photos by Martin Weiner
On Sunday, June 2 the High Meadow School, located in Stone Ridge, New York, will hold its 7th Annual Ride The Ridge Bike Challenge to raise funds to benefit the new High Meadow Performing Arts Center. Bicycling Magazine has identified Ride the Ridge to its nationwide readership as one of the best cycling events in the month of June!
All bike routes go through Ulster County in the beautiful Hudson Valley beginning and ending at the High Meadow Performing Arts Center located on Route 209 in Stone Ridge.
Expert riders taking on the 50-mile Bud Clarke Memorial Ride will tackle the ascent up the West Trapps of the Shawangunk Ridge toward Minnewaska State Park. The views of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley are spectacular. A thrilling descent follows as riders hit speeds up to 50 mph! Riders make their way past the Trapps cliffs as they head back to Stone Ridge along the Wallkill River (Category A and strong Category B riders only).
Advanced riders taking the 30-mile Countryside Ride will journey a loop from the historic houses of Stone Ridge, along the Wallkill River, and by the original stone Gatehouse to Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. The ride offers flats, rolling hills, and some several steep (but short) climbs along with fantastic views of the Trapps Ridge and Smiley’s Tower on Skytop (Category B riders).
The 11-mile Ride is a new addition to the Ride the Ridge Bike Challenge. On this route, riders meander southward along the winding Rondout Creek, next to the remnants of one of the historic Delaware & Hudson Canals. The journey, designed for experienced road riders, is generally flat terrain with some hills, and offers glimpses of the majestic Mohonk Mountain House atop the ridge (Category C riders. Children under 13 MUST be accompanied and supervised by an adult).
Parents and children will enjoy a 5-mile Family Ride from the school through the scenic back roads and neighborhoods of Stone Ridge. Much of the route has light rolling hills with a couple of challenging hills (Category D riders).
All rides will be supported by SAG Wagons, directional signs, and strategically located food/water stops. A satisfying lunch will await riders at the Finish Line.
Contact:
High Meadow School
Attn: Ride The Ridge Committee
3643 Main Street
Stone Ridge, NY 12484
www.ridetheridge.org
Some other great rides:
Williams Lake Classic: June 9
The NY State Mountain Bike Series kicks off at Williams Lake Resort in Rosendale. nysmtbseries.com
Tour de Kingston: June 23
The 8th annual event is set to start and finish at Deitz Stadium/Forsyth Park. 50, 25, 12 and a new 16 mile road and rail ride.
Great Big FANY Ride: July 21-27
Take a bicycle tour across upstate New York.
Highlander Cycle Tour: September 6-7
Rides through the Finger Lakes region of NY.
