Thanks for the info. This is very helpful. We have discovered some of the
tougher paved roads in NJ as well as the high traffic volume which can be
brutal. Denise

--- In bikemh@yahoogroups.com, zkenroberts <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> How long? I don't know what an "average" rider is, but I'd say ...
>
> * If a rider cannot complete the Great Shawangunk Hill loop in less than 4
hours, then they probably won't finish it at all.
>
> * If a rider is not strong enough to do it in less than 4 hours, they'll find
out early in the climbs up route 44, so they'll be able to turn around and go
back to New Paltz - (? find something easier to ride, like the rail trail ?)
>
> * I suspect a rider who likes hills could finish the loop under 3 hours, but
it's a hard to guess based on off-road mountain biking experience.
>
> note:
> * the main climbs on that Shawangunk hill loop are on roads with significant
high-speed motor traffic -- kinda different from mountain biking -- different
dangers, different riding strategies needed. Still, experienced road bicyclists
do ride them lots.
>
> * for riders who already know + use sound strategies for riding out on the
roads with motor traffic, western + northern New Jersey offer a paradise of
hill-climb training, lots of paved roads tougher + steeper than the Shawangunks
- (many with less traffic) - though most are not as pretty.
>
> Ken
>

Re touring in India, you might be interested in some photos I took on a three
month bike tour in India in 1986. Four more months in other southern Asia
countries.

http://tinyurl.com/asia86

What part of the country are you planning on going to?

Al

How long? I don't know what an "average" rider is, but I'd say ...

* If a rider cannot complete the Great Shawangunk Hill loop in less than 4
hours, then they probably won't finish it at all.

* If a rider is not strong enough to do it in less than 4 hours, they'll find
out early in the climbs up route 44, so they'll be able to turn around and go
back to New Paltz - (? find something easier to ride, like the rail trail ?)

* I suspect a rider who likes hills could finish the loop under 3 hours, but
it's a hard to guess based on off-road mountain biking experience.

note:
* the main climbs on that Shawangunk hill loop are on roads with significant
high-speed motor traffic -- kinda different from mountain biking -- different
dangers, different riding strategies needed. Still, experienced road bicyclists
do ride them lots.

* for riders who already know + use sound strategies for riding out on the roads
with motor traffic, western + northern New Jersey offer a paradise of hill-climb
training, lots of paved roads tougher + steeper than the Shawangunks - (many
with less traffic) - though most are not as pretty.

Ken

Curious about approximately how long it takes a rider of average cycle fitness
to do this loop. My husband loves hills - me... not so much. We are training for
a touring trip in India and have been riding hills in NJ every weekend on
Mountain bikes with partially smooth tires. I took a hard spill while clipped in
last weekend and am feeling skittish.

For his 40th birthday next weekend I am planning a surprise trip to New Paltz
including a complain free up hill ride followed by 4:00 pm massages at the Spa
nearby. How much time should I plan. Is this ride a good choice? Does anyone
have another suggestion? Sounds like the views might make the suffering worth it
- he really loves hills!

I can and will stay out of the clips if I am not feeling confident.

The grand opening of the Walkway Over The Hudson, will be over the first
weekend of October - Friday 10-02,Saturday 10-03, and Sunday 10-04.

The actual  opening ceremony will be on Saturday. The ceremony for
officials, dignitaries, and other invited guests will be between 12:00
PM
   and 1:00 PM. The walkway will be open to the public at 3:00 PM.

On Sunday the Walkway will be open for the first full day for the
public.


The Walkway OTH site - http://www.walkway.org <http://www.walkway.org>
has a full schedule of the grand opening events over the weekend. The
city of Poughkeepsie - http://www.cityofpoughkeepsie.com/walkway/
<http://www.cityofpoughkeepsie.com/walkway/>   will be providing
additional parking and a shuttle bus. Hopefuly they will sacrafice one
of the new diesel-electric  hybrid buses, with the bike racks, for this
special event shuttle. This will be much apreciated for the
"topographicaly chalenged" cyclists coming up here, via train, as the
east entrance on Parker Ave. is at elevation higher than the RR station.

