What began in 2016 with the first Catskill Conquest Rally Commemorating the 1903 Automobile Endurance Run has grown to include three noncompetitive tours that reach into five Catskill Region Counties. The rallies combine history with experience on drives that take in beautiful roads and historic sites, visiting communities in Ulster, Delaware, Greene, Schoharie and Sullivan counties. The routes are about 135 miles and the events take four to six hours, depending on stops.
The third Schoharie Turnpike – Kaaterskill Clove Road Rally on June 15 starts at Dutchman’s Landing Park on the Hudson at Catskill with a breakfast sponsored by Sawyer Chevrolet at 9 a.m. The route follows the 1802 Schoharie Turnpike to the village of Schoharie and the Old Stone Fort Museum, a church fortified during the American Revolution. The displays in the museum feature showcases from the 1890s with various collections of artifacts and Native American arrowheads. The collection includes a 1903 Rambler automobile, the first auto in town, original and unrestored - just like two that took part in the 1903 Automobile Endurance Run. The route continues along the Schoharie Creek, visiting museums in Gilboa and Prattsville, before descending the Kaaterskill Clove. The fee is $100 per car, and all cars are invited.
The eighth Catskill Conquest Rally on Sept. 21 starts at the Catskill Visitor Center, state Route 28 in Mount Tremper, with a breakfast sponsored by Hagerty and John Abrams & Associates at 9:30. The rally is a signature event of the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway which follows a section of the route of the 1903 Automobile Endurance Run which inspired the event. Visits along the route include the Cauliflower Festival in Margaretville, Birdsong Farm Community Garden, the Franklin Railroad and Community Museum and Hanford Mills Museum. The driving is on country roads through farmland and hamlets with very beautiful scenery. The fee is $100 per car and all cars are invited.
The sixth Catskill Covered Bridge Rally on Oct. 19 starts at the Catskill Visitor Center, state Route 28 at 10 a.m. The route follows thirteen creeks and rivers and crosses four historic covered bridges. This drive is a hoot - in Ulster, Sullivan and Delaware counties, with some wonderful roads and scenery. The fee is $50 per car and all cars are invited.
All rallies feature maps by Cruz Cartography and entry forms can be found at www.1903autorun.com. The events feature a wide range of cars. If you love your car, come and drive it. Many photos and the history of the 1903 Automobile Endurance Run are found on the website.
