Category: Dutchess County NY

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:

Photos from The Tunnel & Lake Waramaug (below):

Photos from October Mountain Gravel Century (below):

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. [This ride is over, but you can see a quick report and photos via Steve’s Strava activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/14227145215]

*SUNDAY*, April 27: Dover Plains, NY. This ride has been moved to Sundy due to rain. Join us on the picturesque dirt roads of Dutchess County. It is worth the drive or train ride! [This ride is over, but you can see a quick report and photos via Steve’s Strava activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/14305908378]

*SUNDAY*, May 4: [This ride was cancelled due to weather! We offered a “Before the Storm” ride that started early in the morning on Saturday instead. You can see Steve’s activity with photos and description, here: https://www.strava.com/activities/14366766493]

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. [This ride is over, but you can see a quick report and photos via Steve’s Strava activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/14439248660]

*SUNDAY*, May 18: Moved to Cold Spring, NY. Much of the ride is near Fahnestock State Park, with lots of fun and challenging climbs. [This ride is over, but you can see a quick report and photos via Steve’s Strava activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/14522754132]

Saturday, June 7, Far Hills, NJ: Spectacular ride that goes through the Teetertown Ravine and Lockwood Gorge – worth the trip! We skipped these routes previously due to weather and competing events, but we will be making up for it soon! Please RSVP here: https://www.strava.com/clubs/513005/group_events/2054906

* 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.

Berkshires Gravel Century from Wingdale, NY (Mt Riga, Mt Everett and Sunset Rock)

Spectacular day of riding with some GrNY regulars. We had perfect weather and a beautiful course! This ride included the core of the Berkshires-Riga-Sunset Rock route, but we started in Wingdale, NY, which is closer to NYC. The route includes an optional spur (mile 50, in blue) to the top of Mt Everett. Everyone was feeling good and did the extra climb, though not everyone maintained traction for the steepest section near the end (i.e., a few riders needed to walk a short distance). The road up to Mt Everett is steep, particularly the last 0.5 mile dirt section near the top, but there are good views as payoff.

Route (110 mi, ~10,000 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48334310

Steve’s Strava Post: https://www.strava.com/activities/12362495208

The route was beautiful from end to end.

Along the Mt Everett climb.

Sherman, CT to Dover Plains Gravel Ride

Beautiful ride on a perfect summer day. We had routes queued up ranging from 41 to 106 miles. There was a surprisingly big crowd for the longer distances. Most of the riders at the start joined for the 80-106 mile options. We had two smaller groups who enjoyed the medium and short distance options, respectively.

For the longer distance groups: A group of us cut back a bit early from the 106-mile loop, since we had a couple of riders whose legs were toast and/or cramping up. We certainly didn’t feel short-changed by our “only” 91 miles of beautiful riding (versus the possible 106). We took the last part at a nice, easy, and highly enjoyable pace. While the rest of the group grinded out their final miles, we were enjoying cold beers, burgers, and live music at the Housatonic River Brewery. Those of us at the brewery were all pretty satisfied with that choice! Thanks to everyone who came out today!

Longer Routes:

106mi, >10,000ft: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47941045
86mi, >7,000ft: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47940089
80 mi, >6500: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47941324

Medium Route (52 miles, >4000 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47927290

Short Route (41mi, 3000ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47928659

Steve’s Strava Post: https://www.strava.com/activities/12123560711

Long-distance (i.e., faster) pace group riding along.

Riding through Macedonia Brook State Park.

GrNY Spring Gravel Series 2024: It’s over, but more rides to come!

UPDATE: Our Spring Gravel Series is over, but we’ll continue to post rides throughout the year! Look for invitations from our group on Strava.

Photos and Ride Recaps: See the links to Steve’s Strava entries, below. You’ll find photos and a quick summary of each ride.

Sunday, April 21: Katonah, NY: https://www.strava.com/activities/11234340871]

Saturday, April 27: Dover Plains, NY: https://www.strava.com/activities/11278170936]

Saturday, May 4: Cold Spring, NY: https://www.strava.com/activities/11332463445]

Saturday, May 18: Pawling, NY: https://www.strava.com/activities/11441847954 ]

Saturday, June 15, Far Hills, NJ (Natirar Park): https://www.strava.com/activities/11660226512]

Original Announcement: I’m happy to announce Gravel NY’s third annual Spring Gravel Series! We have planned five weekends of gravel rides, starting on April 21. 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

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.

SCHEDULE OF RIDES*

Sunday, April 21: Katonah, NY. Ride some of the best and most scenic rural roads in Westchester County. [THIS RIDE IS COMPLETE! See Steve’s Strava activity here: https://www.strava.com/activities/11234340871]

Saturday, April 27: Dover Plains, NY. The picturesque dirt-roads of Dutchess County. It is worth the drive or train ride! [THIS RIDE IS COMPLETE! See Steve’s Strava activity here: https://www.strava.com/activities/11278170936]

Moved to SATURDAY, May 4: Cold Spring, NY. Much of the ride is near Fahnestock State Park, with lots of fun and challenging climbs. [THIS RIDE IS COMPLETE! See Steve’s Strava activity here: https://www.strava.com/activities/11332463445]

Saturday, May 11: Columbia County Gravel Century. This is not one of our SGS rides, but if joining some members of the faster pace group for 100 miles and >10,000 ft of climbing is in your wheelhouse, feel free to reach out to Steve for more information: track.smart@gmail.com. [THIS RIDE IS COMPLETE! See Steve’s Strava activity here: https://www.strava.com/activities/11389565400]

Saturday, May 18: 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. [THIS RIDE IS COMPLETE! See Steve’s Strava activity here: https://www.strava.com/activities/11441847954 ]

Saturday, June 15, Far Hills, NJ (Natirar Park). Spectacular ride that goes through the Teetertown Ravine and Lockwood Gorge – worth the trip! [THIS RIDE IS COMPLETE! See Steve’s Strava activity here: https://www.strava.com/activities/11660226512]

For Saturday 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 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: 45 miles, 3600 ft climbing, ~10.5 MPH.
-Example: https://www.strava.com/activities/9197009980

[These examples are from last 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.