BIG NEWS: Gravel NY is going ‘official’ for 2025!

Gravel NY is now a Bicycle Club recognized by the League of American Bicyclists!  We have obtained liability insurance under the League’s provider.  Members and first-time guests are covered under this insurance during GrNY club rides.

This means that you must fill out a digital liability waiver form before your first ride of 2025 – it takes only seconds to complete.   Click here to sign the Digital Waiver

Please see Guidelines for more information about other updates, including how club membership will work for 2025.

Welcome to Gravel NY

GrNY is an informal club for gravel riding in the New York metro area. Rides involve dirt and paved surfaces, since it is difficult to string together continuous dirt routes in our area. The goal is to get away from traffic and seek gravel where we can find it.

Join us for rides that emphasize:
– Fun exploration
– Non-competitive atmosphere
– No dress code (whether lycra, MTB baggies, or flannel)
– Some members enjoy challenging rides, but the goal is the experience, not speed/stats
– Pacelining on dirt roads is strongly discouraged.

Important information:

– How to Join GrNY

– GrNY Guidelines

We expect everyone to read and agree to our guidelines before joining us on a ride. You can find our guidelines in the links above.

Disclaimer: GrNY rides are completely informal. You ride at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety. You are expected to be self-sufficient. We cannot guarantee the condition or safety of roads and trails. Nor can we control the behavior of other riders. Our rides are not supported events. We expect everyone to be an experienced cyclist who can repair a flat, carry appropriate food and hydration, and navigate independently if they lose the group. We do not offer training or bicycle education.

2025 Spring Gravel Series!!! April 19 to May 17

We are happy to announce Gravel NY’s fourth annual Spring Gravel Series! We have planned five weekends of gravel rides, starting on April 19, 2025. Each ride will have three “pace groups”, which will differ in speed, distance, and intensity of climbing. There will be a common hangout location after each ride, so all groups can socialize over food and drinks. Participating in all five rides will take you to all of the major gravel riding zones in our region – a true gravel tour! We hope you can join us!

Questions? You can email Steve at track.smart@gmail.com, but please read all of the information below first.

Disclaimer: GrNY rides are completely informal. You ride at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety. You are expected to be self-sufficient. We cannot guarantee the condition or safety of roads and trails. Nor can we control the behavior of other riders. Our rides are not supported events. We expect everyone to be an experienced cyclist who can repair a flat, carry appropriate food and hydration, and navigate independently if they lose the group. We do not offer training or bicycle education. Please visit this page for important membership information and guidelines.

SCHEDULE OF RIDES*

Saturday, April 19: Katonah, NY. Ride some of the best and most scenic rural roads in Westchester County. Please RSVP via Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/513005/group_events/1984607

Saturday, April 26: Dover Plains, NY. The picturesque dirt roads of Dutchess County. It is worth the drive or train ride!

Saturday, May 3: Cold Spring, NY. Much of the ride is near Fahnestock State Park, with lots of fun and challenging climbs.

Saturday, May 10: Pawling, NY. We will spend much of the ride in gorgeous Litchfield County, CT. The NY/CT border has some of the nicest gravel riding in our region.

Saturday, May 17: Far Hills, NJ (Natirar Park). Spectacular ride that goes through the Teetertown Ravine and above the Lockwood Gorge – worth the trip!

* For all rides, the default rain date will be Sunday of the same weekend. We will generally start each ride around 9am, with adjustments for train schedules. Ride schedule and routes are subject to change or cancellation due to weather or other factors.

PACE GROUPS

Long (60-65+ miles, faster speed, and killer climbs): These rides will be led by Steve. 17+ mph (“Strava speed” on paved solo rides); 19-20mph (NYCC standards); ~14MPH average on gravel rides with 100ft/mile of elevation gain.

Medium (45-55 miles, moderate speed, skips some of the deadliest climbs): Kathy will lead these rides, which will still be challenging, but travel at a slower speed. Pace expectation: 14 mph (“Strava speed” on paved solo routes);l 16-17 mph (NYCC standards); ~12 MPH average on gravel rides with 100ft/mile of elevation gain.

