Handlebarley

Handlebarley – North Hudson, United States

• Date: September 12-13
• Location: North Hudson, New York
• Distances: 43 miles (Saturday), 31 miles (Sunday)
• Event Type: Gravel Ride

The Handlebarley weekend offers a classic gravel ride in the Adirondacks, set against the backdrop of the region’s brilliant autumn foliage. Hosted at Paradox Brewery in North Hudson, New York, the event is a two-day celebration of mixed-surface riding through quiet, historic landscapes. Riders can choose to participate in a single day or make a full weekend of it, with routes designed to showcase the area’s finest paved and unpaved backroads. The atmosphere is relaxed, focused on the simple rhythm of pedals turning through a stunning natural environment.

Saturday’s main event is a 43-mile loop that ventures east of the brewery. The route winds through rolling terrain towards Ironville, featuring a stop at the Penfield Homestead Museum, before continuing to Moriah for another rest stop at Hunter Way Farm. This course balances smooth tarmac with rewarding sections of gravel, providing a varied and engaging riding experience. The profile is challenging but accessible, promising fine views as a reward for the effort put in on the climbs. It’s a well-supported journey through the heart of the southern Adirondacks.

On Sunday, the riding continues with a more relaxed 31-mile out-and-back cruise to the beautiful Boreas Ponds. This route offers a different perspective on the landscape, providing a perfect way to spin out the legs after Saturday’s main ride. Like the day before, the Sunday ride is fully supported and culminates back at the brewery. It’s an ideal complement to the weekend, allowing for a deeper exploration of this unique gravel riding destination and a final taste of the local atmosphere before heading home.

The weekend is structured to be as much about community as it is about cycling. Paradox Brewery serves as the central hub, a place for check-ins, post-ride gatherings, and shared stories. On Saturday, the finish line comes alive with a pizza and salad feast, live music, and a complimentary pint of craft beer for participants. Sunday’s ride concludes with a more casual gathering, offering a final chance to connect with fellow riders. This warm, communal spirit is a hallmark of the event.

Beyond the routes themselves, the Handlebarley immerses riders in the rich history and scenery of the Adirondack region. A portion of the event proceeds benefits the Penfield Homestead Museum, a collection of 19th-century buildings in the historic hamlet of Ironville. This connection adds a layer of purpose to the ride, grounding the physical effort in the cultural heritage of the area. This event provides a memorable way to experience a unique gravel ride in the Adirondacks.

With a participant cap of just 150 riders, the event maintains an intimate and friendly scale. It’s a chance to discover the quiet roads and expansive views of upstate New York in good company. Full details on the schedule, routes, and registration options can be found on the official event website. Whether for a single day or the full weekend, the experience is a memorable one.