Montrose Mustache
67.5 miles | 6,648’ | 84% unpaved
Take on the legendary Mustache 100(k) from Montrose, featuring Salt Springs State Park, rugged doubletrack, plentiful gravel roads, and some of the toughest terrain in the county.
“It’s gritty. It’s gravely. It’s grindy. It’s grueling. And it’s going to scare a mustache directly onto your upper lip.” The Mustache 100(k) is an annual group ride put on by Chenango Point Cycles in the Fall from across the state line in New York. Our version of the route is modified to loop out of Montrose, instead of the traditional start at the Brackney Inn. This route has a bit of everything: champagne gravel, “no winter maintenance” roads, jeep double track, and “rail trail” that is closer to singletrack at times. A great mix of views too, from sweeping fields and barns in the distance to skinny roads lined thick with trees.
At mile 16, the town of New Milford is a quarter mile off route featuring a Kwik Stop, bike shop, and various eateries. The Brackney Inn dive bar (mile 40) offers resupply directly on route, and while they’re happy to serve you bar food or refill your bottles, don’t expect much more (call ahead to confirm hours). The best bet is to start your ride with everything you need.
Near the end of the ride, the route skirts along the edge of Salt Springs State Park. The park is home to towering old-growth hemlock trees, many estimated to be more than 300 years old, and a rocky gorge cut by Fall Brook with its three waterfalls. It has an excellent network of hiking trails and is the best place to camp near Montrose.