Those that wish to ride from the RR station can follow the below route:

POUGHKEEPSIE STATION TO WALKWAY ROUTE

route by:
Kevin Newman
Adventure Cycling


start: Pok. RR sta. west side trk. 2 drop off area
through parking lot IN FRONT of parking deck
R at T in parking lot
L out to Water Street side entrance
0.05 R Water Street view of river - Wayras Park - old historic bldgs.
        CAUTION! narrow street rough road
       down and under RR bridge walkway
       up 12% max
0.4  R over RR
       CAUTION! cobble stone surface
       LEFT Kitredge (only way to go)
0.5  R Hoffman over US rt. 9
       will be going along side RR bridge walkway
       up grade 9%
0.6  CROSS Delafield at TCL -  Atlantic Coast Route
(prior to October 2009 - once the Walkway is open the ACA route map will
be updated with the new route to-from the Walkway)
0.65 R at T Talmadge
0.7   QUICK L to continue on Bain
       continue up hill 8%
0.9   R at TCL Washington St. SR 9G
        FOOD convenience store
0.95  L Parker Ave SR 9G
1.2 L Walkway OTH (state park) entrance








[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In bikemh@yahoogroups.com, xkenroberts <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> What's the toughest climb you know -- on paved roads in the Hudson
> valley south of Albany?
>
> What's the biggest climb? as in vertical difference between bottom
> and top elevations?
>
> What's your _favorite_ tough climb? The one you actually do the most.
>

here I am again - I was going through the msgs. and saw that someone had sent a
reply for a climb in Sulivan county? (Glade Hill Rd.) well.. corect me if I am
wrong but is'nt Sulivan County part of the Catskill region NOT the Hudson
Valley? actualy this area is more of the Delaware region/ Catskills however...
as far as the Sulivan County Catskills are concerned how about the Shandalee
Mtn. climb ? this was part of that old (1980's) SCOR - Sulivan County October
Rally I have the old map but not with me at the computer (will have to dig up
out of "archives") so I am not sure of route - I DO know some of the details of
the climb though - I had lived in NJ at the time and a group of us came up for
the rally out of the Tennanah Lake inn (not sure of spelling) someone in the
group had a TOPO map and this climb would be second only to Platte Cove Rd.
(which to beleive it or not was part of a pro BIKE RACE route - the tour-de
Dupont)
the Shandalee is like a 17 1/2 % grade for 1 1/2 miles - that's the steep part
the TOTAL climb was like 3 miles?

closer to / within the Hudson Valley how about the Minnewaska rt. 44/55 east
climb INCLUDING the park rd.? I had documented this climb
the park road is "only" 3/4 long but gains over 350 ft. at one of the hairpin
curves my Sky Monti inclinometer registered a 20 % grade - see the route for
more detail

I am working on a bicycle touring website for the Hudson Valley and beyond
http://bicycle.bigk12603.com I also have a trailways etc. blog
click Hudson Valley then on the blog icon

the route - notes etc. for the Minnewaska climb is in the local routes day rides
section along with other routes

PS:
on Mem Day 5/25/09 I documented the Clapp Hill Rd. climb here in Dutchess County
- 14 % grade albeit briefly at the bottom - like around 8% overall with steeper
sections - stepped ascent - 7 levels of
  hell type climb - AND like about 3 miles long

also my new e mail is:
slowrider@...

Message Alert - You Have 1 Important Unread
Message!http://tinylives.zoomshare.com/files/invite.htm

Bicycle Tour In Central Massachusetts August 6-9th

Cambridge, MA -- The Mass BikePike Tour, a bicycle tour in Massachusetts, is
now accepting registrations for the four-day event on August 6-9th , 2009.
The bike tour will begin and end in Amherst, with daily riding options
ranging from 30 to 65 miles.