Short (40-45 miles, no-drop): Ralph will typically lead these rides. This group will stop more often to rest, take photos, and enjoy the scenery, riding at a friendly, no-drop pace. Pace expectation: 12-13 mph (“Strava speed” on paved solo routes); 14-15 mph (NYCC standards); 10 MPH average on gravel rides with 100ft/mile of elevation gain.

“Strava speed” = actual recorded average speed for long, solo paved rides on relatively flat terrain (i.e., not group rides with drafting).

EXAMPLE RIDES FOR EACH PACE GROUP

It is difficult to describe pace for rides that include dirt, pavement, and substantial climbing. You can compare these examples to your own gravel rides over similar distances and elevation gains. PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE ELEVATION GAIN. THESE WILL BE HILLY RIDES.

Long: 63 miles, 6300 ft climbing, >14 MPH.
– Example: https://www.strava.com/activities/9023394582

Medium: 47 miles, 4500 ft climbing, ~12 MPH.
-Example: https://www.strava.com/activities/9023193918

Short: 40 miles, 3700 ft climbing, ~10 MPH.
-Example: https://www.strava.com/activities/11234424900

[These examples are from a previous year’s SGS rides]

RIDE ORGANIZATION

We will have at least one place to buy food and drink on each ride, but we are only doing grab-and-go during the ride itself (e.g., gatorade + portable snacks). Each group will have a few “wait for everyone” stops. That said, the Long and Medium groups will not wait for riders who are considerably behind the pace. The Short group will be no-drop – with some limits. If you are walking the hills and suffering, even at the slower ride pace, please take a shortcut back to the start and tell the rest of the group to travel without you. We can all hangout after the ride.

THREE REQUESTS

1) Please choose a ride group based on your riding speed, not distance. We want the groups to finish around the same time, so we can all hang out post-ride. We understand you can go the longer distance, but it will be more fun if people ride together (rather than get dropped) and then hangout for food and drink after the ride.

2) Ride safely! Please read our ride guidelines: https://grny.org/guidelines. Key points:
– Control your speed when traveling downhill. Racing downhill is how many serious injuries happen. If you’d like to ride hard, save it for the climbs! Then wait at the top.
– Being predictable to other riders and cars will keep everyone safer. Never pass a rider on the right. If you want to pass, call out, and then pass on their left (like a car).
– You need some form of off-line navigation and should have a backup navigation plan. Why? Many areas won’t have cell coverage. And phone batteries can die during long rides. Examples of offline navigation: Dedicated bike computer (Garmin, Wahoo, etc); Phone with paid subscription to Ride with GPS or Strava and remembering to download to route for offline usage before the ride; Paper map + cue sheets.

3) Don’t blow up your pace group.
– If one or two riders are traveling much faster than the group leader, others will chase them. Then everybody will get strung out riding alone.
– If you are faster than the group average, wait at the top of hills and after major road crossings.
– If there are big speed differences within a group, the group will subdivide at the first catch-up stop. This way everybody will have somebody to ride with.

About GrNY & How to Join

GrNY is an informal club for gravel riding in the New York metro area. Rides involve dirt and paved surfaces, since it is difficult to string together continuous unpaved routes in our area. The goal is to get away from cars and seek gravel where we can find it.

Join us for rides that emphasize:

  • Fun exploration
  • Non-competitive atmosphere
  • No dress code (whether lycra, MTB baggies, or flannel)
  • Pacelining is discouraged on gravel roads.
  • Some members enjoy challenging rides, but the goal is the experience, not speed/stats.

Disclaimer: GrNY rides are completely informal. You ride at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety. You are expected to be self-sufficient. We cannot guarantee the condition or safety of roads and trails. Nor can we control the behavior of other riders. Our rides are not supported events. We expect everyone to be an experienced cyclist who can repair a flat, carry appropriate food and hydration, and navigate independently if they lose the group. We do not offer training or bicycle education.

How to get started with GrNY

You are welcome to join us for your first ride as a guest! Please carefully read and fill out the digital waiver form here. If you do not fill out the waiver, you cannot ride with us. If you join us for a second ride, you will automatically become a GrNY member – see our Guidelines page for details and suggested contribution information. All riders should RSVP for rides on the Strava group. See details below.

