The Mountain Brauhaus is a national treasure and the twists on the way ain’t bad either.

The Route

This isn’t the first time I’ve gone down this stretch but I’ve learned a few things.

First of all, I’ve learned a thing or two about the anatomy of a good route:

1. Twists are awesome, no doubt, but here’s the thing: Highways are a must. They give you a change of pace when you need it. You get to control your speed on highways. Plus, they’re the bridge between your destinations, helping you stay focused on what you’re really out there to do. Highways might not be where you’re headed, but they sure get you there quicker.

2. Take breaks often. Pull over at all the gas stations. Okay, maybe not every single one, but make it a point to stop regularly, especially if your bike isn’t built for long hauls. Stopping every 60-80 miles for a few minutes works for me.

3. This is not a ride for a large group. I’d do like 6, 7 bikes TOPS. Some of these roads are fairly narrow and you’ll want the space. If you’re using comms on your ride, a long bike procession will mean that the leader can’t talk to the rear.

4. The twists below Ashokan Reservoir are canopied so take it easy for the first mile or so and pay attention to leaves & wet patches. If it rained the night before and you’re out in the AM, take extra care.

Couple of specific notes for this route:

9w sweeps. This particular stretch of 9w (after the Palisades) is FAST and has fantastic views up top if you want to pull off.

• I never do. I’m usually leaned over and doing bad things on the road and blaming other drivers for my terrible actions.

• These are the best fast sweeps you can find less than an hour from the city.

87 sucks but deal with it. It’s the fastest way to get to where we’re going without feeling exhausted by the time we get there.

You’ll pass through Haines Falls and some of the best riding and scenery you’ll get upstate. Plenty of hiking out there too if that’s your thing.

If you’re traveling Nov 1 - April 15, there is a good chance that Platte Clove Road will be closed. Easy. Take the long way through Edgewood and you’re good.

The twists below Ashokan are fucking mesmerizing. Enjoy them but keep your head on a swivel. They’re canopied so watch for wet roads and leaves.

Main Street is a beautiful Hawk’s Nest type road. Great views and good twists. Watch the hairpin coming down. It’s easier to see coming from this direction but still possible to lose your shit.

Enjoy the Mountain Brauhaus restaurant. I usually do this route in reverse (food, then twists) but I’m an idiot. Eating after twists makes a bit more sense, eh?

• It’s German food so think brats, sauerkraut, schnitzel, etc.

• But everything (even the brats) somehow takes 1hr+ no matter how busy they are.

👉️ Calimoto & .GPX Download Links 🔗 

Click on the Calimoto link or download the .GPX file below (must have a Premium Subscription) for a full waypoint by waypoint route.

Open it in Calimoto on your phone to follow the whole route turn-by-turn.

I’ve tried numerous waypoint apps (Apple Maps, Google Maps, Rever, Detecht, etc) and Calimoto is by far my favorite and easiest to use.

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