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Tour Of The Battenkill 2024

May 18

gravel cyclists at tour of the battenkill

Billed as the “Queen of the Classics”, the Tour of the Battenkill 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 and Gravel Cycling Events in New England as well as 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 you could ride every day.  Its steep, punchy climbs help shatter the field of riders, with a group of six finishing together considered large.

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 Gran Fondo group kicking things off at 8:30am 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 have 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 5,000 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 45 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

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 a great hotel, dining, and bar options.  This is a great event to make a long weekend out of. There are many options in regards of where to stay with hotel options such as Saratoga Arms Hotel, the Inn at Saratoga, and the Adelphi Hotel. There are also plenty of vacation rentals to suit a variety of 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 a many one of a kind camping locations in the area to explore.

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 that emphasize 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.

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 a variety of exhilarating outdoor activities.

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

As the weather warms up, 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 who don’t have their own 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 located in nearby 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 is produced by Ventures Endurance Events who also produce two of the largest and 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 to 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.

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View Reviews (1)
  • This is a very well produced event on a super scenic course. Although technically a gravel mixed surface event, the gravel sections are not terribly technical and because most of the sections are so firm, they actually ride like the road. Most riders are on road bikes and my set-up with 32MM tires seemed ideal for the conditions. That’s not to say there aren’t some loose gravel spots to watch out for. There are 3-4 notably steep climbs, 2 on gravel with 16-18% pitches in sections. This is my second time doing the event and I’ll likely do it again in futures years. I live in NYC and making a night out of it in Saratoga Springs makes for a nice weekend getaway. Riders come from all over the New England area which is testament to the quality of the event. Also, lot’s of Canadiens.

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