The Gravel Pitt is back for year 3, and this time, it's a full weekend affair! We're excited to welcome the most passionate pedallers, gravel-curious folks, those just looking to enjoy the scenery, and everyone in between back to the LOVELY Otter Creek Farm in Pittstown, NY. 

This event is put on by Capital Streets, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to making bicycling and active transportation safer, more comfortable and accessible in NY's Capital Region. Together, we are advocating for a better network of trails, bike lanes, and other infrastructure to reconnect our communities. All proceeds from the Gravel Pitt support our work. To learn more, visit us at capitalstreets.org

Camping - Spacious farm field for tenting. Space for van camping, too.

There are also three unique “glamping” sites available for rent this year! Check out the link to learn more, but add them below, here on BikeReg. These include canvas tents, queen-sized mattresses, cookware, and more! Each site also includes a fire pit, grill grate, hammock, solar shower, and a compost toilet. The sites are big enough to accommodate a few additional tents, and would make an excellent “home base” for small groups (no larger than 12 (or 4 additional tents)). 

Bike Routes - Several beautiful options for getting out on the bike, with some new, exciting ones this year!

  • Gravel - over 50% unpaved, almost entirely back roads.

    • 30 miles, aid station at the Produce Parlor farm stand

    • 50 miles, 2 aid stations (includes Produce Parlor farm stand)

    • 75 miles, 3 aid stations ((includes Produce Parlor farm stand), with a few miles of doubletrack

  • At least one paved route (new this year!), aid station at the Produce Parlor farm stand

  • A sub-40 mile route from the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak station to Otter Creek Farm

  • A route to Brown's Brewing Company's Walloomsac Brewery and Taproom

  • We're also working on a few other interesting additions, including:

    • a mixed surface “ATB” route, for those looking for something more off the beaten path…

    • a more direct route that includes a swimming hole

There will be a group heading out around 9 AM on Saturday morning to ride the 30 mile gravel route ("the Cherry Pitt"). Riders are welcome to explore the library of routes at their own pace. Most routes feature a handful of bail out points to connect back to the farm more directly, allowing for more options. Routes will be made available to all participants about one week before the event. 

The Pittstown-Grafton area is just an amazing place to ride. Beautiful farm scenery, vistas with mountains in the distance, and some lovely wooded areas. 

The Weekend Campout - whether you're looking to cover a lot of ground of two wheels or admire bicycles from afar, there will be plenty going on.

  • Arrive Friday after 4 PM and set up camp in the scenic farm field before joining us for a welcome campfire - we'll have s'mores, of course! Spend the evening making new friends and wake up in the morning to peaceful views of the farm.

  • Saturday - while many will have a big day out on the bike, there will be plenty of things happening on the farm to enjoy including a farm tour, lawn games, music, and more! We're also working out some details on coffee availability- stay tuned!

  • Saturday evening, burgers will be served from 4-7 PM (included in registration). It doesn't get any more local than this (with almost all ingredients sourced within 30 miles)! Burgers grown right at Otter Creek Farm prepared by our wonderful hosts! Excellent vegan and GF options, more info below. Beer (21+) from Brown's Brewing Company and kombucha from Yesfolk will be available (1 per included) for each participant, with some additional available for purchase.

  • Sunday - we're working out some details on coffee availability- stay tuned!

    • Stick around for the spectator-friendly S L O W R A C E at 10 am! Riders must stay upright without putting a foot down, last one across the finish line wins!

      • Note - if this sounds similar to a popular Connecticut bike event's Sunday morning, just know that a popular, handsome, bearded cyclist has been challenged to redeem himself after getting second place in a recent race. Rumor has it he might just show up.

    • Pack up and head out by 2 PM

  • Vendors and Bike/Gear Swap!

    • We've invited some friends to hock their wares. If you're interested in this, please reach out!

    • Some folks will have bikes and/or gear for sale/trade. This is planned for Sunday morning, but we suspect it might also happen earlier. If you're driving, best bring your parts bin!

The Venue - Otter Creek Farm is a working, diversified farm located on 440 acres about 16 miles northeast of Troy, NY. It's run by two wonderful, hardworking people focused on supporting the local community and the next generation. Please note, no dogs are allowed on the farm at any time.

Otter Creek recently expanded their farm store, where they offer an array of fantastic products. You can also pre-order food, including meal baskets ready for the grill AND meat to bring home. Check out the options and order here: https://ottercreekfarmny.com/category/all-products

Other Notes

  • You should be prepared!

    • Bring food and snacks! While there will be a wonderful meal Saturday evening and we're working on some other snacks (mainly focused on the ride), it will be important to pack plenty of food for yourself. Besides the farm store with specific items, there are very few resources nearby.

    • Some lite mechanical support may be available from our friends at Tomhannock Bicycles, but riders should be equipped with spare tubes and tools needed to deal with mechanical issues in the field. Riders are responsible for themselves out on the course! We'll do our best to help, but this is an unsupported ride and there is no sag wagon!

  • No dogs allowed on the farm

  • Huge thank you to the small businesses that make this event possible: