Dutchess County NY – Gravel NY

Kathy’s Birthday Ride (Fall Foliage Routes) – Oct 17, 2026

Yesterday, we celebrated one of our medium group ride leaders, Kathy, with a scenic fall foliage ride in Dutchess County. What a gorgeous ride! Fall colors were popping everywhere. It was worth adding an extra layer or two, to stay warm in the chilly air, for a ride with this much scenic beauty! In the afternoon, dreary skies gave way to sunshine mixed with dramatic clouds. Views of the Hudson Valley and Catskills from Tower Hill Rd couldn’t have been better, given the backdrop of autumn leaves and those aforementioned clouds.

We celebrated over hot food, cold beers (or hot drinks!), and some amazing dark chocolate hazelnut brownies baked by Kathy.

Thanks everyone who came out to ride today and celebrate – despite the sharp drop in temperatures! Folks who made the journey were well rewarded for their efforts.

Steve’s activity on Strava (and more photos): https://www.strava.com/activities/20625429441

ROUTES FOR THIS WEEK:
Long (63 mi, >5000 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55841887
Medium+ (57 mi, >4600 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55841884
Medium (52 mi, >4100 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55841878
Short (41 mi, >3400 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55841875

Photo at the top of this post (above) = View of the Hudson Valley with the Catskills in the distance from the top of Tower Hill Rd.

More photos from the ride:

Part of the medium group (Kathy taking the photo from behind the camera).

Fall colors were at their peak in Dutchess County.

There were so many well-graded, dirt climbs followed by fun, zippy descents, like this one along Buttes Hollow Rd. The scenery was far more beautiful than the road name!

Many (but not all) of today’s riders at the Dover Plains Train Station where we gathered in the morning.

Ride Report: GrNY – G R I N D (Gravel in Dutchess) Century Ride

Sept 12, 2026: This was a “bonus ride” that was sent out to regulars of our Long Distance crew, rather than one of our usual three-speeds rides. A big thanks to Doug who crafted our route and instigated this event. The goal was to start further west than our usual Dutchess County rides, so we could cover many of the great dirt roads that we don’t usually reach.

It was a fantastic ride with a fun crew. We covered 100+ miles of premium Dutchess County dirt and paved roads. The ride started and ended at the Slow Fox Farm Brewery, which was a great spot for cold beer and hot pizza when we returned. Both were well deserved! And they tasted even better after our efforts on the bike.

ROUTE: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/57328359

Note: We started at Slow Fox Farm, but we had obtained permission to park (and purchased drinks and food after the ride). Others might choose to start at Drayton Park, which is marked with a “P” for parking logo on the map.

Some pastoral views from the ride.

Part of the group zipping through a quiet, forested road.

Ride Report: The Golden Russet Gravel Ride (8/15)

Fun ride! We had a fast-moving crew for the long-distance group (68 mi). There were two additional pace groups tackling 58 mi and 46 mi versions of the route (“medium” and “short”, respectively). These routes have nice dirt climbs (almost all of them pretty reasonably graded – no 20% killers), ripping dirt descents, beautiful forested roads, scenic pastoral views, and a nice stop at the Golden Russet general store to refuel. Skies were clear enough to see the Catskills from the top of Tower Hill Rd (see photo). Oh, and we had relatively cool weather, considering it is summer, which was wonderful. Many folks stayed to celebrate over burgers, ice cream, and cold drinks at Kelly’s Creamery and Food Truck. Thanks everyone for joining us today and making it a blast!

Note: The long route is based on a past version of MHBC’s Clinton Roubaix Route. The first time GrNY rode this (2023), it was an MHBC-GrNY collaboration.

Part of the Long Distance group on the dirt.

Beautiful pastoral views along the route.

Views of the Catskills from the top of Tower Hill Rd.

Ride Report: Dutchess Gravel Grinder (June 27, 2026)

This was an awesome ride with a fun group! We traversed some of the best dirt roads in Dutchess County. Forests, streams, pastoral views, and glimpses of the Catskill Mountains in the distance from the top of Tower Hill Road. Many people stayed after the ride to socialize at Kelly’s Creamery and Food Truck, which never disappoints (ice cream, food, drinks).

