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).
Connecticut Valley Century Ride – A Scenic & Meaningful Cycling Event!!
Join us for the Connecticut Valley Century (COVAC)—an exciting and rewarding ride through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, choose from four scenic routes: 100, 75, 50, or 25 miles.
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Start Time: 7:00 AM
Explore the Beauty of the Connecticut River Valley
Riders will traverse rolling terrain, passing farmland, waterfalls, and a charming covered bridge over the Green River near Greenfield, Massachusetts. The routes follow the West bank of the river to Brattleboro, Vermont, then cross into New Hampshire before returning along the East bank through picturesque landscapes.
Ride for a Cause
Organized by the Rotary Club of Amherst, this all-volunteer event supports the Amherst Rotary Good Works Fund, which provides local scholarships and funding for charitable programs throughout Hampshire County.
Fundraise for a Cause Through Cycling!
Do you have a favorite local charity you’d love to support? Now you can!
We are a proud host of the Special Olympics Massachusetts Extra Mile Cycling event for Massachusetts. Last year, Kevin’s Krewe 2025 made an incredible impact—31+ riders and 330+ donors raised $46,107.00 for Special Olympics Massachusetts Extra Mile, using the COVAC supported ride platform.
Join the movement—on your own terms!
Fundraising is completely optional—you can participate in the ride just for the joy of cycling or take it a step further by supporting a cause close to your heart. Here’s how:
Register for the COVAC Ride.
Ride solo or with a team—you decide how you participate.
If you choose to fundraise, all donations can go directly to the charity of your choice or to the Rotary Club of Amherst Good Works Fund.
The Rotary Club of Amherst Good Works Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, meaning all donations made directly to the Rotary Club of Amherst Good Works Fund are tax-deductible.
Whether you're riding for a cause or simply for the experience, you’ll be part of an unforgettable event. Let’s ride, make memories, and create positive change!
Get Involved & Spread the Word
Share the ride with your friends on Facebook (link at bottom of the page).
Interested in joining the Rotary Club? Learn more about our mission [on our website].
Since its founding in 1985 by the Franklin-Hampshire-Freewheelers Cycling Club, COVAC has promoted cycling in the Connecticut Valley while making a lasting impact on the community. In 2007, the Rotary Club of Amherst took the helm, continuing this meaningful tradition.
Register Now & Secure Your Spot! – Sign up today and challenge yourself on a beautiful ride through the Connecticut River Valley.
Ride Fees & Registration
Secure your spot early to take advantage of discounted rates!
$50.00 – Late registration (August 27 – September 10, 2026)
$60.00 – Day-of-event registration
What's Included?
Your registration fee covers:
Supported SAG stops with snacks along the route.
An after-ride Famous Hatfield Baked Potato loaded with all the fixings, plus a beverage.
Complimentary Beer, courtesy of Four Seasons Wine and Liquor of Hadley.
Event Details
Rain or Shine – No rain date. No refunds.
Helmet Required – All riders must wear helmets and follow traffic regulations.
Start Times & Check-In
Arrive during the designated times and start your ride when you're ready—there are no mass starts!
100-mile & 75-mile routes: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
50-mile route: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
25-mile route: 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Tree House Brewing Company
Half Marathon
Join Tree House Brewing Company for our Fourth Annual Half Marathon on September 13, 2026.
Immerse yourself in scenic Western Massachusetts for a course that winds through historic Deerfield alongside the Connecticut River and Mount Sugarloaf before returning to the Brewery where an unforgettable celebration awaits!
Please note that because of limited occupancy and safety requirements, access to the post-race event party will be limited to runners and ticket-holding spectators (regardless of age).
Don't miss your chance to be part of an incredible day of competition, community, music, swag and more!
There will be No Race Day Bib Pick Up
The bib transfer deadline is 11:59pm 7/31/2026
CREATE LASTING MEMORIES WITH YOUR FAMILY.
Muddy Kids is 2 and 3 mile adventure event series for families and kids ages 5–15, with fun and challenging obstacles, mud, and entertainment for the whole family.
Muddy Kids is the perfect event to reconnect, strengthen relationships, have fun, get active, get muddy, and bond as a family!
Muddy Kids is not just about getting dirty, it’s also about challenging yourself, having fun, and working as a team with your family. So gather up your family and friends, put on your mud-friendly clothing and shoes, and get ready to take on the Muddy Kids Family Obstacle Mud Run. We can’t wait to see you there!
