2 events in New Paltz, New York
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find trail running events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
New Paltz
2 events in New Paltz-
Sat, Jun 27, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
The Ride for Mental Health
June 27 & 28, 2026
New Paltz, NY
Beautiful country roads
Multiple rest stops
SAG support
Ride one or both days. In addition to the 25 mile route there are 2 different 50 mile loops. Ride the tougher northern route on Saturday that goes from New Paltz up to the Ashokan Reservoir and returns with a couple of climbs including a 2-mile climb over the "Gunks" and then the less hilly southern route for an easy Sunday challenge. Up for a big challenge? You can ride the 100 mile loop on Saturday by combining both 50 mile routes. The 100 mile route is not available on Sunday. Not comfortable riding with cars? Ride the Rail Trail - a flat car-free ride up to Rosendale and back. This event will comply with COVID-19 best practices in order to best protect the safety of our riders and volunteers.
The Routes (All routes begin and end in New Paltz)
25 mile loop (Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45379681)
A relatively easy, local ride of 25 miles through the Wallkill River Valley. Enjoy the rolling terrain past river and farmlands, punctuated with panoramic views of the Shawangunk Ridge. This route is available both Saturday and Sunday and begins at 8:30am.
50 mile loops (North route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31986492 / South route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32736246)
North OR South loop: you can either ride an easy to moderate 50 mile southern route that passes through vineyards, apple orchards and horse farms on mainly rolling terrain with great views of the Shawangunk Ridge—OR—you can choose the more difficult northern route with a challenging 2-mile climb over the Shawangunk Ridge. The northern route passes through farms, fields, and wooded sections on the way to the Ashokan Reservoir before turning back to New Paltz. This route is available both Saturday and Sunday and begins at 8:30am.
100 mile loop
The 100 mile ride combines both of the 50 mile routes. You will travel north and south of New Paltz over mostly moderate terrain with the exception of a challenging climb over “the Gunks”. The route passes through farms, fields and woods on the way to the Ashokan Reservoir. Don’t miss the amazing view of the Catskills as you climb over the ridge. The southerly half of the route is lined with vineyards, apple orchards and horse farms and is mostly rolling terrain. The 100 mile loop is only available on Saturday and begins at 8:00am.
Rail Trail - 14 mile ride
Perfect for children and family rides. The rail trail is also a great option for those who don't want to ride on the roads. The rail trail is a very flat packed dirt, grass and gravel route. Ride north between fields and woods up the breathtaking trestle over the Rondout Creek in Rosendale. A great spot to dismount and take in the view before turning around back to to New Paltz. This route is available both Saturday and Sunday and begins at 9:00am.
Virtual Rider – Support The Ride even if you are unable to attend in person! There is NO fundraising minimum or any limits to your effort. Every virtual rider will be sent this year’s Official Ride cycling jersey and get their own donation page to use for soliciting donations.
Accommodation
Hampton Inn New Paltz
One of our sponsors Hampton Inn New Paltz has a block of rooms reserved for riders at a discounted fare of the regular price. Reservations need to be at least 2 nights and the discount will expire 30 days before the event start date. Please use this link: Hampton Inn New Paltz
SUNY New Paltz
We are excited to bring back boarding options at SUNY New Paltz! The rooms are air conditioned, corridor style rooms (view floorplan). Each hallway/house contains 8 – 9 bathrooms, each of which service 2–3 bedrooms. Though the bathrooms are near 2–3 rooms, they are not directly connected to any of the bedrooms and are lockable, single user public bathrooms. You can reserve a room on the registration page.
Our goal
Pledge Goal for each rider is $250. You have until July 31 to raise the funds and there is NO guaranty required by you. Proceeds go to McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, for the education, research and treatment of mental illness.
Follow us on facebook.com/TheRideForMentalHealth or rideformentalhealth.org
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Sat, Nov 07, 2026 at 8:30 AMSee full details
Close out your riding season with a ride to remember at Mohonk Preserve!
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.
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
Optional fundraising: (New!)