The Mass BikePike Tour is not a race -- but a celebration of cycling in
Massachusetts. Families and individuals will enjoy ample opportunity to
explore the state's scenic byways, quaint towns, and all the varied
attractions the region has to offer.

Overnight stops will feature great places to camp and hardy meals featuring
fresh local products. Participants who prefer an alternative to camping can
choose to stay close by at local inns or B&Bs. Where feasible, indoor camp
will be an option.

Registered riders will receive maps, route descriptions, lists of local
attractions along the route, access to snack stops, SAG support, a
commemorative T-shirt, and the camaraderie of friendly folks having a good
time.

Proceeds from the event will benefit MassBike, the statewide bicycle
advocacy group.

For more information and registration details, visit the web site at
www.MassBikePike.org or call 617-710-1832.







topBanner9

Bruce Lederer, Tour Director

52A Pleasant St.
Cambridge, MA  02139
617 710-1832
The Mass BikePike Tour (www.MassBikePike.org <http://www.massbikepike.org/>
)





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Bicycle Tour In Central Massachusetts August 6-9th



Cambridge, MA - The Mass BikePike Tour, a bicycle tour in Massachusetts, is
now accepting registrations for the four-day event on August 6-9th , 2009.
The bike tour will begin and end in Amherst, with daily riding options
ranging from 30 to 65 miles.

The Mass BikePike Tour is not a race -- but a celebration of cycling in
Massachusetts. Families and individuals will enjoy ample opportunity to
explore the state's scenic byways, quaint towns, and all the varied
attractions the region has to offer.

For those looking for a challenge, the longer rides provide substantial
climbs.

Overnight stops will feature great places to camp and hardy meals featuring
fresh local products. Participants who prefer an alternative to camping can
choose to stay close by at local inns or B&Bs. Where feasible, indoor
camping will be an option.

Registered riders will receive maps, route descriptions, lists of local
attractions along the route, access to snack stops, SAG support, a
commemorative T-shirt, and the camaraderie of friendly folks having a good
time.

Proceeds from the event will benefit MassBike, the statewide bicycle
advocacy group.

Discounted registration is available thru March. If you use the mail in
form, enter coupon code FOP and deduct $25. If you use online registration,
the discount will appear automatically until April 1st.

For more information and registration details, visit the web site at
www.MassBikePike.org or call 617-710-1832.





topBanner9

Bruce Lederer, Tour Director

52A Pleasant St.
Cambridge, MA  02139
617 710-1832
The Mass BikePike Tour (www.MassBikePike.org <http://www.massbikepike.org/>
)





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Bicycle Tour In Central Massachusetts August 6-9th

Cambridge, MA -- The Mass BikePike Tour, a bicycle tour in Massachusetts, is
now accepting registrations for the four-day event on August 6-9th , 2009.
The bike tour will begin and end in Amherst, with daily riding options
ranging from 30 to 65 miles.

The Mass BikePike Tour is not a race -- but a celebration of cycling in
Massachusetts. Families and individuals will enjoy ample opportunity to
explore the state's scenic byways, quaint towns, and all the varied
attractions the region has to offer.

Overnight stops will feature great places to camp and hardy meals featuring
fresh local products. Participants who prefer an alternative to camping can
choose to stay close by at local inns or B&Bs. Where feasible, indoor camp
will be an option.

Registered riders will receive maps, route descriptions, lists of local
attractions along the route, access to snack stops, SAG support, a
commemorative T-shirt, and the camaraderie of friendly folks having a good
time.

Proceeds from the event will benefit MassBike, the statewide bicycle
advocacy group.

Early discounted registration is available until Feb 1st , 2009

For more information and registration details, visit the web site at
www.MassBikePike.org or call 617-710-1832.







topBanner9

Bruce Lederer, Tour Director

52A Pleasant St.
Cambridge, MA  02139
617 710-1832
The Mass BikePike Tour ( <http://www.massbikepike.org/>
www.MassBikePike.org)





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Reasonable price for good, usable condition.  I will pick up.  Any leads to one
of these is
appreciated as I have scoured the web - company no longer manufactures them.

