In six years of cycling the Tour of the Catskills, Tim Doyle had never encountered a bear along the course. That changed this year. 

“He or she was galloping across the road,” Doyle said. “Of course there was a line of traffic coming behind us, so we couldn’t get over on the other shoulder.”

Doyle, of Binghamton, reached the finish line unscathed after the bear crossed the road and disappeared into the forest. The close encounter marked a first in his years riding the Tour.

“We’ve never had a bear before,” he said. 

Doyle was among dozens of riders who crossed the finish line in Tannersville on Aug. 8. Held annually since 2008, the event began as a two-day race, and has evolved into a one-day race with three non-competitive routes.

Cyclists started and finished at the municipal parking lot on Tompkins Street, choosing between rides of 27, 52, or 75 miles. 

The 27-mile course took riders from Tannersville through the village of Hunter on state Route 23A into Jewett before looping back through the Windham hamlets of Hensonville and Maplecrest. 

The 52-mile route continued on state Route 23A through Lexington to Prattsville and Ashland, returning through Windham before following the shorter course back to Tannersville.

The 75-mile ride extended through Cornwallville, South Durham, Acra and through Palenville before climbing Platte Clove Road into Tannersville. The mountain climb, known as the Devil’s Kitchen ascent, presented a grueling final challenge even for experienced riders. 

For some participants, the Tour offered a chance to explore the mountain scenery with family. 

Jeanie Tse, of High Falls, was cycling in her second Tour after first participating in 2023. She completed the 27-mile route with her 16-year-old son, Leif Martin. 

“He’s getting better and better,” she said. “He was 13 the last time.”

Mairin Rooney, of Olivebridge, also opted for the 27-mile course as she returned to cycling after an injury. 

“It’s fun getting back into it,” she said. “I used to race downhill mountain bikes back in the day.”

Rooney described most of the route as “pretty chill,” apart from the climbs.

“There are four climbs,” she said. “Two sucked.” 

But the mountain views made up for it. 

“It’s just so beautiful out here,” she said. “We still live in the city half the time, and it’s not fun to ride bikes there. It’s amazing to ride them here.”

Connor Greco is a staff reporter for The Overlook covering Windham, Hunter, and surrounding Greene County communities. Send correspondence to connor@theoverlooknews.com.