SHAWANGUNK GRIT

Did the shorter route at the Shawangunk Grit last year (23mi) but this year I decided to do the 50mi with a little over 4,400 ft of elevation gain. The top is usually closed to cycling so I was looking foward to riding to the Mohonk House at the top. I have ridden around Mohonk & Minnewaska State Park before but so far this ride would be the most elevation gain that I would done. The views were great!

At just a little over an hour from my home the Shawanagunks and the town of New Paltz NY have become one of my favorite places to ride, camp and bikepack. With the Catskills near by and views like this it has been a great 1-2 day get away.

The Gunks are ridge of Bedrock in Ulster, Sullivan and Orange County NY that extend from the northernmost point of the border with NJ to the Catskills. The ridge is a continuation of the long eastermost section of the AT, know as the Kittatinny MTN in NJ and as the Blue Mountain as it continues through PA.

The Mohonk Grit is a fundraising ride that benefits Mohonk Preserve. It is not a race and it was the 3rd year of this great event. All around a great challenging ride with great views and well stocked aid stations. The people were great and I had a great time!