The BikeADK Handlebarley Gravel Tour – 9.25.21

The Handlebarley, a 42 mile ride throughout the Adirondacks is a new event organized by Bike Adirondacks. With 42 miles of scenic Adirondack roads, two fully stocked aid stations, followed by good local beer, pizza and a live band, the Handlebarley was a great way to spend a Saturday. * Note: I was offered an entry to the event in exchange for social media coverage and a blog post!

On Saturday morning my parents and I drove out to Paradox Brewery, the starting and ending point of the ride. Since I was attending solo, I thought it would be a good chance for my parents to hang out and do some ADK leaf peeping. I had not been to Paradox in a few years and was surprised to find they have expanded and have a beautiful new building with a great outdoor area.

The check in table had tasty cider donuts and Dack Bars, along with Bike ADK merch if you wanted to grab a t-shirt or jersey!

Soon it was time to ride! The course was available for us to download on RideWithGPS, one of my favorite apps for finding fun bike routes. Even though it was very well-marked I still downloaded the route to my Garmin bike computer so I could have turn-by-turn directions.

The ride started out on gorgeous Adirondack back rounds with rolling hills, but nothing too challenging yet.

Before I knew it I was rolling up to the first aid station, which was fully stocked with water, cider donuts, gels and electrolyte tabs.  I didn’t stay at the stop for very long. The second aid station was held at Penfield Homestead Museum located in Crown Point, in the Ironville Historic District, the birthplace of the Electric Age. I had never been to this part of the Adirondacks before and it was interesting and had so much history! I grabbed a cider donut and continued on my way, although I wish I had gone inside to see the museum.

The second half the ride had to be my favorite—the gravel!

There was a lot less traffic and a lot more scenic views, which was what I was looking forward to all day. The final climb on Johnson Pond Road was probably the worst in the whole ride, but after that the rest of the ride back to Paradox was smooth sailing. Time for beer and delicious pizza!

Also, some fun live music. My parents and I watched the band and talked to the other riders for a little bit, which was fun. I also got to talk to some people new to gravel riding and I’m sure they are now converts!

My only recommendations for future rides is that I to include more  gravel! But what can I say, I’m addicted and I prefer those quiet gravel sections over busy roads any day.

Included in the entry fee was this awesome shirt, too. It’s definitely one of my new favorites. I’ll definitely consider doing the Handlebarley again! I can’t think of a better way to spend a gorgeous day—riding my bike in the Adirondacks.