This
short and sweet 10 mile run is a NY route that is one of
those routes that is a well kept secret and all but unkown
to most NY riders - until now! Route 51 or the "Ilion
Gorge" is carved in a narrow valley that winds along
a small creek bed. The steep cliffs on both sides limit
the amount of deer that are visible. During the fall
months, the leaves are beautiful and during spring the gorge
is roaring with melted snow runoff. There are numerous
stops to fish, swim, whatever.
Motorcycle
Road Quality:
The
quality of the road varies, they State keeps it up pretty
well, but the extremely sharp turns (which are all
banked perfectly) sometimes collect debris, so be
careful around turns.
Motorcycle
Roadside Amenities:
Ilion
is a nice little upstate NY town. Home of Remington Arms
and has plenty of amenities. The south end of the gorge
is Cedarville, not much there more than a country store/diner
with gas and a beer garden right at the stop sign. Perfect!
Directions:
Written directions:
Start
your route in the town of Ilion, NY (which
is just 10 miles southeast of Utica, NY)
and head south on Rt 51 to Chepachet, NY.
Additional
Information:
-
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Team All - 2010 Harley-Davidson
This user rated the route: 8 out of 10
Posted 33 days ago
I don't think Joe Rocket has been on this road recently - I took the Gorge Road four days ago on a quick trip to Cooperstown. The pavement is in excellent condition and is well maintained by NYS DOT. A couple of nice tight turns, a couple of sweepers, and no issues with dirt or debris in the corners. At the end of the gorge, consider continuing south another three or four miles on ST-51 to US Highway 20. Turning east will get you to Richfield Springs, or a turn west will get you to West Winfield - Both are small farming communities with great character - amenities are readily available.
This user rated the route: 8 out of 10
Posted 279 days ago
I rode this on the back of another person's bike - in probably 1993. And it stuck with me! That's how amazing this short little ride is! I can't remember the last name of the guy I rode with, or exactly when it was, but this little ride was the stuff that I have dreamt about for years. Now I am planning to take my husband up through this gorge next summer.... and maybe run into Gary if I'm lucky!
This user rated the route: 6 out of 10
Posted 52 days ago
This used to be a great road. But unfortunetly that has changed, the road is now horribly maintanied and animals are everywhere. Not to mention the motorcycle deaths every year, which brings more and more cops.....
I grew up on the Ilion end of this road. It has become a favorite of mine for a short ride. You do need to watch out for dirt and rocks from the slides that happen once in a while. It is a fun road.
