Best Cycling Races New York 2024
The team at Strambecco rates the Best Cycling Events New York 2024 based on various factors, including reputation, route quality, location, rider feedback, and the event’s or race’s overall uniqueness. Strambecco does not list every event. We strive to identify and review special and noteworthy events, spanning Road, Gravel, and Mountain Bike events and races.
New York State, with its diverse landscapes and scenic vistas, has become a haven for cyclists of all stripes. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the tranquil trails of the Adirondack Mountains, the Empire State offers an array of cycling opportunities, attracting enthusiasts interested in road cycling, gravel riding, and mountain biking. In this article, we will explore the popularity of cycling in New York State, highlighting some of the most favored locations and featuring three notable events: Gran Fondo NY, Tour of the Battenkill, and Wilmington Whiteface MTB.
Road Cycling in New York State:
The state’s extensive road network, ranging from urban thoroughfares to picturesque rural routes, makes road cycling a popular activity in New York. Cyclists can enjoy the combination of challenging climbs, smooth descents, and breathtaking scenery.
Popular Road Cycling Locations:
- Bear Mountain State Park: Located just a stone’s throw from New York City, Bear Mountain State Park offers a challenging and scenic road cycling experience. The park’s winding roads take cyclists through lush forests and along the shores of the Hudson River.
- The Catskills: With its rolling hills and quiet roads, the Catskill Mountains provide a serene backdrop for road cyclists. Routes like the Ashokan Reservoir Loop offer a mix of challenging climbs and rewarding descents.
- Finger Lakes Region: The Finger Lakes, known for their stunning landscapes and vineyards, offer a picturesque setting for road cycling. The region’s quiet roads wind around the lakes, providing cyclists with a peaceful and scenic ride.
Gravel Cycling in New York State:
Gravel cycling has gained immense popularity in recent years, and New York State’s diverse terrain offers a perfect playground for gravel enthusiasts. From unpaved country roads to scenic trails, gravel riders can explore the state’s hidden gems.
Popular Gravel Cycling Locations:
- Hudson Valley: The Hudson Valley is a gravel cyclist’s paradise, featuring a network of dirt and gravel roads that wind through farmlands and forests. Cyclists can enjoy the scenic beauty while tackling varied terrain.
- Adirondack Park: The Adirondacks offer gravel riders a unique experience, with remote roads that traverse through the heart of the park’s wilderness. Gravel cyclists can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains.
Mountain Biking in New York State:
For mountain biking enthusiasts, New York State provides a diverse range of trails, from technical singletracks to flowy descents. The state’s mountain biking scene offers challenges for riders of all skill levels.
Popular Mountain Biking Locations:
- Whiteface Mountain Bike Park: Located in the Adirondacks, Whiteface Mountain Bike Park offers a thrilling mountain biking experience. With lift-serviced trails and stunning views of the surrounding peaks, it’s a must-visit for mountain biking enthusiasts.
- Allegany State Park: Allegany State Park in western New York boasts a variety of mountain biking trails, from beginner-friendly paths to more advanced singletracks. Cyclists can explore the park’s diverse landscapes, including dense forests and open meadows.
Notable Cycling Events in New York State:
- Gran Fondo NY:
- Date: Annually in the spring
- Location: New York City to Bear Mountain
- Description: Gran Fondo NY is a premier road cycling event that attracts participants from around the world. The route takes cyclists through the scenic roads of the Hudson Valley, culminating in a challenging climb to Bear Mountain. With various route options, the event caters to cyclists of all levels.
- GFNY is the culminating event that is part of the GFNY Global Series, an international event series made up of 25+ events all over the world.
- Tour of the Battenkill:
- Date: Annually in the spring
- Location: Washington County, NY
- Description: The Tour of the Battenkill is a renowned gravel cycling event that traverses the scenic roads and rolling hills of Washington County. Known for its challenging terrain and picturesque landscapes, the event offers riders a true gravel adventure.
- Tour of the Battenkill is produced by Ventures Endurance Events, which also produces RAGBRAI (Ride Across Iowa), a Strambecco-rated Best Cycling Event of the Midwest, Ride the Rockies, one of the Best Cycling Events in the Rockies, as well as many popular running events.
- Wilmington Whiteface MTB:
- Date: Annually, in the summer
- Location: Wilmington, NY
- Description: The Wilmington Whiteface MTB event, known as “The Beast of the East,” is a highly respected race/event. Set against the backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains, the event features 100k and 50k route options and attracts professionals and competitive athletes from all over the country.
Conclusion:
New York State’s popularity among cyclists is a testament to its diverse landscapes and the variety of cycling opportunities it offers. Whether it’s the challenging climbs of road cycling, the adventurous spirit of gravel riding, or the adrenaline-pumping descents of mountain biking, the Empire State has something for every cyclist. Events like Gran Fondo NY, Tour of the Battenkill, and Wilmington Whiteface MTB not only showcase the state’s cycling culture but also provide cyclists with unique and unforgettable experiences in some of the most scenic corners of New York.
Strambecco also rates the Best cycling events in the Mid-Atlantic: Road, Gravel, and MTB, as well as New England: Road, Gravel, MTB
