This past weekend I headed to upstate New York to participate in the Cross Mountain Crusher, a fall gravel hike showcasing the beautiful fall foliage in the heart of the Catskill Mountains . I arrived Friday evening to eliminate the long drive before the Saturday morning event. Staying just a mile from the Catskill Recreation Center, I arrived just five minutes before departure.
The weather was a perfect 50 degrees and foggy in the morning, warming up to the mid 60s with lots of sunshine in the afternoon. This set the stage for an incredible day, loaded with steep climbs, steep descents and pristine gravel roads. From the aforementioned Catskill Recreation Center, the route headed southeast on Southside Road to the New York City Bureau of Water Supply Road, passing Pepacton Reservoir and at 8.5 miles, a turn left on Jim Alton Road introduced me to the Catskill gravel scene. with a monster climb over Cross Mountain, the first of 5 long and steep climbs.
After walking just before the summit and a quick descent, the next climb seemed to start immediately at the bottom. Climbs 2 and 3 were relatively gentle compared to the first. The fourth climb on Beech Hill Road has some ridiculously steep grades. I don’t know how I stayed upright.
The fifth and final big climb was in the other direction, via Cross Mountain. The descent is something that is remembered for a long time. As I went up the first climb, I wondered if I wanted to do this walk again. About halfway through the long, exhilarating final descent, I was absolutely sure I would be back next year.
It was a well supported event. Volunteers were present at all times. You couldn’t get lost if you tried. The mechanical support on the route as well as the well-stocked rest areas gave you the impression that the organizers really did everything they could to ensure an excellent ride for everyone. The meal after the ride to the leisure center was second to none.
With three distance options (37, 55 and 61), this event is for anyone looking to challenge themselves. You will leave here tired (not hungry) and satisfied with a burning desire to do it again next year.
Here are some additional photos from this beautiful fall stroll.
