Maine Woods Rambler

Route Options

Small – 19 miles
Well maintained gravel roads will take you to views of clean lakes and local mountains. 100% gravel. (Elevation gain — 1,300ft)

Medium – 32 miles
This route circles around the beautiful Roach Ponds on well-maintained gravel roads plus small sections of more rugged terrain. Capture views of the surrounding western peaks. 100% gravel. (Elevation gain — 2,000ft)

Large – 55 miles
Primarily well-maintained gravel roads, but will also utilize more rugged sections that some riders may feel more comfortable hike-a-biking. Rugged sections are brief but necessary to accomplish the best adventure opportunity! Spectacular vistas of the mountains, lakes, and bubbling brooks. 100% gravel. (Elevation gain — 4,200ft)

XL – 79 miles
***THIS ROUTE IS PENDING FINAL CONFIRMATION AND MAY CHANGE***
This grand route will have it all and offers riders the best of what Maine AMC and other neighboring landowners offer. Be prepared for everything on the “Large” route plus more awesome gravel, more scenic views, and double the number of climbs. This route is open for riding by special permission only on the day of the event. 96% gravel. Experienced riders only: this route will include extremely difficult terrain, multiple hike-a-bike sections, additional self-support and way-finding necessary. Bring your A-Game, be self-reliant, ride with buddies. (Elevation gain — 6,800 ft).

***All routes are subject to change due to changing road conditions***

Weekend Schedule

Friday, Sept 26th
5 PM-8 PM – Event pre-registration, Medawisla Front Lobby
12 PM-5 PM – Bikerafting with Packraft Maine (limited to 12 participants, register above as add-on)
6 PM – Dinner (included w/ lodging or purchased separately)

Saturday, Sept 27th
6 AM – 9 AM – Event pre-registration, Medawisla Front Lobby
6 AM – 9 AM – Breakfast (included w/ lodging or purchased separately)
7 AM – XL Ride Start (79 miles)
8 AM – Large Ride Start (55 miles)
9 AM – Medium Ride Start (32 miles)
10 AM – Small Ride Start (19 miles)
3 PM – 7 PM – Post-ride self-serve buffet meal for all riders and lodge guests including vegetarian options, dietary restriction options, side dishes, and dessert. Lodge beer and wine for sale until 8 PM.
7 PM – Movie Night, followed by star-gazing and friendly camaraderie!

Sunday, Sept 28th
8 AM – Breakfast (included w/ lodging or purchased separately)
Additional self-guided activities available all-day

Medawisla Lodge & Cabins – Google Maps Location. Printable directions available here.

• Cell service is limited in the Maine Woods – be sure to print or download directions before your trip.
• GPS is unreliable north of Greenville and we recommend tracking mileage on your odometer.
• In all seasons, accessing Medawisla requires travel on gravel logging roads and logging vehicles have the right of way. Conditions can be rough and low clearance vehicles are not recommended.
• There is no fuel available once you leave the paved roads.

Will I have WIFI or cell service at the lodge?

There is extremely limited cell reception at the lodge and in the surrounding areas. There is a cell booster located in the lodge, however, this system is dependent on a variety of factors hence it works with varying success and is not guaranteed. There is no WIFI available at the lodge. Guests are welcome to give out the lodge phone number in

Click HERE to see pricing and options for AMC accommodations and additional meals at Medawisla Lodge.

Accommodations are NOT included in the ride registration. Please book directly with AMC if you would like to stay the weekend with us.

***Online reservations are not possible for this event, you must call AMC to book accommodations.

AMC Lodging/Camping/Meal Options Ramblers plus their friends & families are invited to spend the weekend with us! Camping and lodge accommodations are available beginning on Friday through Sunday and include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

For booking, call 603-466-2727 Monday – Saturday from 10:00AM – 5:00PM and reference Maine Woods Rambler – Group #716545.

Other Moosehead Region Accommodations Options

There are also many accommodations options in the Moosehead Lake region as well, ranging from 25 minutes-1.5 hours away from Medawisla Lodge. For additional lodging options CLICK HERE.

Rules and General Information

• Helmets MUST be worn and fastened at all times while on the bike.
• The course includes some roads open to traffic. ALL riders MUST obey all rules of the road along the course. Ride on the right at all times and single file where traffic is present. Ride predictably. 
• Traffic may include hunters, fisherman, logging trucks, and other vehicles.  
• Though there will be an aid station(s) and limited support on the course, this area is remote so all  riders should carry with them what they need including tools, parts, additional clothing, and nutrition.
• Cyclocross, Gravel Grind, and Mountain bikes are suitable. A minimum tire width of 37mm to 40mm is recommended. Err on the side of fatter tires if you are debating which of your bikes to bring. Course terrain will include smooth gravel, chunky/washed out/damaged areas, and everything in between. Minimum 42mm tire width recommended for the XL route.
• Please let event staff know if you leave the ride for any reason. We want to ensure everyone is safe and accounted for at the end of the day.
• Practice ‘Leave No Trace’ at all times – don’t litter. 
• E-bikes: Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes are allowed all routes with the exception of the XL route, which allow class 1 and 3 only.

The XL route is being held under a special use permit issued by The Weyerhaeuser Company for use of private/gated roads not otherwise open for public use.

Event will take place rain or shine; full refund of registration donations less a $25 non-refundable fee if made by end of day on September 4; no refunds for cancellations made after September 4. Cyclists will ride at their own risk and must wear a helmet. Routes are challenging and are not recommended for beginners. Participants are required to sign a liability waiver.