Shawangunk Grit

Join us for an epic fundraising ride across the Shawangunk Ridge, just 90 miles north of Manhattan. Pick from two distances 50.4 miles (4,711 ft. gain) or 23 miles (1,811 ft. gain). Both courses begin and end at the Ulster County Fairgrounds and once you enter the Preserve at mile two, the course is over 98% gravel on our famous network of historic carriage roads.

This is not a race; think of it as a super challenging fun ride for a really good cause. Some of the gravel is rough and steep in spots. Expect some loose rock – especially on the descents. The long course includes an optional short technical section and a mandatory dismount/bike hike up a rustic steps near the “million dollar view.” Bring your gravel, cyclocross, or mountain bike. Class 1 e-bikes only are permitted if you can manage the technical sections. No road bikes, please and no bike trailers.

You won’t be timed but you will be well-fed. Look for well-stocked aid stations with water, Skratch hydration and energy bars and bananas. A post ride party with food and music awaits you at the finish. Be sure to carry some food and water, and maybe extra clothes depending on the weather – this is a rain or shine event. You’ll be sharing the carriage roads with hikers and climbers, so bike bells are highly recommended. Be courteous to hikers and other riders when passing. Pack a spare tube, tools, and pump as there’s no mechanical support on course and no sag wagon. Helmets are required.

*Shout out to our friends at the Open Space Institute for granting us access to the River-to-Ridge Trail and to the Mohonk Mountain House who grant us special access to Sky Top and the golf course area for the  event day only. Bikes are not allowed on carriage roads near Sky Top so you cannot pre-ride these sections of the course. No exceptions – If we blow this, access to Sky Top and the golf course will not continue. PLEASE DO NOT POST PICS FROM SKY TOP ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS.

Also, near Spring Farm Trailhead, the private driveway near the Slingerland Pavilion, the Table Rocks Trail, and the Crag Trail on the Preserve are accessible to ride participants  during the event only. You cannot pre-ride these sections.

Pricing (No price increase for 2026!)
50.4 Mile $150
23 Mile $125

About Shawangunk Grit:
The ridge where you’ll be riding is made from bedrock called Shawangunk Conglomerate, also known as Shawangunk Grit. Shawangunk Grit slabs were used to make millstones around the turn of the century and some of these millstones can still be seen on the land today. A nod to the history of the ridge is found in the Shawangunk Grit logo.