NE DIrt

New England Dirt is back for another season with a new series, "Why We Ride" which focuses on the reason behind the ride for MTB Ben, his friends, and those who inspire him. MTB Ben gives a very personal look into his past few months, beaten down by depression and self-doubt he struggled to not only find inspiration to record new episodes for NE DIrt, but to also just go out and r

In this episode, inspired by a recent bikepacking trip in Vermont, MTB Ben talks with Greg Western, Executive Director of the Cross Vermont Trail Association. This past Labor Day Weekend, Ben and his buddy Kris Ivers (who you might remember from Adventures in Bikepacking Ep 2) and I rode the Rivers, Ridges, and Rails bikepacking route through North East Vermont. This 75 mile, ove

MTB Ben is joined by longtime friend and accomplished bike pack racer Maggie Livelsberger in this episode of New England Dirt. In 2023 Maggie has competed in, won, and recorded an FKT in three major Bikepacking races, The DOOM in Ozark, AK, The Coast to Coast in Michigan, and the GRUSK in West Virginia – all on a single speed Otso Fenrir. The duo catches up on old times befo

When I originally started this podcast back in 2018 my goal was to shed a light on the amazing mountain biking we have here in New England. I wanted to highlight the trails, groups, brands, shops, and community that makes this region of the world what it is. If you missed any of my original shows which were featured as part of the Mountain Bike Radio Network, go check out the link

Part 2 of the Great Belgium Randonnee get's us back into the mix with MTB Ben and Aidan. They continue their adventure where we left them at the tiny trailer. Aidan has to start the day with a 7km round trip ride into Malmady to get some money to pay for the trailer the boys slept in, and then they're off again on the Ardennes Abralete. After another great day on the bike - with s

In Part 1 of this 2 part episdoe, MTB Ben and his son Aidan take you on their journey riding the Ardennes Arbalete in Belgium. After a day full of traveling, they explore the city of Brussels by bike visiting beer gardens, the EU Parliment, and some local cafes for tasty food. Day 1 of the ride, Ben and Aidan hop a train to Liege and begin their ride on the Arbalete route. After le

MTB Ben gets ready for a big bikepacking adventure with his oldest son Aidan by going out for a shakedown ride on his new 2023 Surly Krampus. Listen to Ben's adventure on Connecticut's Air Line State Park trail. Ben gets in just over 50 miles over the course of two days, fully loaded, and testing out his new bike, and a few new pieces of gear he picked up in preparation for his ad

For this episode MTB Ben is joined by one of his regular riding buddies, Josh Fleming. Josh and Ben discuss their shared love for finding features out on the trail to session and build up their skills, helping them progress as riders. Josh shares his theory of mastering the 2-Cs, Control and Confidence and how only through practicing those is he ready to concure more difficult terr

MTB Ben is joined by his new bikepacking partner Kris Ivers on this episode, part 2 of Adventures in Bikepacking. Kris and Ben discuss their rides together and how they met eating tacos with Kris' partner in a classic tale of "You like bikes? I like bikes! Let's ride bikes". Kris shares a bit about his background and traveling around the US and being inspired to start bikepacking

MTB Ben takes some time with his youngest son August to discuss their year in bikes. They discuss August's bike fleet, the trips they went on, his overall progression riding at Highland, and the various trail rides and riding partners this year. To follow August and all his adventures, plus to see videos capturing his progression this season follow him on Instagram at @august.ride