Shawangunk Grit

Event Overview

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.

• Distances available: 50.4 miles (4,711 ft. gain) or 23 miles (1,811 ft. gain).
• Course details: Both courses begin and end at the Ulster County Fairgrounds, with over 98% gravel on famous historic carriage roads.
• Ride type: This is not a race: think of it as a super challenging fun ride for a really good cause.
• Bike requirements: Bring your gravel, cyclocross, or mountain bike. Class 1 e-bikes permitted if you can manage the technical sections: no road bikes.

Course Conditions

• Terrain: Expect some loose rock and rough gravel, especially on descents.
• Mandatory section: The long course includes a mandatory dismount/bike hike up rustic steps near the “million dollar view.”
• Technical challenge: Some gravel is rough and steep in spots.
• Keep it safe: Share the carriage roads with hikers and climbers: bike bells are highly recommended.

Event Support

• Nutrition: Well-stocked aid stations with water, Skratch hydration, energy bars, and bananas.
• Post ride celebration: A party with food and music awaits you at the finish.
• Essentials: Carry food, water, and extra clothes depending on the weather. This is a rain or shine event.
• Safety gear: Helmets are required, and mechanical support is not provided on course.

Course Start Details

• Mass 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.
• Pace car: A pace car will lead riders for the first two miles along public roads.
• Lane discipline: Riders must remain in their lane behind the pace car.
• Own pace: After the public road, you can ride at your own pace on gravel.

Important Policies

• Cancellation policy: Registration fees are non-refundable, but transfers are allowed for a nominal fee.
• Weather cancellations: Fees will be deferred to the next year if canceled by the event producer due to unsafe weather conditions.
• Registration Protection Plan: Offered during registration by BikeReg for a reimbursement in case of qualifying reasons.
• Event impact: Registration fees directly support Mohonk Preserve’s mission to protect the northern Shawangunk Mountains region.

Registration Information

• Pricing: 50.4 Mile $150, 23 Mile $125 - No price increase for 2026!
• Fundraising: Raise $150 for Mohonk Preserve and receive a cool Grit pullover hoodie.
• Packet pickup: Friday, November 6, 2026, from 12 noon - 5 pm at Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center.
• Day of pickup: Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 7:00 am - 8:25 am for 50.4 milers, and 7:00 am - 9:25 am for 23 milers.

Course Options

View the complete course options:

• 50.4 Mile: Start at 8:30 am with elevation gain of 4,711 ft (four aid stations).
• 23 Mile: Start at 9:30 am with elevation gain of 1,811 ft (two aid stations).

Final Notes

Be prepared for a challenging, but fun ride! Your registration fee raises money for a great cause, Mohonk Preserve!

For further inquiries, please contact the Ride Director, Tom Leader at shawangunkgrit@mohonkpreserve.org.

Visit us: Shawangunk Grit Registration