Tucker Tour '26

October 6, 2026

7:00 am registration

8:00 am roll out

East Andover, NH

The Tucker Tour is what you get when you try to connect all of the amazing Class VI roads in and around Mount Kearsarge and Ragged Mountain in central NH. What is a Class VI road you ask? Well, the state defines a Class VI road as an existing public way that has “not been maintained and repaired by the town in suitable condition for travel thereon for 5 successive years or more.”

What does this mean for those of you looking to tackle the Tucker Tour? Well, you can expect every sort of terrain, from paved and gravel roads all the way to completely unrideable hike-a-bike paths through the woods and everything in between. The 83 mile course has only 15 miles of paved roads and around 38 miles of unmaintained Class VI. Many of these paths are quite steep, which only adds to the difficulty. In summary, this is a ride that is much harder than its distance might indicate.

This is a 100% self-supported ride. Each participant is expected to be able to navigate on their own using the provided .gpx route or Strava route. There is no cue sheet and no navigational aids along the course. As far as provisions go, there are 2 general stores/gas stations along the route at 19.5 miles and 54.5 miles.

Routes and course descriptions will be sent out to all registered riders prior to the event. It is STRONGLY suggested that you read the detailed course description, which includes a difficulty rating for each of the Class VI segments styled on the star rating in Paris Roubaix:

🦫🦫🦫🦫🦫 = Unrideable. This section is only navigable on foot.

🦫🦫🦫🦫 = Ridable only with advanced skill and a robust bike set up. Rocking 2.2” tires and spend a lot of time riding technical mountain bike trails? You’ll be riding most if not all of this section. Otherwise, expect to spend some time on foot.

🦫🦫🦫 = Technical but passable. Pay attention and take your time and you should be ok. Rocks and/or steep terrain make this section one to remember.

🦫🦫 = You wouldn’t want to take your vehicle on this road, but a bike? No problem.

🦫 = A step up from your average gravel road.

If the 83 mile course seems a bit much, there is a 64, 38, and a 24 mile course as well. We strongly suggest loading multiple routes on to your computer/phone in case you start on the 64 mile route, but don’t have great legs and need to switch to the 38 mile route.

So what do you get for participating? Besides the satisfaction of completing something that is incredibly hard, each participant will receive a sticker and a mug featuring this year’s unique logo design!

A big shout out to Josh and the Class VI Classic for showing the way. So much of this ride is inspired by what he has put on up in Etna, NH. If you think you would enjoy the Tucker Tour, you would have a great time in June at the Class VI Classic.

FAQ

Who is this ride for?

Those of you looking for an adventure, this is for you. If you think the best rides are when you don’t ride the whole time, then sign up. If you love a route where any bike will be the wrong bike at some point, then come join us. If you love the feeling of being in the middle of no-where on a bike, then come along for the ride. If you would rather go slow and explore, you have found good company.

Who should look elsewhere?

If you are expecting pristine NH gravel, we suggest you sign up for something like The Kearsarge Klassic or Raid Rockingham. If you think your road bike can handle this, we humbly suggest otherwise. If you need a marked course and stocked aid stations, then this is not for you. If you think the only measuring stick for a ride is the average speed, consider skipping this event.

What should I ride?

Whatever you ride, you will have the wrong bike for chunks of the route. A road bike is definitely the wrong bike. A downhill mountain bike is definitely the wrong bike. Anything in between could work. It all depends on how you like to roll. If under-biking when it gets rough and flying when its smooth is your thing, then bring your gravel bike. If you like to feel secure when it gets rocky and steep and don’t mind paying a penalty on pavement, a cross country mountain bike would be a good choice. All recon rides were done on a drop bar mountain bike with 2.2” tires which was good in most places and not terrible for the rest.

What to bring?

Think like a boy scout and come prepared. You will be in some of the most remote parts of Central, NH and cell phone service is not a guarantee. Plenty of food and water, plus a healthy repair kit including spare tubes, tools, etc., is a must. Remember that there are 2 gas station/general stores along the route. One at 19.5 miles and one at 54.5 miles. The 24 mile route does not go by any re-supply. The 38 mile route hits the gas station at 19.5. The 64 and 84 hit both gas stations.

How long will it take?

Due to the difficult terrain, elevation gain, and mandatory hike-a-bike segments, the Tucker Tour ’26 will take much longer than your average gravel ride. A person who normally rides between 14 and 15 mph on a decently hard gravel ride will most likely average between 10 and 11 mph here. One must also consider the time spent during re-supply as well as stops to enjoy the scenery and take some photos. So, for those of you planning on tackling the 83 mile route, please plan on a minimum of 8 hrs.

A note on navigation

All participants will be provided with a Strava route and a gpx file. Loading this information onto a bike computer and having turn-by-turn navigation is the only way to get through this course. There will be no navigational aides along the way. Many of the turns are not obvious. In fact, even with the help of a bike computer, it is going to be tricky. Many of these roads are seldom used, if they are used at all, and the entrances are hard to find. Please do not assume you can take a look at a map before you take off and just figure it out. If you don't have a computer to put on your handlebars, borrow one from a friend, or, even better, get that friend to do the ride with you and make them navigate.