We had four different pace groups and associated routes (short, medium, medium+, and long). You can find these, and many other routes, on RidewithGPS.

The main image (above) is the view from Tower Hill Road. See below for additional ride photos. More photos can bee found on Steve’s Strava activity, here.

We hope to see everyone soon for the Tunnel Ride, which is one of our favorites! Check the group page on Strava for details: https://www.strava.com/clubs/513005

Some of today’s riders at the start.

Riding country roads.

Pastoral views.

Final Spring Gravel Series Ride: Pawling, NY (6/13)

This ride is over. A big thanks to everyone who joined us and made it fun! It was an adventure from the start, given the storm-related destruction in the vicinity of Pawling. It was also a fitting end to our Spring Gravel Series, now that summer is knocking on the door! We traversed many great dirt roads through the woods, along rivers, past ponds, and over rolling hills. There were a few good climbs to keep things interesting. Many riders stayed for a fun hangout at the pub over much deserved food and cold drinks.

You can find some photos from the ride at the bottom of this post.

** We hope to see you in two weeks for our next GrNY ride. We’ll start from Dover Plains on our Dutchess Roubaix routes. It should be a beautiful day of riding! **

ORIGINAL POST: GrNY’s final Spring Gravel Series ride starts on SATURDAY in Pawling, NY. We skipped this ride earlier due weather, but it’s too good to miss! We will spend much of the ride in Litchfield County, CT. This part of the NY/CT border has some of the nicest gravel riding in our region.

You can find details on the group’s Strava page and can RSVP via Strava:
https://www.strava.com/clubs/513005/group_events/3498519342074914412

===
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 expect everyone to follow the group’s guidelines, which are listed at https://grny.org/guidelines.
===

PHOTOS FROM THE RIDE (below)

Group photo

Medium riders by Mud Pond.

Long Distance (faster) group speeding along the Housatonic River.

TWO upcoming gravel rides: Saturday Nov 8 & Nov 15

Join us while we’ve still got nice autumn weather! We’ll be riding this Saturday and the following Saturday (weather permitting for both). Beyond November 15, we’ll have to play it by ear given colder weather, holidays, etc.

As always, GrNY rides are free and open to all experienced cyclists. Just make sure you are 1) up for the distance and the climbing and 2) that you’ve read all of our ride guidelines carefully!

Saturday, Nov 8: THE TUNNEL (New Milford, CT)
This route is a favorite for Kathy and Steve! You’ll travel to the famous tunnel in Steep Rock Preserve. Spectacular riding, lots of dirt, and challenging climbs from start to finish. We might even see some goats on the trails. We’ll hang out at Housatonic River Brewing after the ride! Their kitchen is now open and has all kinds of good stuff. RSVP at this link on Strava
Saturday, Nov 15: Wolves of Waccabuc (Katonah, NY) – Season Finale???
Did you know there are wolves in Westchester? They are safely housed at the Wolf Conservation Center. We won’t be visiting any of the Ambassador Wolves during this bike ride, but we’re naming the route in their honor! The first part of this route is similar to our “Westchester Dirt” route from 3.5 months ago, but the second half contains a lot of new roads. Come ready to explore some new dirt and revisit some old favorites! RSVP at this link on Strava

Pawling Gravel Ride (AKA Kathy’s Birthday Ride) – Nov 1

This ride is over, but we’ve got two more scheduled: Nov 8 and Nov 15! Check them out on the group’s Strava page.

Ride Report for Pawling (AKA Kathy’s Birthday Ride): Great ride with a fantastic group! We had such perfect fall weather, traveled excellent dirt roads, and had a fun post-ride hangout at the pub (including lots of amazing baked goods courtesy of Kathy). Below this post, we’ve added a few photos. You can find Steve’s activity on Strava, here: https://www.strava.com/activities/16324750642

ORIGINAL POST: In honor of Kathy’s birthday, join us for a beautiful ride on the dirt roads and trails of Litchfield County, CT! We’ll be starting from Pawling, NY so folks can join us by train if they choose. This is always a great route.

RSVP Link on Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/513005/group_events/3414051696942464518

QUESTIONS? You can email Steve at track.smart@gmail.com, but be sure to read all of the information in the Strava post and the group information on the GrNY.org website first.

