This past weekend, I took the drive to upstate New York to participate in the Cross Mountain Crusher, a fall gravel ride, highlighting beautiful fall foliage in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. I drove up on Friday evening to eliminate the long ride before the Saturday morning event. Staying only a mile from the Catskill Recreation Center, somehow, I arrived only five minutes before the start.
The weather was a perfect 50ish degrees and foggy in the morning, warming up to the mid 60’s with heaps of sun by the afternoon. This set the stage for an incredible day, loaded with steep climbs, sharp descents and pristine gravel roads. Starting at the aforementioned Catskill Recreation Center, the route went southeast on Southside Road to the New York City Bureau of Water Supply Road, passing the Pepacton Reservoir and at 8.5 miles, a left hand turn on Jim Alton Road introduced me to the Catskill gravel scene with a monster climb over Cross Mountain, the first of 5 long, steep ascents.
After walking just before the top and a quick descent, the next climb seemed like it started immediately at the bottom. Climbs 2 and 3 were relatively mild compared to the first one. The fourth climb on Beech Hill Road hit ridiculously steep gradients. I have no idea how I stayed upright.
The fifth and final big climb went the other way over Cross Mountain. The descent was something you remember for a long time. Walking up the first climb left me wondering if I wanted to do this ride again. About halfway down the final long, exhilarating descent, I was absolutely sure that I would be back again next year.
This was a well supported event. Volunteers were at every turn. You could not get lost if you tried. Mechanical support on course as well as well stocked rest stops, made you feel like the organizers really went all out to ensure a great ride for everyone. The post ride meal at the recreation center was 2nd to none.
With three distance options (37, 55 and 61), this event is for anyone looking to challenge themselves. You’ll leave here tired (not hungry) and satisfied with a burning desire to do it again next year.
Here’s a few more photos of this beautiful fall ride.
ridingmilford.com 