[BumbleBeeDave]

I had another wonderful gravel ride with friends on September 30 out toward Cooperstown (Baseball Hall of Fame territory) at my friend CNYRider’s annual “Dirtphalt” gathering. He’s been having a small group of friends over every year since at least 2008 for three days of dirt riding, fellowship, and more good times in this beautiful part of upper New York State. Because of other commitments, I could only attend Day 1 this year, but it was certainly worth the drive! The Cooperstown area is laced with so many scenic gravel roads, many of them “seasonal,” and we saw lots of familiar spots along with some I haven’t seen in a while, like Thurston Hill Road with its (Garmin claimed) 22% grade. After almost exactly 20 miles, we ended a great day with a potluck dinner and a stunning sunset. Good times! (Photos shot with my Panasonic Lumix ZS200.)