Difficulty Rating:
3 out of 5
A 55 mile loop starting and ending at Strictly Bicycles in Fort Lee. The route passes by Lake Tappan, the diminutive Pine Lake (more of a pond really), Deforest Lake, a brief encounter with Congers Lake, an even more brief encounter with Swartwout Lake and finally the shore of Rockland Lake.
For pit stops consider Dean’s Coffee Co in Pearl River (mile 18.8) and The Runcible Spoon in Nyack (mile 36).
It’s not an especially hilly route but there are a few climbs of note; the first half of Christian Herald Road, the first half of Sickletown Road, Tallman Mountain and eventually Churchill Road.
The reward for all this climbing includes the excellent descents on Blauvelt Rd, the second half of Christian Herald Road, the second half of Sickletown Road, and Rockleigh Road.
The section of the ride that goes through Tallman Mountain Park includes some fairly smooth hardpack. However, if conditions are too wet then Rockland Rd to Route 9W is a good alternative.
RS 6/30/2022