What's included:
10-15 Obstacles
Headband
Bracelet
Tattoo
Finisher Medal
Digital Photos
Warm Up
Hydration Points
Rinse Off Station
Ton of Mud
Event details and schedule
The venue opens one hour before our first batch. We advise that you arrive 45 minutes before your start time, so you have plenty of time to go through registration before we call you to the start pen for warm up 5 minutes before you start on your selected batch time.
Spectators are welcome for FREE, please note kids must be accompanied by an adult/legal guardian. There will be an event village where they can cheer you and your kids on at the start and finish line.
We have a Bag Drop ($5 on the day) where you can leave your stuff until you have completed the course.
A minimum of 1 Adult and 1 Kid need to register. A maximum of 4 Kids can register per 1 Adult. Additional Adult and Kid tickets can be purchased separately.
The minimum age for a Kids entry is 5 years young – but please, parents/legal guardians, kids (up to 13 years old) must be accompanied by a registered, participating adult. Event waivers must be signed by a parent or legal guardian of all Kids under the age of 18. No waiver, no run, no exceptions.
Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MuddykidsUSA
About This Event
This year’s annual SKP 5k run/walk will be held on September 19th as part of Pelham, NH Old Home Day. All proceeds raised as a result of this race will go towards the Sean K. Paradis (SKP) Memorial Scholarship Fund in an effort to continue establish educational scholarships for local, Pelham, NH students. This fund provides two annual educational scholarships for local Pelham, NH High School students looking pursue a college degree.
Sean was a well known and beloved graduate of Pelham High School who excelled in academics, athletics and social activities. His academic and athletic capabilities landed him at Wentworth Institute of Technology where he became a staple on the mens lacrosse team, an exceptional architecture student and a great friend to many on campus. This fundraiser will continue to fund scholarships for local students that embody Sean’s incredible spirit and drive as a similar student athlete.
T-ShirtsIf you pre-register before September 1st, you will be guaranteed a tee-shirt and your size. For on site registration the day of, tee-Shirts will be given to the first 100 registrants for $5 and sizes are not guaranteed.
The Summit Run 5K is renowned as one of the most challenging, beautiful, and enjoyable 5Ks in the Pioneer Valley!
Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 9:30
Finish your 5K with a view that will take your breath away.
Celebrate over four decades of community, fitness, and breathtaking views with the Summit Run 5K.
This iconic race welcomes both runners and walkers to a memorable experience, finishing with panoramic views from the summit of Mt. Holyoke, high above the Connecticut River and the Pioneer Valley.
Open to All Participants
The Summit Run 5K welcomes runners and walkers of all levels. As part of the SMAC Race Series and endorsed by the New England 65 Plus Runners Club, this event promises a supportive and exhilarating atmosphere.
Discounts
Register early before August 31st and save $5.00 and get a Tech T-Shirt
Senior runners 65 years and older save $5.00
SMAC Members - save 10% when registering before race day
Race Roster adds credit card processing fees.
Course Description
Mile 1: Begin with a short .4 mile uphill "warm-up" on Mountain Rd toward the gate of Skinner State Park where you turn right onto Old Mountain Rd. and enjoy a fast .6 mile gentle downhill through Hockanum Villageto the turn-around at mile 1.
Mile 2: As you turn-around wave to your fellow runners as you head back up Old Mountain Road passing featuring historic homes and picturesque scenery. Pass through Skinner State Park gate and begin the climb to the water stop at mile 2.
Final Stretch: Time to dig-in and tackle the final mile with a challenging climb of 800 feet on a paved road, leading you to the summit finish line atop Mt. Holyoke.
Check out the course map!
Information
A donation from race proceeds will support Kestrel Land Trust
Custom Tech T-Shirts if registered by August 31st. Some extra shirts may be available if registering after 8/31/2026.
Water stop at the halfway point.
Refreshments will be available at the finish area.
Free Race Photos!
Timing will be provided by Rat Race Timing, with instant results available upon finishing.
After the race, runners will walk down to the parking area by the starting point.
Past Results - https://sugarloafmountainathletic.org/Results/summit-run-5k/
AwardsAtkins Apple Pies!
Awards will be presented at the Summit’s finish line after the race.
Cash Prize for 1st place overall male and female.
Awards will be given to all age group winners (male and female).
Atkins Apple Pies for Age Group Winners and Overall Winners.
Age Group Divisions:
Under 9
10-14
15-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-64*
65-69*
70-74*
75-79*
80-84+*
Join us for a race that combines physical challenge with natural beauty, making it an unforgettable experience for all.
The Summit House on Mount Holyoke - Finish Line
SAVE with Early Bird Pre-Registration by August 31st - $35
Registration September 1 - September 19th - $40
Day of Race Registration - $45
Race Roster will add a processing fee to your registration
KING'S TOUR OF THE QUABBIN – Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 – Hardwick, Mass.
