Tour Rides

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 – 110 miles

In keeping with our “Tour de France” style of ever-changing courses and points of interest, the much anticipated 25th Anniversary 2024 Highlander Century marks a return to the Keuka Lake area but with some new twists.  Surrounded by incredible vistas, climbs and nearly car-free roads along the way, you will not want this one to end. The course will feature Winding Stair Road for the first time ever. Other famous climbs include Gannett Hill, Strong Hill, Bully Hill, Chapel Hill, Yoder Hill, the incomparable Sliter, and Griesa!

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 2024 Century Map: 2024_HCT 25 Highlander Century

Get .gpx or .tcx data here for Highlander Century+ (110mi/10160′): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44569744

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!!!

Strong Hill – https://www.strava.com/segments/682738

Winding Stairs – https://www.strava.com/segments/1711760

Yoder – https://www.strava.com/segments/15697045

Griesa – https://www.strava.com/segments/1164601

Lowlander Century – 107 miles

2024 marks the long-anticipated RETURN OF THE QUEEN! A crowd favorite from years ago, we have decided to offer a 2nd Century traveling in the same general direction and using many of the same rest stops as the King Highlander. Literally half the climbing and intensity of the Highlander, the Lowlander will be a beautiful ride including long flat or downhill sections including 12 mile Creek and West Lake Rd. on Keuka Lake. All you Triathletes or TT aficionados will love this course!

See the 2024 Lowlander Century Map: 2024_HCT 25 Lowlander

Get .gpx or .tcx data here for Highlander Century+ (107mi/4921′): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44637675

Highlander GRAVEL – 65 miles

2024 will be our 7th year of offering a Gravel option. This route will combine some of the Century roads but diverge onto some epic unpaved/gravel/dirt roads in the area south of Naples and in/around Cohocton.  It will be approx. 65 miles/6447′. You will get up close and personal with the mountain-top windmills. You’ll want to have at least 33 mm wide tires (we recommend 35 or bigger) and 32 teeth or more on the rear cluster. Tune up on your brakes is also recommended. Follow orange chevrons on the road.  

See the 2024_Gravel_Map: 2024_HCT 25 Gravel

Get .gpx or .tcx data here for the Gravel course:  Routes · Ride with GPS

Cue Sheet here: TBD

Highlander Lite – 49 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 Naples, meandering along the beautiful 12mile creek and through Cohocton area and back. Total distance of ~ 49 miles/2916′.  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 2024_Lite_Map: 2024_HCT 25 Lite

Get .gpx or .tcx data here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44918978

Cue sheet here: TBD

Mountaineer (No Longer Available)

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 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

The Highlander prides itself on providing a safe, well run, and accommodating event for all participants. The Highlander staff takes the safety of the riders, the spectators, and the communities through which we ride very seriously. To promote this, each rider should have read and follow the NYS DOT cycling guidelines, found here:

Bicycling Safety in New York

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/