Last Updated May 25, 2024

Billed as the "Queen of the Classics," the Tour of the Battenkill 2025 is a legendary 75-mile mixed surface event for riders wanting a challenging, scenic, and competitive ride/race. Brought on by veteran organizers Ventures Endurance Events and selected by Strambecco as one of the Best Road Cycling Race Events in New England, one of the Best Gravel Cycling Race Events in New England, as well as one of the overall Best Cycling Race Events in New York, the event typically attracts over 600 riders from throughout New England, the broader US and Canada.

There have been a lot of superlatives thrown around about the Tour of the Battenkill since its inception in 2004: “America’s biggest one-day road race,” “the toughest one-day road race in the country,” “the greatest number of flat tires at a cycling event….” The course that starts and finishes at the Washington County Fairgrounds is unlike any other in the US.  It’s a back-road journey through open farmland, narrow canopies of trees, and a covered bridge — the naturally car-free, rural roads you wish to ride daily.  Its steep, punchy climbs help shatter the field of riders, with a group of six finishing together considered large.

Below, you will find information on course details, lodging, dining, and other outdoor activities to do while in town for the Tour of the Battenkill. 

Event & Course Info

Riders are grouped by ability at the starting line and begin simultaneously at 8:30 a.m. with a neutral rollout, with the Tour of the Battenkill Gran Fondo group kicking things off at 8:30 am The first handful of miles feature a full police escort and rolling road closure. After that, the roads are open to the public, but traffic is very sparse. Course marshals are stationed at all critical intersections and hold traffic for riders. Neutral service is dedicated to cars and/or motorcycles. Sag wagons are also provided for riders not able to complete the course.

The main Gran Fondo course comes in at ~75 Miles and ~5,500 feet of elevation gain.  The route features many rollers and several notably steep climbs on gravel with pitches reaching 18% grade.  If you are looking for slightly less challenging routes with a similar experience, this year includes a Medio route of ~40 miles and ~3,000 ft of climbing and a Piccolo route of 24 miles with 1,300 ft of elevation gain.

Battenkill’s 12 dirt sections spanning 18 miles are its trademark, and therein lies one of the special ingredients that have led to its popularity. Whether it’s the toughest one-day race in America is a matter of opinion. Still, to many riders — especially those new to racing — it certainly feels like it. The list of DNFs isn’t overly long, but the dirt sections can often result in punctured tires, so be sure to bring plenty of spares, pumps, CO2 cartridges, or perhaps tubeless tires, sealant, or extra-big rubber.   Despite the risk of punctures, most riders go with road vs. gravel bikes.  The gravel sections are, by and large, hard-packed and relatively smooth, although there are some loose sections to watch out for.

The Tour of the Battenkill Gran Fondo is truly a one-of-a-kind race for those seeking a serious challenge shrouded in pastoral beauty. The result is that everyone who finishes, even everyone who starts, goes home with rich stories to tell.  The event has a very nice after-party with great food, entertainment, and libations.

Area Accommodations & Things to Do

Where to Stay in Greenwich

The start of the Tour of the Battenkill is at the Washington County Fairgrounds just 12 miles from Saratoga Springs, known as the "Queen of the Spas," and is a horse racing mecca.  The town has a great art scene full of great hotel, dining, and bar options.  This is a great event to make a long weekend out of. There are many hotel options regarding where to stay, such as the Saratoga Arms Hotel, the Inn at Saratoga, and the Adelphi Hotel. There are also plenty of vacation rentals to suit various needs, from homes at the racing stables to carriage houses. If camping is more your jam, the Fairgrounds will be available for on-site camping for the weekend, or there are many one-of-a-kind camping locations to explore.

Dining in Greenwich

The culinary scene in Greenwich, New York, and its surrounding area is characterized by a charming blend of classic American eateries, cozy cafes, and farm-to-table restaurants emphasizing local produce and seasonal ingredients. This region is known for its welcoming atmosphere and a diverse range of dining options that cater to both traditional and contemporary tastes. Local favorites include The Mouzon House, Salt & Char, and 15 Church.

Outdoor Activities around Greenwich

Greenwich, New York – a scenic gem nestled in the heart of Washington County – is a paradise for outdoor athletes, especially in the vibrant month of May. As spring breathes new life into the landscape, this region becomes a hotspot for various exhilarating outdoor activities.

For those who love to lace up their hiking boots, the Black Creek Preserve offers a splendid adventure. Just a short drive from Greenwich, this hidden gem features several miles of well-maintained trails that meander through lush forests alongside the serene Black Creek. The trails vary in difficulty, making them suitable for casual and seasoned hikers.

As the weather warms, the Hudson River becomes an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts. Kayaking on the Hudson offers a unique perspective of the area’s natural beauty. Paddlers can start their journey from the Greenwich area and explore the serene stretches of the river, enjoying views of the rolling hills and abundant wildlife along the shores. The calm waters in May are perfect for both beginners and experienced kayakers, and rentals are available for those without equipment.

Finally, Greenwich, NY, and its surrounding areas offer opportunities for mountain biking enthusiasts. The region's varied terrain, including rolling hills, wooded areas, and scenic trails, makes it an attractive destination for mountain bikers of different skill levels. Gurney Lane Mountain Bike Park is in Queensbury and features over 13 miles of single-track trails ranging from beginner to expert. The trails are well-maintained and offer a mix of climbs, descents, and technical features set amidst a beautiful forested area.

Related Events

Tour of the Battenkill 2025 is produced by Ventures Endurance Events, which also produces two of the largest and most well-known cycling events: RAGBRAI (Ride Across Iowa), a Strambecco-rated Best Cycling Event of the Midwest, and Ride the Rockies, one of the Best Cycling Events in the Rockies. In addition, Ventures Endurance Events produces many popular running events.

For the multi-sport athletes in New York looking for other premier events in-state, be sure to check out Wilmington Whiteface from Leadville and Life Time Events, which is part of the prestigious Leadville Race Series and is considered one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in New England. In addition, the Tour of the Catskills from Anthem Sports is a NY favorite road cycling event taking place in August. Be sure to check back soon for Strambecco's list of Best Trail Running Events in New England.