2026 Rider Guide
Introduction
Welcome new and returning riders to The Ranger!
We can’t wait to welcome you to Tunbridge and showcase the beautiful roads, valleys and hillsides that surround the Tunbridge Fairgrounds throughout Tunbridge, Strafford, Royalton and Sharon.
The Ranger is foremost a community bike ride, not a race, and we encourage you to ride in a non-competitive and cautious manner. This will not only enhance your own safety but allow you to best enjoy the surroundings and the company of fellow riders. Please remember: all roads are open to automobile traffic.
Since its inception, The Ranger has worked to make a positive impact on this area by connecting cyclists to the surrounding communities. We continue that legacy this year with numerous community events on Saturday and through donating $10,000 to local organizations and projects focused on stewardship for rural and agricultural land, access to outdoor recreation and sustaining small communities.
You’ll have the chance to learn more about our partners this weekend. But in the meantime, read on to learn everything you need to know about riding in The Ranger.
See you this weekend!
Key Information
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Key Information 〰️
❋ The Ranger is Saturday, June 6
All activities take place or begin at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds.
❋ Registration is closed
The window to transfer registrations has also closed, and there will be no day-of registration available (except for the 5K Run/Walk).
❋ PLEASE REMEMBER
18-, 42- and 62-mile rides roll out in a mass start.
The Community No-Drop Ride rolls at 9:05 a.m., with the Junior Ranger beginning at 9:30.
All roads are open to automobile traffic.
❋ Rides begin at 9 a.m.
❋ Camping is Available
Both Friday and Saturday nights. $20 per person covers both nights for individuals over age 18. If you haven’t yet paid for camping you can pay on site.
❋ HELP US MINIMIZE WASTE
Bring your own bowl, plate and utensils if you can.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
FRIDAY
4 P.M.
Camping Open
Camping is just $20 per person and covers both Friday and Saturday nights. Pay ahead or on-site. Packet pickup available Friday night, too.
SATURDAY
6:30-8:30 A.M.
Packet Pickup
Grab your number, poster and meal ticket and get ready to ride.
7 A.M.
Breakfast Available
The North Tunbridge Store will be serving breakfast and First Branch Coffee will be brewing their finest. Breakfast and coffee are for purchase.
9 A.M.
Rides Roll Out
The 18-, 42- and 62-mile rides roll out at 9 a.m.
The Community-No Drop ride rolls at 9:05.
The Junior Ranger begins at 9:30.
10 A.M.
5K Run/Walk
Join Friends of First Branch Schools and the Tunbridge Library for a 5K Run/Walk. $20, with day-of registration available.
11:30 A.M.
Party in the Pasture
Enjoy food and drink from Brownsville Butcher and Pantry, and live music and tunes from Royalton Radio. Each rider’s meal and a non-alcoholic drink is included; beer available for purchase.
2:30 P.M.
Recommended Cut-off Time
Riders on the 42- and 62-mile routes who reach Tunbridge Central School aid station at or after 2:30 p.m. are strongly encouraged to return to the Fairgrounds via Route 110.
3-4 P.M.
Unofficial Awards & Raffle
We'll announce our unofficial podium for the Gravel Enduro and draw prizes for the raffle. Must be present to win.
4 P.M.
Food Service Ends
To-go meals will be put aside for riders who finish after 4 p.m.
SATURDAY NIGHT
Camping Available
Make it a weekend and camp Saturday night, too. $20 covers both Friday and Saturday nights.
Packet Pickup
Packets and ride numbers are available for pickup on Friday from 4 - 7 p.m. and on Saturday morning from 6:30 - 8:30 a.m. Packet Pickup is located in the expo/vendor area.
There will be no day-of registration available for Saturday’s ride.
Day-of registration is available for the 5K Run/Walk.
Please keep track of your meal ticket—it will not be replaced.
RouTES
Each route will be minimally marked. Larger lawn signs will indicate intersections that deserve heightened caution and splits between courses of different lengths. Relying solely on course markings is discouraged—plan to download the course GPS file prior to the event to a bike computer or phone or print your own cue sheet.
click to download:
Join The Ranger event via RideWithGPS to see all the routes.
SEGMENTS
The 42- and 62-mile routes feature four timed enduro segments. These segments are identical between the two routes, and do not take place on the additional 20 miles that make up the 62-mile route.
That means 42- and 62-mile riders will be competing against one another, despite riding different distances. Lawn signs on course will indicate an upcoming segment and each segment’s beginning and end.
