Billed as the “Queen of the Classics,” the Tour of the Battenkill is a legendary 75-mile mixed surface event that has earned a reputation as one of America’s most challenging one-day races since its inception in 2004. The course starts and finishes at the Washington County Fairgrounds, taking riders on a back-road journey through open farmland, narrow tree canopies, and past a covered bridge on naturally car-free rural roads.

What sets Battenkill apart are its 12 dirt sections spanning 18 miles of the course. These hard-packed gravel segments feature steep, punchy climbs with pitches reaching 18% grade that regularly shatter the field—a group of six riders finishing together is considered large. The main Gran Fondo covers approximately 75 miles with 5,500 feet of elevation gain, while shorter Medio (40 miles, 3,000 feet) and Piccolo (24 miles, 1,300 feet) routes offer similar experiences with less distance.

Riders start simultaneously at 8:30 a.m. with a neutral rollout and full police escort for the opening miles. Course marshals staff critical intersections throughout the route. The gravel sections, while generally smooth and hard-packed, can cause punctures, so riders should pack multiple spares, pumps, and CO2 cartridges. Despite the dirt roads, most participants choose road bikes over gravel setups.

The event typically draws over 600 riders from across the US and Canada. Beyond the challenging course wrapped in pastoral beauty, Battenkill delivers a memorable post-race celebration with quality food and entertainment, ensuring every finisher goes home with stories to tell.