The Ride for Mental Health

The Ride for Mental Health
June 21 & 22, 2025

New Paltz, NY

Beautiful country roads

Multiple rest stops

SAG support

Ride one or both days. In addition to the 25 mile route there are 2 different 50 mile loops.  Ride the tougher northern route on Saturday that goes from New Paltz up to the Ashokan Reservoir and returns with a couple of climbs including a 2-mile climb over the "Gunks" and then the less hilly southern route for an easy Sunday challenge.  Up for a big challenge?  You can ride the 100 mile loop on Saturday by combining both 50 mile routes.  The 100 mile route is not available on Sunday.  Not comfortable riding with cars? Ride the Rail Trail - a flat car-free ride up to Rosendale and back. This event will comply with COVID-19 best practices in order to best protect the safety of our riders and volunteers.

The Routes (All routes begin and end in New Paltz)
25 mile loop (Route:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45379681) 
A relatively easy, local ride of 25 miles through the Wallkill River Valley. Enjoy the rolling terrain past river and farmlands, punctuated with panoramic views of the Shawangunk Ridge.

50 mile loops (North route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31986492 / South route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32736246) 
North OR South loop: you can either ride an easy to moderate 50 mile southern route that passes through vineyards, apple orchards and horse farms on mainly rolling terrain with great views of the Shawangunk Ridge—OR—you can choose the more difficult northern route with a challenging 2-mile climb over the Shawangunk Ridge. The northern route passes through farms, fields, and wooded sections on the way to the Ashokan Reservoir before turning back to New Paltz.

100 mile loop
The 100 mile ride combines both of the 50 mile routes. You will travel north and south of New Paltz over mostly moderate terrain with the exception of a challenging climb over “the Gunks”. The route passes through farms, fields and woods on the way to the Ashokan Reservoir. Don’t miss the amazing view of the Catskills as you climb over the ridge. The southerly half of the route is lined with vineyards, apple orchards and horse farms and is mostly rolling terrain.  The 100 mile loop is only available on Saturday.  
 

Rail Trail - 14 mile ride 
Perfect for children and family rides. The rail trail is also a great option for those who don't want to ride on the roads. The rail trail is a very flat packed dirt, grass and gravel route. Ride north between fields and woods up the breathtaking trestle over the Rondout Creek in Rosendale. A great spot to dismount and take in the view before turning around back to to New Paltz.

Virtual Rider  – Support The Ride even if you are unable to attend in person! There is NO fundraising minimum or any limits to your effort. Every virtual rider will be sent this year’s Official Ride cycling jersey and get their own donation page to use for soliciting donations. 

Accommodation

Hampton Inn New Paltz

One of our sponsors Hampton Inn New Paltz has a block of rooms reserved for riders at a discounted fare of the regular price. Reservations need to be at least 2 nights and the discount will expire 30 days before the event start date. Please use this link: Hampton Inn New Paltz

SUNY New Paltz

We are excited to bring back boarding options at SUNY New Paltz! The rooms are air conditioned, corridor style rooms (view floorplan). Each hallway/house contains 8 – 9 bathrooms, each of which service 2–3 bedrooms. Though the bathrooms are near 2–3 rooms, they are not directly connected to any of the bedrooms and are lockable, single user public bathrooms. You can reserve a room on the registration page. 

Our goal

Pledge Goal for each rider is $250.  You have until July 31 to raise the funds and there is NO guaranty required by you. Proceeds go to McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, for the education, research and treatment of mental illness. 

Follow us on facebook.com/TheRideForMentalHealth or rideformentalhealth.org