This is a panoply of gravel, ranging from Philipse Brook & Sunken Mine hardback, School Mtn/Hubbard Perkins dedicated gravel trail, Moneyhole wooly multi-use trail, to Wiccopee Reservoir/Roaring Brook woodland road/crude hiking trails. Once deep into the Wiccopee section you are committed to seeing it through, but if your cup is overflowing, you can stay on 301, bypass Hubbard Perkins and School Mtn, and go right for pizza and beer in Cold Spring.

Ideally, you have ridden both the School Mtn/ Hubbard Perkins lollypop and Moneyhole Mtn prior to this, informing you of what to expect in terms of technical riding. Even the likes of Peter Sagan will walk at least a section or 2. The rest of us mortals will walk more. However, this is a very rideable route. The paved sections go quickly; the rawest hiking trails slowly.

Should you feel more secure riding a mountain bike, you will do fine. But the road miles will be slower; road bikes need not apply.

You will need to go over or under the road gate at the start of Wiccopee Reservoir Rd off Wiccopee. There is one water crossing over a series of stones. The Wiccopee section has the potential for mud; it is best to ride it during drier weather.

The turn off Glynwood onto the Perkins Trail is unmarked and the trail is not obvious. It is grass, varying in nature with the seasons.

Need to mention a few things. Ticks: they are ambush predators, you being prey. Take precautions. Poison Ivy: indigenous. Water: there is a spigot open in season (whatever that means) just south of Sunken Mine Road on Dennytown Road on a wall, I believe, of a structure in the AT parking lot. No food available on this route as it dives into remote terrain. This is excellent riding under good conditions, aerobic fitness and stamina, and technical ability. On this ride you need to be comfortable handling a bike on hiking trails to get the most out of your riding dollar. If you are up to this route, the potential rewards are off the charts.

If you need to, print the cue shee in roboviva, but study maps prior to the ride and use your GPS device to guide you on trails.

A tip of the hat to John Z, who initiated everything in this route years ago, pioneering the way for today’s gravel community.

HS 4/21/2023