The 18-mile route includes an enduro segment, though 18-mile riders will not be included in the overall enduro results.
To ensure your ride counts toward the segment challenges, you must upload your ride to Strava upon completion.
Aid Stations
Each course includes fully stocked aid stations, with fruit, an assortment of snacks, water and Skratch Labs hydration mixes.
The 18-mile Green course has one aid station at 10.6 miles.
The 42-mile Blue course has two aid stations at 10.6 and 31.1 miles.
The 62-mile Black course has three aid stations at 10.6, 31, and 49.4 miles. The mile-31 aid station on the Black Course is water only.
CUTOFF TIMES
Riders on the 42- and 62-mile routes who reach Tunbridge Central School aid station at or after 2:30 p.m. are strongly encouraged to return to the Fairgrounds via Route 110. This detour is less than three miles of flat/downhill pavement to return to the Fairgrounds.
Continuing up Monarch Hill Road (a challenging 12 miles) after 2:30 p.m. means you’re in for a very late afternoon, and this portion of the course will be swept beginning at 2:45 p.m.
Food service at the Party in the Pasture ends at 4 p.m. To-go meals for those who finish later will be set aside.
Riders participating in the 42- or 62-mile routes who expect to average less than 9 mph are encouraged to start earlier than 9 a.m. Note that aid stations and course marshals may not be set up and posted prior to 9 a.m.
PODIUMS, NOT PRIZES
Around 3 p.m., we’ll announce our unofficial podium for the segment challenge winners in the male, female and gender-diverse categories. Due to limited cell service, we acknowledge the podium may not be official and will publish official results in the week following The Ranger.
Camping
Camping is available both Friday and Saturday nights and is $20 per person for anyone over age 18. Campers may arrive on Friday beginning at 4 p.m. or Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. Please pay on site (at packet pickup) if you haven’t paid in advance.
Camping includes access to water, porta-potties and electricity. No indoor plumbing or dumping. Quiet hours run from 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
Open fires are prohibited.
Camping is not allowed Sunday night.
Dogs are not permitted at the Fairgrounds.
Ranger Rules
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Ranger Rules *
Have fun. Be safe. Ride smart.
Riders must wear a helmet at ALL times.
ALL ROADS WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC. Riders must always stay to the right, never ride more than two abreast and stop at all stop signs. Be courteous and respectful of drivers and the roads that this event is privileged to use. Expect the unexpected, including horses, livestock, tractors, walkers and other cyclists traveling in the same or opposite direction as you, including on Class IV roads and narrow roads. It’s difficult to see cyclists from farm equipment, which also may be entering and exiting roads in unexpected locations. Be aware!
Per Vermont state law, cyclists may ride two abreast but shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. Riders are expected to stay to the right even on dirt roads and ride two abreast (and never more than two abreast) only where it is safe to do so.
Course marshals may stop, slow and direct riders, but will NOT DIRECT CAR TRAFFIC. If a marshal tells you to stop: STOP
Pedal-assisted e-bikes are allowed at The Ranger, however riders using e-bikes will not be eligible for the gravel enduro podium.
Respect the land you’re riding on and the landowners who live along these roads. Talk quietly, don’t litter, pick up trash if you see it and use the portapotties at the aid stations and especially at the Fairgrounds!
Riders must be prepared to deal with their own mechanical issues. A couple neutral service vehicles will be available on course for assistance, but participants should plan to be self-sufficient.
Unless a marshal or other volunteer directs you otherwise, stay on the course. The roads around Tunbridge are difficult to navigate, and cell phone service is spotty—following the course and the directions of course marshals is the best way to return to the Fairgrounds.
The organizers of The Ranger reserve the right to make any last-minute course/timing changes as deemed necessary. The ride will take place rain or shine. In the event of dangerous weather, the race may be delayed, shortened, postponed or canceled without a refund.
Ranger Rules
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Ranger Rules *
In cASE OF EMERGENCY
In the event of an emergency, call 911.
If you cannot find cell service, head to the nearest aid station, bearing in mind it may be behind you.
Other Important Numbers
First Branch Ambulance: 911. Or 802-685-3115
Tyler Cohen, Event Organizer: 802-355-4848
Pamela Robichaud, Event Organizer: 617-596-1254
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you change your course distance? Can you bring your dog? What tires should you ride? What does it mean to Ride with Purpose?