The best road cycling routes around Ringwood

There are over 90 road cycling routes in the Ringwood area, offering a wide range of experiences. These include 20 easy routes, 58 moderate routes, and 15 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels.

Yes, Ringwood offers several routes suitable for beginners. While the region is known for its undulating terrain, there are 20 easy routes available. These typically feature less elevation gain and shorter distances, providing a good introduction to road cycling in the area.

For experienced road cyclists seeking a challenge, Ringwood has 15 difficult routes. One such route is the Lake Welch Beach – Bear Mountain Climb loop from Sloatsburg, which covers 58.6 miles (94.3 km) with over 4,900 feet (1,500 meters) of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Upper Greenwood Lake – Pinecliff Lake loop from West Milford High School Parking, a 88.2 miles (142 km) route with over 6,100 feet (1,870 meters) of climbing.

Many of the road cycling routes in Ringwood are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Seven Lakes Drive Loop and the Greenwood Lake Loop, both offering scenic circular journeys through the region's characteristic lakes and forests.

Road cycling in Ringwood is characterized by an undulating landscape featuring numerous lakes, forested areas, and significant elevation changes. You'll encounter scenic lake views, challenging climbs towards areas like Bear Mountain, and routes that wind through natural settings. The region's natural beauty is a key highlight for cyclists.

The Ringwood area offers several natural and man-made attractions. Along your rides, you might pass by beautiful lakes such as Ramapo Lake, Surprise Lake, or Glasmere Ponds. You could also encounter natural features like Chikahoki Falls or historical sites like the Van Slyke Castle Ruins.

The road cycling routes around Ringwood are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the scenic lake views, and the challenging climbs that make for a rewarding experience.

Yes, given the region's hilly landscape, many routes offer rewarding vistas. For instance, the Wyanokie High Point is a notable viewpoint in the area, and routes that traverse higher elevations will provide panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and forests.

Route lengths and durations vary significantly. Moderate routes like the Seven Lakes Drive Loop are around 36.5 miles (58.8 km) and take nearly 3 hours. Longer, more difficult routes, such as the Lake Tiorati East Side – Lake Tiorati loop from Ringwood, can be over 49 miles (79.6 km) and take more than 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and elevation gain.

While Ringwood's terrain is generally undulating with significant elevation changes, there are 20 easy routes that could be more suitable for families or those looking for a less strenuous ride. It's advisable to check the specific route profiles for elevation and distance to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.

The best time for road cycling in Ringwood typically aligns with spring, summer, and fall when weather conditions are most favorable. Spring offers blooming scenery, summer provides warm temperatures, and fall boasts vibrant foliage. Winters can be challenging due to colder temperatures and potential for ice or snow, especially on higher elevation routes.

While specific routes are not detailed with cafe stops, many routes pass through or near towns and villages where you can find amenities. Planning your route with komoot allows you to discover points of interest, including potential cafes or rest stops, along your chosen path.