NEW THIS YEAR! Early Bird registration fees ($40/$60) apply until 9 p.m. July 3. After that, registration costs $10 more.
Online registration closes at 9 p.m. Sept. 30. Fees go up another $10 for day-of-ride registration.
Bicycle around the Quabbin Reservoir, a pristine jewel in the heart of Massachusetts. Choose from two road routes (64 or 101 miles) or two gravel routes (approximately 44 or 77 miles, each approximately half paved). Not much traffic; plenty of hills.
Start/finish for all routes is at Hardwick Winery, 3305 Greenwich Road, Hardwick, MA 01082. Check-in opens at 6:45 a.m. Start times are flexible, but we recommend century riders and gravel riders start 7:00-8:00 a.m., and road metric riders start 8:00-9:00 a.m. All routes except the Road Metric will stop at Petersham Common.
Routes will not be arrowed. Routes will be scouted prior to the event for road/trail conditions and may be modified accordingly. Final Ride with GPS links will be emailed to online registrants the week before the ride.
Road metric (64 miles, approx. 5000 feet of climbing)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48772978
Rest stops at mile 27 (Palmer, 8:30 a.m.-noon) and 50 (Farmer Matt in New Braintree, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.).
Road century (101 miles, 6000+ feet of climbing)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54352628
Rest stops at mile 28 (Rt. 202 in Pelham, 8:30-11 a.m.), mile 58 (Leverett Co-op store), and mile 85 (Petersham Common, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Road century riders get a $5 credit to use at the Leverett store.
Gravel Loop (77 miles, approx. 6000 feet of climbing)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54352619
Rest stops at mile 28 (Petersham Common, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) and mile 60 (Petersham Common again).
Little Gravel – hard finish (45 miles, approx.3400 feet of climbing)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54352597
Rest stop at mile 29 (Petersham Common, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Little Gravel – easy finish (43 miles, approx. 3100 feet of climbing)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54352606
Rest stop at mile 29 (Petersham Common, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
The gravel routes avoid DCR trails. On the Little Gravel route, there's an option at mile 40 to do an easy finish (remainder of route is mostly paved, and the route totals 43 miles) or a hard finish (remainder of route is unpaved, with nearly 300 feet more climbing, and the route totals 45 miles).
Not sure which route is for you? Not to worry -- you can change your selection online at any time before registration closes. You can even wait until ride day and decide in the middle of the ride. Both road routes are the same until the Quabbin Visitor Center, at mile 18. Both gravel routes go to the Petersham rest stop at mile 28. So whether you're on the road or the gravel, you can decide partway how to continue.
Limited to 150 riders.
Refreshments afterwards at Hardwick Winery, with a food truck for the afternoon.
More info: https://sevenhillswheelmen.org/kings-tour-of-the-quabbin/
TREE HOUSE CX
Clinic and Pre-Ride | Friday, October 16th
River Valley CX Series | Saturday, October 17th
New England Regional CX Championships | Sunday, October 18th
RAIN OR SHINE EVENT
Tree House Brewing Company | 1 Community Place, South Deerfield, MA
EVENT OVERVIEW
We’re excited to bring you two full days of top-tier NECX racing! Each day offers something different, so be sure to check the details below. Saturday hosts the River Valley CX Series, and Sunday is the New England Regional Cyclocross Championships.
Our mission: deliver a best-in-class New England cyclocross race that ignites the NECX community and thrills Tree House fans alike. We aim to:
Deliver a premium event worthy of the Tree House name
Create a race that’s welcoming to all—no matter your sex, ability, or background
Give every racer, from first-timers and juniors to seasoned pros, an unforgettable experience
Hook new spectators on the thrill of CX
INCLUSIVITY POLICY
Tree House CX is committed to creating a race environment that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive for everyone, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, or ethnic origin.
We strive to make every participant—from pros to first-time racers, staff to spectators—feel like they belong here. Bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Anyone engaging in such behavior will be asked to leave.
If at any point you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or witness behavior that makes someone else uncomfortable, please speak to an official or staff member immediately.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
FRIDAY – Kick off Tree House CX weekend with a full afternoon of fun:
Intro to Cyclocross Clinic – 2:45 PM start
Open Pre-Ride / Course review
Intro to Cyclocross Clinic - $15
Open to all new and beginner riders, this clinic is your chance to:
Ride the actual race course
Learn how to navigate twists, turns, and obstacles
Build basic skills to boost your confidence on race day
Includes free entry to Saturday and/or Sunday race
Clinic & Relay Registration: Sign up on the registration page.
