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. wineries). Road rides, in addition to detailed maps and cue sheets, are well marked on paved roads with light vehicle traffic and the Mountain bike course has plenty of epic single track (self-guided).
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 26th annual 2025 Highlander Century will attempt something we’ve never done before. A visit to the famous Letchworth State Park. This will be an experience you won’t want to miss. The gorge and waterfalls in Letchworth are simply stunning. Being all new territory, we’ll climb a few new friends like Ossian Hill (shocker!). Because of the challenge/distance of the day, we’ll also have a few alternate route-arounds to enable less steep ascents – see “Alternate Century.”
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 2025 Century Maps: 2025_Century_Map
For nearly identical route w/ a hill or two removed: 2025_Century_Alt_Map
Get .gpx or .tcx data here for: See Ride w/ GPS route
Highlander Century+ (107mi/9000′): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48824402
Alternate Century 105mi/8500′ (several hill route-arounds): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49057414
CUE Sheets here: We highly suggest having a bike computer or downloaded .gps files to your phone. Some of the area we ride in is poor in cell coverage. If you want though, feel free to print your own copy at links below or the map above.
Cues CENTURY – coming
KOM CHALLENGE: new from 2022 and on, 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!!!
County Line Road (0.3mi./17%) – This is Dumb | Strava Ride Segment in Town of Springwater, New York
Ossian Hill (2.3mi./7%) – ossian hill rd from 436 | Strava Ride Segment in Town of North Dansville, New York
East Groveland Road (0.9mi./5%) – NEW East Groveland Rd Hill | Strava Ride Segment in Town of Groveland, New York
Mosher (0.32mi./10.9%) – Mosher via Gulick | Strava Ride Segment in Town of South Bristol, New York
Metric Century – 100 K (61 miles)
Due to the distance to Letchworth, we will offer a Metric Century that meanders the beautiful Western Finger Lakes area. Literally half the climbing and intensity of the Highlander Century, the Metric will be a beautiful ride including views of the majestic Hemlock Lake and Honeoye Lakes. 61miles/5038′.
See the 2025 Metric Century Map: 2025_Metric_Map
Get .gpx or .tcx data here for Highlander Metric Century: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49057593
Highlander GRAVEL – 71 miles
2025 will be our 8th year of offering a Gravel option. This route will combine some of the Century roads but diverge onto some never before used gravel/dirt roads in the areas near Wayland and North towards Canadice and Honeoye Lakes. It will be approx. 71 miles/6340′. 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 2025_Gravel_Map: 2025_Gravel_Map
Get .gpx or .tcx data here for the Gravel course: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49057698
Cue Sheet here: TBD
Highlander Lite – 35 miles
The Lite version of the Highlander will take a kinder/gentler approach with just a few climbs while maximizing the scenic splendor down through the back country of Naples and along Honeoye Lake. Total distance of ~ 35 miles/2246′. 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 2025_Lite_Map: 2025_Lite_Map
Get .gpx or .tcx data here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49057625
Cue sheet here: TBD
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 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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