The annual Highlander Cycle Tour consists of multiple ride options, ranging in length from as little as 16 to just over 100 miles, and with varying difficulty of climbs. The routes change every year in the Tour de France style/tradition, where we visit different topography along the way. The routes are all designed to share common sections and rest stops so that cyclists on different rides can ride together and have common experiences. Tour routes take riders along lake shores, up hill tops with wide vistas, along scenic valleys, and wander through several small towns and hamlets. The Finger Lakes is a wine growing region and the routes typically go past many vineyards. The Tour is also a charity event with proceeds above expenses donated to charities.
SAG stops are strategically placed and well stocked, often at truly scenic stops or venues (e.g. parks, wineries or cool landmarks). Road rides, in addition to detailed maps and cue sheets, are well marked on paved roads with light vehicle traffic. The Gravel bike course typically includes some of the same roads but with plenty of dirt/gravel roads mixed in. The old Mountain bike course has plenty of epic single track (but is self-guided only).
Below are brief descriptions of the Highlander Cycle Tour rides with links to more detail.
Highlander Century – 100+ miles
In keeping with our “Tour de France” style of ever-changing courses and points of interest, the 27th annual 2026 Highlander courses will return to our earliest roots with a few new twists. The routes are designed to stay close to home while taking in the best parts of the Bristol Hills and Canandaigua Lake areas. The full century includes many of our hallmark climbs such as CR32, the twisted triplets (Bopple, Bills, Gannett – it’s been years folks!), French Hill, Egypt Hill and the new endurance climb of South Hill. This will be the first time we have used this ascent in the Highlander and it comes late for the ultimate test. 102.2miles/10,010′.
ROAD MARKINGS: Follow yellow chevrons on the roads for Highlander Century.
We recommend that your rear cluster has at least a 32-tooth sprocket. Compact gear sets work really well given some of the steep ascents (typically that means a 50/34 teeth on front cogs and 11-32 range on rear cluster).
See the 2026 Century route (incl. .gpx or .tcx data): HCT 2026 Century
CHALLENGE: Since 2022, we are partnering with 4 local bike shops to sponsor prizes to the best times up the hills (more $ if it’s a true KOM!). Below are the hills and the STRAVA links which we will use to manage this. It goes without saying that E-Bikes are not allowed. You can click on each link and “Star” the segment so it becomes live on your computer when you hit the hill. Now ClimbStrong!!!
CR32 – East out of Bristol Center (0.61mi/8.4% avg.) – CR32 – The Winds of Bristol
Bills (0.53mi./12.3%) – Bills Hill
French Hill (0.69mi./9%) – French Hill
South Hill (4.48mi./4.1%) – South Hill Road
Metric Century – 100 K (61 miles)
We’ve recreated most of the original year 1 Highlander course with a few tweaks. Just over half the climbing and intensity of the Highlander Century, the Metric will be a beautiful ride including a good portion of the century but without the brutality. There are options to easily jump in the KOM challenges however. 61.1miles/5678′
See the 2026 Metric Century route: HCT 2026 Metric Century
Highlander GRAVEL – 53 miles
2026 will be our 9th year of offering a Gravel option. This route will combine some of the Century roads but diverge onto some nearby gravel/dirt roads and single track in the Bristol Hills and Canandaigua Lake areas. For the first time, we will combine some of the original Mountaineer tracks on this route. 52.7miles/5776′.
You’ll want to have at least 35 mm wide tires (we recommend 38 or bigger) and 34 teeth or more on the rear cluster. Tune up on your brakes is also recommended. Follow orange chevrons on the road.
See the 2026_Gravel_course: HCT 2026 Gravel/Mtn.
Highlander Lite – 32 miles
Again following some of the original Highlander course, the Lite version of the Highlander will take a kinder/gentler approach with just a few climbs while maximizing the scenic splendor along Canandaigua Lake. Total distance of ~ 31.7 miles/1921′. Follow white chevrons on the roads. Note: For families with young riders, there are even shorter options of 11 or 16 miles with less climbing, about 400 and 1000 feet respectively. Please see the ride organizers for suggested routes tailored to your own goals.
See the 2026_Lite_course: HCT 2026 Lite
Mountaineer (No Longer Supported)
After dwindling interest and a move to “Gravel” courses, we are no longer offering this option. However, for anyone that just absolutely loves more pure, single-track, and wants to be part of the Highlander festivities, we suggest hitting all the trails in Ontario County Park (OCP). Spectacular riding up there! There will be a small feed station at the bottom of Gannett Hill (at the Grange Hall) if needed. Just select Gravel and notify us at the event.
See the OCP Detail Map
IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDER
If riders do not follow these guidelines, the Highlander may be forced to limit or terminate the ride. Your help and attention to keep the highlander a safe, premium tour is appreciated.
For more good tips on bicycle safety and general rules of the road see here:
https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/bicycle-road-safety/
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