SGS2023-2: Dover Plains (Long)

Lest there be any confusion, I'm going to update this original route, too, to remove the private road section. Previously, the very top of the description warned about this and linked to a route with the detour (unfortunately onto Rt 44 since that's the only alternative without a very lengthy detour).
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At mile 27.4: Detour onto Rt 44 (not great) to get around Hitchcock Lane and avoid that potentially private road. Here's an updated route:
ridewithgps.com/routes/44111968

For 2024's Spring Gravel Series, we used this alternative "long" route that more strongly overlaps the short and medium routes: ridewithgps.com/routes/44918988

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Dutchess County has some fantastic dirt/gravel roads and lovely paved riding, too. This route is very different from the classic Dover Plains route some of you might know. It comes from Mark (aka Cyclesnack) and includes a mix of the best dirt roads in Dutchess County, including the Tower Hill Rd climb.
- This is only 7 miles longer than the "medium" SGS route, but it has 1500 feet of extra climbing. That's a considerable difference in total riding time.

SNACK STOP: We will stop at a gas station at mile 25 to refuel (gatorade and snacks). There's another gas station at mile 57 if needed, otherwise we will keep rolling for the last 7 miles.

END OF RIDE GATHERING: Kelly's Creamery and Food Truck. Meet here for food, ice cream, and general hanging out after the ride.

ROUTE CONDITIONS: This route is on a combination of hard-packed dirt roads and pavement. No technical parts, but watch out anyway, because dirt roads can change after a single storm (e.g. pot holes, washouts, downed branches, etc).

ROUTES FOR ALL PACE GROUPS
Short: ridewithgps.com/routes/42740494
Medium: ridewithgps.com/routes/42747652
Long: ridewithgps.com/routes/42740503
Long (updated): ridewithgps.com/routes/44918988

Original Route: "Dover Dirt" by Cyclesnack. We used this as "Dirt Roads of the Dover Plains" on past GrNY rides).
Brown = Gravel/Dirt

NOTES:
1) At mile 6, go OVER the stream and then keep left. You'll stay on Ridge Rd (public) as intended. Avoid making the actual left before the stream crossing! You'll end up at a dirt road with signs about potentially shooting trespassers.
2) At mile 27.2 the route turns onto Hitchcock Lane. This might be a private road. My routes usually enter from the neighborhood on the other side, where I don't remember ever seeing a private road sign. In this direction, there was a very faded private road sign in the direction this route takes (from east to west). I cannot confirm ownership of the road (private or public) on that first section of the road, which goes past a farm.