==
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. We expect all riders to have signed the club’s waiver form before the ride. We also expect that all riders will abide by the group’s guidelines.

PHOTOS FROM THIS COMPLETED RIDE! What a great time!

Group photo at the ride start (missing some riders as always!)

The view at Mud Pond.

Part of the Medium Distance crew at a regrouping spot.

Some of the Long Distance group cruising the dirt roads of Litchfield County, CT.

Dutchess Roubaix – Saturday, Oct 11

This ride is now over (and was a lot of fun!) We’ve included some photos from the ride at the bottom of this post.

We’ll have another ride on Saturday, November 1. We’ll see about the weekend prior to November 1. It might not be in the cards for our ride leaders. Look for the November 1 ride to be posted soon to the Strava group.

Original Post: Join us for a ride on the dirt and paved roads of Dutchess County. The long route is based on a past version of MHBC’s Clinton Roubaix Route. Last time we rode this (2023), it was an MHBC-GrNY collaboration (thanks Jeff D!). We are revisiting these routes again after a two-year hiatus – and keeping our streak of new routes alive – we still haven’t repeated the same set of routes this entire season. But don’t worry, we’ll revisit some of our favorite routes soon.

RSVP Link: https://www.strava.com/clubs/513005/group_events/3410816259538220254

Photos from the ride on Saturday, October 11, 2025 (Dutchess Roubaix)

Photo at the start of the ride. We missed a few riders as always.

Long Distance crew at the Top of Tower Hill Rd. You can see the Catskills Mountains in the distance.

Some of the Medium Distance crew (minus Kathy our photographer) on the other side of Tower Hill Rd.

Dirt roads through the woods (Long Distance crew).

Saturday, July 26 – Black Rock Forest & Stewart Forest

This ride is over, but we’ll get the next ride posted soon! See here for a short ride report and some photos from the day’s adventures: https://www.strava.com/activities/15245451036

Overall: It was a fun day of exploration! Black Rock Forest was beautiful, as always. Stewart Forest was also a fun place to explore, though sections of our route where pretty overgrown – expect to travel through quite a bit of long grass – we advise using bug spray and checking yourself for ticks later, just in case. Expect the biggest climb at the end of the ride (sorry!), it’s the only way to get all the way back up to Black Rock Forest.

Come ready for adventure! We have an entirely new set of routes that will encompass the jeep roads of Black Rock Forest AND Stewart State Forest. Black Rock Forest is a hidden gem in our region. Steve and Kathy have been there in all seasons on bikes, snow shoes, and in hiking boots. The image at the top of this post should give you a flavor of what to expect.

RSVP HERE for the Black Rock Forest Ride

Ride Report: Our Dutchess County Gravel Grinder on July 12th was a lot of fun! Rolling hills, country roads, farms, forests, and great views from end to end. Plus a fun celebration at Kelly’s Creamery and Food Truck after the ride (ice cream, hot food and cold drinks).

You’ll find a quick recap and some photos on Steve’s Strava activity, here: https://www.strava.com/activities/15092008126

Photos from the Dutchess County Gravel Grinder (below):

Thank you to Ek for this photo of the Medium distance riders on the road.

One of the many dirt roads along our route.

A few of the Long group at the top of Tower Hill Rd. Sadly, it was too hazy to see the Catskills in the distance like we often can from this spot! Thank you Leslie for taking this photo.

Some of the pastoral views along our route.

Medium group tackling Tower Hill Rd, which turns to dirt at the top. Another photo from Ek.

July 12: Dutchess County Gravel Grinder – Summer Edition!

Our next “three speeds” ride will be on July 12. Join us for a spectacular ride on the dirt-roads of Dutchess County. After cresting Tower Hill Rd, be sure to stop around the corner for some views of the Catskills in the distance (i.e., the cover photo for this post). It’s a nice payoff for your efforts! We’ll end at Kelly’s Creamery & Food Truck, so everyone can celebrate together at the end of the ride!

You’ll find all of the details on the Strava event page: https://www.strava.com/clubs/513005/group_events/2118672

Our thanks to everyone who joined our last two rides (October Mountain and The Tunnel)! You can find photos and a quick recap of those rides on Steve’s Strava posts, here: