Catskill Preserve · the big loop

The big day of the year: a full loop around the Catskills that starts and ends in Catskill, running through Cairo, Windham, Stamford, Andes, Margaretville and Phoenicia, then closing out down through Hunter and Kaaterskill Clove. Lots of open valley riding past mountain towns and reservoirs, with the serious curves saved for the end. This is an all-day ride, and from the city you need to add a couple of hours just to reach the start, so it's for an experienced pack that keeps a good rhythm of stops. Gas is spread out: fill up in every larger town even if you don't need it yet.