Where to find info about upcoming rides

  • All rides are posted to the GrNY Strava group. Please RSVP to rides using Strava. A free Strava account is all you need to RSVP.
  • You can also join the GrNY email list to get notified about some (but not all) rides.

If you’d like to join the Strava group, where you can receive ride invitations and RSVP for rides…

First click “join group” on Strava. We want to include people who might actually join rides. That’s why we will check that you:

1) live in the broader NYC Metro area (e.g. NY, NJ, CT), and

2) are capable of riding the distance of our shortest rides (35+ miles of hilly terrain).

If your Strava profile says you live far away – you won’t be approved for the Strava group. And we also won’t approve you if, when look at the stats on your profile, we see that all the rides you’ve logged to Strava are short rides. Almost all GrNY rides are more than 35 miles and typically on hilly terrain, so you should be used to regularly riding at similar distances and elevation gradients. That said, we understand privacy is important and some people have their profiles locked down. Others have never used Strava before. That’s okay.

If your Strava profile doesn’t reflect your location or riding ability, click “join group” on Strava then send an email to info@grny.org with a link to your Strava profile or your profile name. If you don’t hear back from that address, you are welcome to email Steve at track.smart@gmail.com. He can also approve your acceptance to the Strava group.

Once you’re part of the Strava group, communication via Strava is sometimes an problem. To get around that problem we’ve created an email mailing list. To get on the mailing list visit https://grny.org/email-list/ and follow the instructions on the page. We try to keep emails to a minimum. Please realize you have to confirm your email address to be fully signed up. Check your spam folder if you don’t see the confirmation email within a few minutes.

Finally, if you want to get a sense for the rides we do, we’ve put “ride reports” on our website for many of our past rides.

Westchester Dirt! (Sunday, Nov 24)

UPDATE: This ride is over. You can find some additional photos and a brief recap on Steve’s Strava activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/12975542393

Our thanks to everyone who joined us for this fun day of riding and post-ride celebrating. Have a great Thanksgiving!

Join us for a dirt-heavy ride in Westchester county! We don’t know how many more “3-speed” rides we’ll be able to do this year, given that winter is coming fast. We will have our usual three pace groups, which will differ in speed, distance, and intensity of climbing.

RSVP Link: https://www.strava.com/clubs/513005/group_events/1843882

ROUTES:

Long (61mi, >5200ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43458179
Medium (51mi, >4100ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43458220
Short (42mi, >3500ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43458314

DISCLAIMER: This is totally informal. You ride at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety. You are expected to be self-sufficient. We cannot guarantee the condition or safety of roads and trails. Nor can we control the behavior of other riders. This is not a supported event. We expect everyone to be an experienced cyclist who can repair a flat, carry appropriate food and hydration, and navigate independently if they lose the group.

Riders tackling the climb through Mountain Lakes Park.

We traversed many miles of beautiful dirt roads through forests, farms, and horse country estates.

Off-road trails and crazy climbs from Garrison, NY (Nov 16, 2024)

UPDATE: THIS RIDE IS OVER, BUT WE’LL BE POSTING MORE RIDES SOON. You can find a brief ride summary and some photos on Steve’s Strava activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/12916865605

Expect a normal “three speeds” ride on SUNDAY 11/24. We’ll try to get that ride posted soon.

This week (Saturday 11/16) Steve will be leading an informal gravel ride aimed at folks in our faster pace group. Expect miles of fun off-road trails and crazy climbs. If you have the choice between skinnier and fatter tires, bring the fat tires. You’ll be okay on normal gravel tires (e.g. 40mm) if that’s what you’ve got.

RSVP Link: https://www.strava.com/clubs/513005/group_events/1839047

ROUTES:

Full insanity (74mi, >8500ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49036211

Partial insanity (58mi, >6800ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49039746

Extra Credit (10k ft or bust edition): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49046949

DISCLAIMER: This is totally informal. You ride at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety. You are expected to be self-sufficient. We cannot guarantee the condition or safety of roads and trails. Nor can we control the behavior of other riders. This is not a supported event. We expect everyone to be an experienced cyclist who can repair a flat, carry appropriate food and hydration, and navigate independently if they lose the group.

