HeartsHerd Hootenanny

June 27 2026

Buskirk, NY

Date Confirmed

Registration Opened: March 28 2026

Distances: 28, 36 miles

Difficulty: Gently rolling terrain with one or two short hills

Limited to: 80 Participants

Let loose the animal graveler in you at the HeartsHerd Hootenanny to benefit HeartsHerd Animal Sanctuary and Rescue Center. This gravel hootenanny uses scenic, rolling gravel roads in Rensselaer County N.Y.

The start/finish at HeartsHerd is easily accessible from the Capital Region, the Hudson Valley, plus western Massachusetts and Vermont. Gravelers have their choice of a 28-mile or 36-mile loop using well-maintained, low traffic gravel roads in Buskirk and Pittstown.

Following the ride on Saturday, June 27, tour the Rescue Center and join your fellow riders for a sandwich and some “re-hydration.” Riders should bring a camp or beach chair, and a sandwich. Organizers will provide a limited amount of water, soft drinks and other liquid refreshments.

This event is open to MHCC members only. Non-members are welcome for an additional $20 fee that includes a one-year membership effective immediately.

What is HeartsHerd?

HeartsHerd Animal Sanctuary and Rescue Center is dedicated to the care, well-being, and love of abused and abandoned animals across New York State. Since 2010, Heartsherd has had a simple mission: to listen to the needs of animals and provide a voice and means for their care.

Your $25 donation, or more, helps HeartsHerd’s staff cover the cost of feeding and providing medical care to over 40 different animals who have lost their owners, run their course for their owner’s purpose, or just plain ol’ need love. HeartsHerd sponsors ‘wellness days’ at the sanctuary as a way of sharing their love and the healing benefits of human-animal interaction, along with their passion to educate the public. The Hootenanny ride routes are named after two HeartsHerd animals – Sir Robert, an alpaca, and Billy Bob the goat! The Sir Robert Ramble route has approximately 3,000 ft. of climbing, and the Billy Bob Ramble has approximately 2,000 ft. of climbing.

Other Event Details:

· Riders will receive both routes two weeks prior to event.

· Check in begins at 9:15 a.m.

· Both loops begin at 10:00 a.m. and will have Ride Leaders.

· Riders, or members of their family, can feed the animals during the day. Each rider will receive a small ‘treat’ bag at check-in containing animal feed.

· Porta potty and hand-washing station available at start/finish.

· Please route on your GPS device prior to event. A limited amount of paper cue sheets available day of the event.

· Gear: Gravel, cyclocross, mountain, or another wide tire bike. We do not recommend riding these gravel routes on anything less than 28mm tires. Even 30mm-32mm tires are a bit narrow for these gravel roads. Wider tires will make the ride more comfortable.

· Safety: Helmets are absolutely required for all riders. We also strongly suggest you run a front light and daylight rear flasher.

· Sag and staffed rest stops: There ain’t none! So, bring everything you need to get back to the start . . . tube, pump, cell phone, water, food, cash, etc. (A water stop may be added depending on weather).

· Weather: It's a rain or shine event. No refunds, IOUs, rain checks, etc.

· Event wraps up by 3:30 p.m. so plan accordingly.

HeartsHerd Hootenanny