2023 Blue Mountain Chain Stretcher
by Kevin Ryan • June 29, 2023
Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill, New York, is undeniably my favorite place to ride. It stands as the crown jewel of Westchester County's mountain biking destinations. The park's rolling hills, adorned with rideable rock outcrops and picturesque hardwood forests, create a captivating backdrop. Moreover, as a herpetologist, I'm equally enamored by the park's wetland complexes and vernal pools that teem with a diverse array of reptiles and amphibians.
With approximately 20 miles of trails, Blue Mountain offers a trail system that caters to riders of all preferences. From fantastic cross-country routes to thrilling "cross stuntry" sections featuring rock rollers and drops, the park accommodates bikes ranging from hardtail cross country to beefy enduro machines.
The Chain Stretcher, a part of the New York State Mountain Bike Series, is Blue Mountain’s cross country race. Having participated in the race in 2017 and again in 2022, I was determined to redeem myself in 2023. (I didn’t do to well in 2022.) Equipped with my Kona Hei Hei, perfectly suited for the race, and lessons learned from past experiences, I entered the sport class, anticipating both a challenging course and formidable competition. As Blue Mountain is near my hometown, my mother showed up to cheer me on.
The 2023 race followed a similar, if not the same, six-mile course as 2022. It features the exhilarating SIS (Snakes in Space) and Rambler trails, both excellent singletrack trails. Category 3, 2, and 1 racers completed 1, 2, and 3 laps respectively, showcasing their bike handling skills and endurance.
Although I started at the front of the pack, my speed dropped as fellow riders overtook me early on. Despite riding well from a technical standpoint, something seemed amiss as I couldn't find my usual rhythm. The race became a test of perseverance as I pushed forward, fueled by unwillingness to quit despite not feeling great.
Unfortunately, there were issues with the trail markings this year, with torn caution tape leading to confusion at intersections. At one point, I unintentionally veered off course, but luckily realized my mistake and also guided two other racers back onto the correct path.
As of the writing of this report, race results are not available online. I finished towards the back of the pack and felt under the weather, later realizing I had contracted a severe spring cold. The illness kept me off the bike for several days afterward. Despite the challenges, I remain committed to returning to this race in 2024 in better condition than in 2022 or 2023.