Black Rock Forest & Storm King (November 9th)

UPDATE: THIS RIDE IS OVER, BUT WE’LL BE POSTING MORE RIDES SOON. You can find a brief ride summary and some photos on Steve’s Strava activity:
https://www.strava.com/activities/12862424903

Come ready for adventure! Black Rock Forest is a hidden gem in our region. Steve has visited across seasons, whether riding the forest roads, hiking the trails, XC skiing, or snowshoeing. We will stick to the maintained forest roads, which were highly rideable – and a lot of fun – when we scouted them in July. It’s a beautiful place!

Here are some photos from Black Rock Forest for inspiration: https://photos.app.goo.gl/XzXA1TRMH7emrGWe6

We’ll also visit Storm King Highway, a better-known highlight of our region, which offers magnificent views of the Hudson River and beyond. Black Rock Forest and Storm King both suffered major damage during a major storm in July of 2023. Thankfully both places have been repaired, so we can return to these favorite spots.

See Strava to RSVP and find more details about the ride and pace groups: https://www.strava.com/clubs/513005/group_events/1829665

*** We will start at Bear Mountain State Park. If you are driving, there is a $10 fee for parking. If you have a NYS Empire Pass, you’ll be able to park for free, just like in any other NYS park.

*** Train riders can hop off at Manitou Station. They will have a 3-mile ride to Bear Mountain. [There is no parking lot at Manitou Station. If drivers want to avoid the parking fee at Bear Mountain, you’ll have to find a different place.]

*** All riders should use caution at the start and end of the route! We’ll have to navigate a busy road and traffic circle as we leave Bear Mountain State Park. The same goes for train riders, who will have to navigate to the park.

Strava is currently stripping external links from their pages. We have posted the routes and map links below.

QUESTIONS? You can email Steve at track.smart@gmail.com, but first see the RSVP link on Strava and GrNY’s tips and guidelines page, which contain a lot of useful information.

ROUTES:

Long (60mi, ~6000ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48960396
Medium (48mi, ~4500ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48913132
Short (38mi, ~3500ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48913108

START LOCATION: Bear Mountain State Park, Parking Lot 1. Map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ScbZTf7v6w96iwyZ8

END OF RIDE HANGOUT: Informal picnic at Bear Mountain. See the RidewithGPS routes for the exact location we plan to gather after the ride. Look for the picnic table symbol on the map.

DISCLAIMER: This is totally informal. You ride at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety. You are expected to be self-sufficient. We cannot guarantee the condition or safety of roads and trails. Nor can we control the behavior of other riders. This is not a supported event. We expect everyone to be an experienced cyclist who can repair a flat, carry appropriate food and hydration, and navigate independently if they lose the group.

Black Rock Forest.

Views from Storm King Highway.

Jersey Dirt from Natirar Park, Nov 2 (Routes & Missing Links)

UPDATE: THIS RIDE IS OVER, BUT WE’LL BE POSTING MORE RIDES SOON. You can find a brief ride summary and some photos on Steve’s Strava activity:
https://www.strava.com/activities/12806981854

This area of NJ has some of the nicest gravel riding in our region: Dirt roads through woods, forests, and along peaceful streams; Ridges and hills with beautiful pastoral views; Quaint small towns with General Stores. You’ll probably find at least one cooler in the woods with local maple syrup and an on-your-honor jar for depositing money.

See Strava to RSVP and find more details about the ride and pace groups: https://www.strava.com/clubs/513005/group_events/1825379

Strava is currently stripping external links from their pages. We have posted the missing links below.

QUESTIONS? You can email Steve at track.smart@gmail.com, but first see the RSVP link on Strava and GrNY’s tips and guidelines page, which contain a lot of useful information.

ROUTE LINKS:

Long (60 mi, >6000 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47048264
Medium (54 mi, >4900 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47048304
Short (40 mi, >3600 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47048336

START LOCATION: Natirar Park. Take the Peapack Rd entrance and go to the first parking area: https://goo.gl/maps/Naqdh1oga6mN5FRS8. Check the RWGPS routes for clarification.

END OF RIDE HANGOUT: Picnic in Natirar Park. We’ll bring some cold drinks and snacks.