When you register you'll be set up with a fundraising page automatically. Raise $150 for Mohonk Preserve and we'll reward you with a super cool Grit pullover hoodie. Money raised will help us provide educational programs for children, maintain and repair the carriage roads you'll be riding on, conduct research and fight invasive species.
Registration fees get you...
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Pre-ride bike support on the morning of the event from Bicycle Depot staff
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Bike plate
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Grit sticker
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Aid stations with, water, Skratch Labs hydration products and snacks
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Finish line food, live music, beverages and beer.
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A GRIT tech t-shirt.
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A chance to win great prizes from our sponsors!
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A gravel ride that's actually on gravel!
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Satisfaction in knowing you're helping to raise money for a great cause!
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Timed Strava segment for 50.4 mile course riders with prizes!
The Start
Expect a calm and controlled mass start for the 50.4 mile course at 8:30 am and the 23 mile course at 9:30 am. Riders will line up Goldilocks style: strong riders go to the front of the pack; moderate folks aim for the middle, and those planning a more leisurely pace, head to the back.
A pace car will lead riders for the first two miles of the course along public roads from Ulster Fairgrounds to Mohonk
Preserve property on Gatehouse Road. Riders must remain in their lane behind the pace car. We mean it, calm and controlled.
Once you’re off the public road and on the gravel, you can ride at your own pace.
NEW Cutoff Time for 50-Mile Course
Cutoff time for the 2026 ride is 2:00 pm at mile 31. If you don't think you can ride at this pace, we strongly encourage you to sign up for the 23 mile course. We want you back at the finish line in time for the the fun! Prize drawing will be at 3 pm. You need not be present to win, but we hope you'll be there! Note: The event takes place after daylight saving time ends so sunset is at 4:44 pm.
Cancellation/Refund Policy:
Registration fees are non-refundable. You may wish to take the optional Registration Protection Plan from Allianz during registration. Shawangunk Grit is a major fundraiser for Mohonk Preserve. When you register, we hold a spot, make commitments to vendors, and deny others entry when the event sells out. Therefore, registration fees are non-refundable. We do allow transfers for a nominal fee. Event deferrals for any reason, including injury, are not allowed.
Should the event be canceled for a qualifying reason by the event producer such as adverse weather conditions which would make holding the event unsafe, your registration fees will deferred to the next year.
If you find you can’t participate, we would like to know. Please contact us at [email protected]. All cancellations will be acknowledged via email.
Protection Plan:
Consider taking the registration protection insurance offered by Bike.reg during registration which will reimburse you registration fees if you are unable to participate due to a qualifying reason. This plan is administered by a third party, Allianz and claims must be made to them directly.
Be prepared for a challenging, but fun ride! Registration fees raise money for a great cause, Mohonk Preserve!
Your registration fees directly support Mohonk Preserve’s mission to protect the northern Shawangunk Mountains region and inspire people to care for, enjoy and explore the natural world. With more than 8,200 acres of mountain ridges, forests, fields, streams, ponds and other unique and beautiful places, Mohonk Preserve is the largest member and visitor-supported nature preserve in New York State.
Course options:
50.4 Mile
8:30 am Start
Four aid stations at mile 12.4, 25, 35.7 and 43.1
Elevation gain: 4,711
23 Mile
9:30 am Start
Two aid stations at mile 9.6 and 13
Elevation gain: 1,811
Advance Packet Pickup:
Friday, November 6, 2026
12 noon - 5 pm
Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center
3197 Route 44 55
Gardiner, NY 12525
Yes, you can pick up your packet on Saturday prior to the start of each ride. Just leave yourself extra time so you aren't rushed!
Day of Packet Pickup:
Saturday, November 7, 2026
7:00 am - 8:25 am | 50.4 milers
7:00 am - 9:25 am | 23 milers
Ulster County Fairgrounds
249 Libertyville Road
New Paltz, NY 12561
View the great photos taken by the Mohonk Preserve Volunteer Photographers!
Questions?
Contact Ride Director, Tom Leader at [email protected]
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.
Cover photo by: Deborah Kral
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Local Clubs & Organizations
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Club[email protected] (917) 747-0315