Bike Upstate with Fall Events

By Darryl Caron

Now in its third year, the Handlebarley Gravel Tour is on Sunday, Sept. 17 in North Hudson. It’s a mixed surface ride that has it all, the best of which is that 95% of the route is on rural eastern Adirondack backroads – and it starts and finishes at Paradox Brewery. As an update, the full weekend and Saturday only packages are sold out, but slots are still available for the main event on Sunday. 

Sunday’s ride is the original Handlebarley route featuring 42 miles of some rolling paved and gravel terrain showcasing historic farms, 1800s stacked stone walls, remnants of old mills, and sweet-smelling cedar groves. The highlight of this route is a rest stop in Ironville at the Penfield Homestead Museum (who benefits from ride registrations), which features artifacts from the Penfield family, other historic homes, as well as exhibits covering the local iron history, town history, and involvement in the civil war. To cap it off, riders will celebrate a fabulous ride with a pizza feast, delicious craft beer, and live music at the brewery. Register: bikeadk.com.

The second annual Tour de Vine takes place on Saturday, Oct. 7 in Cambridge. It’s a casual, supported tour of the upper Hudson and Battenkill valleys with tasting stops at local wineries, cideries, distilleries and breweries. There’s even concierge service to transport wine and merchandise purchases back to the finish!

The Anthem Sports Tours cycling event is welcoming to all riders with fully-supported aid stations, sag wagons, and moto mechanical support. Anthem recently led the popular Great North and Tour of the Catskills bike tours. The distance is 30-40 miles. The ride field limit has been reached (there may be a waitlist) but wine tastings at each stop are still available. Register: anthemsportstours.com.

Bike the Barns is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7 at Ausable Brewing in Keeseville. There’s only one way to experience the rich agricultural story of the Adirondacks and Champlain Valley and that is farm-by-bike! The initial 150 slots are sold out however a wait list has been activated, but there’s good news – it is anticipated that more slots will be opened.

The ride covers 23 miles with about 1,000 feet of elevation. You guessed it, this fall bike tour features farm stops complete with tours of each, but what makes this event special is its ability to see, smell, and absorb so much while experiencing the landscape by bike. Following the ride, participants will kick back with a fabulous farm-to-table meal, delicious craft beverages, and live music. Registration supports Adirondack North Country Associations important work to bolster local food, community and health systems. Visit: bikeadk.com.

Join us at the first annual Saratoga Foliage Ride on Saturday-Sunday, October 7-8, and it’s presented by the Saratoga Regional YMCA and Bikeatoga. Get on your bike and enjoy peak foliage, riding some of Saratoga County’s most scenic routes at the most beautiful time of the year. Along the way you’ll see history and horse farms, pumpkins, cider donuts and more. The rides start and finish at the Saratoga Regional YMCA in Saratoga Springs, featuring two days of riding and six routes! 

Start your morning with their buffet breakfast and head out to ride one of three routes each day – 30, 50, and 75 miles – with full SAG support. Saturday’s rides will honor the 246th anniversary of the Battle of Saratoga. You’ll ride the back roads through the very fields where American forces first defeated the British army – the turning point of the American Revolution. Sunday’s rides will follow beautiful routes through fields, farmlands and gorgeous fall foliage. 

After the ride, relax, shop and dine in downtown Saratoga Springs – without the summer crowds. And all participants will get a day pass to the Saratoga YMCA facility so you can unwind with a swim, sauna, HydroMassage (additional fee), or afternoon yoga class after the ride! For details, go to: srymca.org/saratoga-foliage-ride.

The fourth annual Cross Mountain Crusher on Saturday, Oct. 14 is produced by and starts/finishes at the Catskill Recreation Center, and is held in cooperation with Overlook Mountain Bikes and the Catskill Brewery. It’s a 55-mile gravel and road ride for the serious cyclist, which is designed for those who wish to challenge their physical abilities to the max, while enjoying beautiful back country roads in the Catskill Mountains.

The course features five hefty hills and 5,000 feet of elevation gain, with portions of the ascent of Cross Mountain exceeding 20%. There will be feed station support, mechanical and vehicular support as needed. Many of the gravel roads are seasonal so rough climbing and descending should be expected. Yes, if you’re ready for it, the Crusher can be a capstone event for your gravel grinding year. For more info, visit: catskillrecreationcenter.org.

Finally, Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club’s Gravel Goblin will happy on Sunday, October 29. It will be held at the bicyclist-friendly Sabba Vineyard in Old Chatham, just 20 miles southeast of Albany. These are fun, scenic gravel rides on quiet country roads in Columbia County. The ride choices are 50, 40 and 30 miles.

Post-ride, you’ll enjoy good company, gourmet foods, craft beer and wine. The ride benefits the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Don’t hesitate because you can enjoy discounted registration fees until 9/12. For info and registration, go to: bikereg.com.

Happy trails to you all!