SATURDAY - River Valley CX Series
We are excited to once again be part of the River Valley CX Series!
Blunt Park 8/30
Hydra Cross 9/5
Kilowatt Cross 9/26
THCX 10/17
West Hill CX 11/7
SUNDAY – 2026 New England Regional Cyclocross Championships
Tree House CX is proud to host the 2026 New England Regional Cyclocross Championships! Podium awards will be presented to the top three finishers in each championship category. Categories Include:
Men & Women Elite
Men & Women Elite U23
Men & Women Junior U13, U15, U17, U19
Men Masters 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
Women Masters 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60+, 70+
Non-Binary Open
Eligibility: To be eligible for a championship podium, riders must:
Hold an active USA Cycling annual license
Reside in the New England Region
Full NEBRA guidelines and eligibility details: nebra.us/nebra-state-and-regional-championship-event-guidelines
REGISTRATION
Pre-Registration closes Thursday, October 15th at 5:00 PM ET
Late Registration opens on BikeReg at 9:00 AM Friday, October 16th.
Expect limited spots due to sold-out fields in past years
Prices increase by $10 starting October 16th
Late registrants are staged at the back of the field
Early bib pick-up: Friday, October 16th from 1:00–5:00 PM
Day-of bib pick-up: Opens at 7:30 AM on Saturday & Sunday
Additional same-day races: $20 each
Race field limits are posted in the race schedule
COURSE PRE RIDE
Course preview is open between 12 PM - 6:00 PM on Friday, October 16th.
Course pre-ride opens at 7:00 am on Saturday and Sunday.
You may warm-up and ride the course in between races.
Absolutely no pre-riding during a race.If you are riding the course between races, you must ride behind, and not pass, the last rider in the race.
FIRST-TIME RACERS
New to cyclocross? We’ve got you. Join our Intro to Cyclocross Clinic on Friday, October 16th, where you’ll ride the actual course, learn how to tackle turns and obstacles, and pick up skills to boost your confidence for race day. Mountain, gravel, fat, or commuter bikes with tires 35mm+ are perfect. Sign up right on the registration page, and email [email protected] with any questions. We can’t wait to cheer you on!
STAGING & STARTING ORDER
Saturday (River Valley CX Series): The first row will be staged by River Valley CX Series points, followed by CrossResults Points. Riders who register after October 16th will be staged at the back of the field as part of the last call-up.
Sunday (New England Regional CX Championships): Races will be staged by CrossResults Points. Riders who register after October 16th will be staged at the back of the field as part of the last call-up.
LAPPED RIDERS
While the final decision rests with USA Cycling Officials, we have not pulled lapped riders in past years and do not expect to do so this year.
KIDS FUN RACE
A special race just for the little ones! All bikes are welcome—balance bikes, BMX, mountain, gravel, you name it. Kids will ride a dedicated lap on a safe, kid-friendly portion of the actual course. Join us at 1:15 on both days, under the Finish Arch! Event is FREE, but all parents/guardians MUST sign the USA Cycling waiver via online registration or at on-site registration.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
We’re excited to keep you fueled and refreshed all weekend with:
Tree House Beverages – Pouring begins at 11:00 AM
Tree House Pizza – Fresh slices starting at Noon (slices only on race day)
Tree House Coffee Cart – Hot & cold coffee available all day
Outside Food Vendors
Thai Chili Truck - Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Crazy Arepas - Saturday
Soulfully Vegan - Sunday
Wake the Dead Donuts - Sunday
Note: Outside alcohol is not permitted on the property.
PARKING
Event parking will be located in the Northernmost area of the Tree House property. It will be on a grass soccer field North of the paved lot. The race course will be on the South side of the property, it is about a ¼ mile away, so plan accordingly
TEAM TENTS
We’re once again hosting team tents in the South Field—right along the start line. Space is limited to 40 spots. Each reservation includes:
Space for one 10x10 tent
Parking for one car or van
Need more room? Simply purchase additional spots.
LODGING
There are a lot of college weekends in the area, so lodging is limited. Here are a few options available as of September 15th. On-site camping is NOT permitted.
https://www.redroof.com/property/ma/west-springfield/rri193
https://berkshireeast.com/summer/camping
https://whitebirchcampmass.com/
PETS
Well-behaved, on-leash dogs are welcome on brewery grounds, outside of the building. Please have them say hi to event staff!
The Happy Valley Half Marathon was created to bring you a breath-taking course, designed to showcase some of the most beautiful roads that New England has to offer, during peak Fall foliage. The Happy Valley experience only gets started at the finish line. Your achievement will be celebrated with breweries, food trucks and the enthusiastic support of the local running community.