competición: Ven por la carrera, quédate por el ambiente. Nuestro patio cervecero y zona de picnic son aptos para familias. Hay un patio de juegos, juegos de agua y también un parque para patinetas muy popular. Nuestra carrera es conocida por sus buenas vibras y por la sensación de comunidad.