Around the Mountain by LJ James - Catskill Mountain Thunder Motorcycle Festival 2025

Every year I get asked the same question:

“Why do you wait to put the CMT story together until the end of winter?”

There are two reasons.

First, after CMT you need time to decompress. When you’ve just experienced days packed with engines roaring, bands blasting, buses rocking, and friendships igniting… you don’t just sit down the next morning and sum it up. You let it breathe. You let the memories settle. You let it sink in.

Second — as winter starts losing its grip and that first warm breeze hits your face, I want one of the first things bikers think about to be this:

“It’s time to start getting ready for CMT.”

Held every September at the legendary

Blackthorne Resort, 348 Sunside Rd, East Durham, NY 12413

What Is Catskill Mountain Thunder?

It is what many call the best motorcycle festival in New York State. And in my opinion they’re not wrong.

What’s there to do at CMT?

Well that’s a really long list.

You can roll out on private or guided scenic rides through the breathtaking Catskill Mountains, some of the best riding roads in the world. Twisting backroads. Mountain overlooks. Small-town charm. Pure throttle therapy.

Or you can stay onsite and explore over 100 acres of biker paradise.

Cool off at the pool.

Soak up the sun with a drink in your hand.

Hit the Tiki Bar, The Main Bar, or The Beer Garden, at night time when the sun drops, the fire pits light up near the tiki bar, the outside bar, and campsites across the property. Hundreds of little gatherings. Stories flowing. Laughter echoing. Old friends reconnecting. New friendships forged.

2025 Kicked Off HARD

Tuesday came in hot with Charity’s Taco Tuesday.

Wednesday? The legendary Pub Crawl.

Load the buses. Crank the music. Party your ass off. Bar hop at some of the best spots in the region. It’s not just a crawl, it’s a rolling riot!

The Music in 2025 as always, was Unreal.

Friday night on the main stage, brought the fire with Tantric, Saturday cranked it to eleven with, Puddle of Mudd! And that’s just the headliners.

Also on, The Main Stage, The Bar Stage and at the Joe’s Garage Stage, there were local favorites and biker festival legends like:

Geezer, Big Empty, Mix Tape Revival, HYNGD, Heavy Gauge, Bullzeye, The Meat Chikenz, and Mistress of Evil. I can not forget the personality that gets the place roaring, the one and only Legendary Comedian, Bag Lady Sue!!! 

Then add in The Biker Build Off, Spaghetti Wrestling, all the classic Bike Games, Motorcycle stunt shows, The legendary Wall of Death, Motorcycle Show with Copper Mike of Gravesend Cycles, and that’s still not everything.

What Makes CMT Different?

CMT isn’t just one big party.

It’s hundreds of little parties that build into one giant, explosive, unforgettable experience. You ride hard during the day and you party harder at night.

You reconnect, You remember why you ride.

For me, since the early 2000s, this has been my favorite event of the year. No question.

It’s not just a festival, It’s a tradition, It’s a family reunion with engines.

Don’t Miss It, Prime spots go fast. But there’s always room for a few more.

Get your crew together. Mark the calendar.

Start getting ready now.

For more information visit:

CatskillMountainThunder.com

Story by your Bro,

LJ James

Pictures by Pappy.

We will see you this September 15th- 20th for CMT 2026!