DISCLAIMER: This is totally informal. You ride at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety. You are expected to be self-sufficient. We cannot guarantee the condition or safety of roads and trails. Nor can we control the behavior of other riders. This is not a supported event. We expect everyone to be an experienced cyclist who can repair a flat, carry appropriate food and hydration, and navigate independently if they lose the group.

(Photo: Courtesy of Ken)

Tunnels & Forests: Saturday, Oct 26 (Routes and Missing Links)

UPDATE: This ride is over, but you are welcome to check out Steve’s Strava post for more photos and a quick recap: https://www.strava.com/activities/12751976266

In honor of Kathy’s birthday, join us for a challenging ride on the dirt roads and trails of Litchfield County, CT. We’ll be riding brand new routes for the occasion. Expect tunnels, forests, and potentially goats on the trail!

See Strava to RSVP and find more details about the ride and pace groups: https://www.strava.com/clubs/513005/group_events/1816914

Strava is currently stripping external links from their pages. We have posted the missing links below.

QUESTIONS? You can email Steve at track.smart@gmail.com, but first see the RSVP link on Strava and GrNY’s tips and guidelines page, which contain a lot of useful information.

ROUTE LINKS:

Long (60 mi, >6000 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48837945
Medium (54 mi, >4900 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48810220
Short (40 mi, >3600 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48810314

GOOGLE MAPS LINKS

Start Location: Pawling Train Station – https://maps.app.goo.gl/qDnPvgnn4ruwdYYZ8 (* Be sure to look at the RWGPS routes for the exact meet-up location and parking spot for car drivers)

End of Ride Gathering:  O’Connor’s Public House in Pawling, NY. All of the routes end at this location – https://maps.app.goo.gl/LPFzaHWSFpjLfhSs8

DISCLAIMER: This is totally informal. You ride at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety. You are expected to be self-sufficient. We cannot guarantee the condition or safety of roads and trails. Nor can we control the behavior of other riders. This is not a supported event. We expect everyone to be an experienced cyclist who can repair a flat, carry appropriate food and hydration, and navigate independently if they lose the group.

Group photo, minus about seven riders who were still getting ready near their cars.

Great views. There was still some excellent fall foliage in many places.

Riders entering the tunnel in Steep Rock Preserve.

Dutchess Fall Foliage Ride, Saturday October 12 (Routes & Missing Links)

UPDATE: This ride is over, but you are welcome to check out Steve’s Strava post for more photos and a quick recap: https://www.strava.com/activities/12639767105

Join us for a spectacular fall foliage ride on the dirt roads of Dutchess County. We’ll be riding fresh routes to keep things interesting! The trees should have nice fall color, which will be an extra treat. We will have the usual three pace groups (short, medium, long) and expect all groups to end at around the same time. All routes end at Kelly’s Creamery & Food Truck, so everyone can celebrate together at the end of the ride.

Strava is currently stripping external links from their pages. We have posted the links related to this group ride below.

QUESTIONS? You can email Steve at track.smart@gmail.com, but first see the RSVP link on Strava and GrNY’s tips and guidelines page, which contain a lot of useful information.

ROUTE LINKS:

Long (64 mi, >5300 ft): ridewithgps.com/routes/48709455
Medium (54 mi, >4200 ft) : ridewithgps.com/routes/48708817
Short (42.8 mi, >3400 ft): ridewithgps.com/routes/48708860

GOOGLE MAPS LINKS

Start Location: Dover Plains Train Station.  Use the parking lot on Market Street.  Do NOT use the parking lot on Railroad street.  Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eJeZb2fB9N2L6ber7

End of Ride Gathering:  Kelly’s Creamery & Kelly’s Husband’s Food Truck for food and drinks. Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HbdpM6W6UNSQeHk4A

DISCLAIMER: This is totally informal. You ride at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety. You are expected to be self-sufficient. We cannot guarantee the condition or safety of roads and trails. Nor can we control the behavior of other riders. This is not a supported event. We expect everyone to be an experienced cyclist who can repair a flat, carry appropriate food and hydration, and navigate independently if they lose the group.

Group photo, minus 5 riders who were either late or still getting themselves ready to roll.


View from the top of Tower Hill Rd. Absolutely worth the climb! Fall colors in the foreground and the Catskills Mountains in the distance.