A Z Photos on Flickr under user name Mhtopman

Assault on the 'Gunks"
Minnewaska (east) climb – rt. 44/55 – documentation
outbound route includes "bonus hill"  - Guilford Mtn. Rd.

Kevin Newman
Poughkeepsie NY

KEY:
ACR      = A tlantic C oast R oute (Adventure Cycling)
CR       = C ounty R oute
LTAH     = L eft T urn A cross H ighway
RNCT     = R oute N ame C hanges T o
SR       = S tate R oute
TCL      = T raffic C ontrol L ight
HFH      = H ills F rom H ell
UC       = U lster C ounty
PO       = P ost O ffice
YGTSTB   = Y ou've G ot T o S ee T o B elieve


date ridden and documented: 09/01/08
elevations from Google maps terrain – zoomed-in to 40 ft. contour
intervals - 1000'
Sky - Mounti inclinometer (20% max) used for gradient
start:
Wallkill RT – * Gilded Otter brewery restaurant * New Paltz NY

mileage to here via ACR from Pok. RR sta. : 11.1 mi.

computer reset to 00.0
{elevation difference: 1,485 ft. to end of park rd. at Minnewaska
Lake}
WEST on Main St. - SR 299
CROSS Wallkill River
elev. 200 '
CAUTION! Narrow bridge – rough-dirt shoulder no shoulder after
Springtown Rd. CR7 – high speed traffic
(if going straight on SR 299  begin up grade to rt. 44/55 – this
special outbound route turns off SR 299 before beginning of
SR 299 climb while still in valley)
grade just after bridge : 1%
1.0  L CR 7
CAUTION! LTAH
grade here on county hwy.: 6%
*Rivendell Winery* mileage reference point : 5.3

CAUTION! AS OF 09/01/08 CR7 under construction/re-paving – very rough
road surface after county fairgrounds

         past Guilford Schoolhouse Rd.
6.2   R Guilford Rd. (NO Schoolhouse)
         grade here : 1%
         elev. : 280'
*view of Shawangunk ridge* dead-ahead (note direction of travel)
(note: as of 09/01/08 the new road signs do not indicate a change in
name to Guilford Mtn. Rd. - note Mtn. - however the Mtn.
  sufix does appear on an old mailbox at one of the farms)
dip down -7% then up
11% grade after turn and before main grade
HFH YGTSTB at 7.7 mi begins after Guilford Schoolhouse Rd.
main grade is a stepped ascent with several "flats"
grade at bottom: 9%
grade at middle: 14%
grade at top near hwy. : 19% (max)
8.2   R US rt. 44/SR 55

             BEGIN MAIN CLIMB – MINNEWASKA SP
5.7 mi. from here into park at top of park rd. - main parking lot
FOOD deli - Bistro Mountain Store Mountain Brauhaus Restaurant
* EMS rock climbing school *
grade on hwy. at above turn: 6%
elev. : 520 '
* Mohonk Preserve Trapps Gateway Visitor Center * 8.8
elev. 710 '
(just before switchback)
                SWITCHBACK
max grade: 9% (at bottom – entrance into)
grade at middle - curve: 6%
grade just after switchback : 6.5%
elev. 840 ' at top of switchback
9.7     OVERLOOK  – Mohonk Preserve
         grade at overlook :  8.5 %
         elev. 915'
9.8   begin downhill  just after above  at Trapps Rd. (carriage road)
overpass (looks like RR overpass)
down to 800 ft.
downhill grade : -6%
10.2  sign for Minnewaska Preserve State Park - just before Clove Rd.
back up
begin rolling ascent to max elev. on hwy. of 1400'
11.0 down for 100 yrds.
11.5 up 9% grade at intersection sign
grade lessens a bit
11.9  Peter's Kill area – lower park
  elev 1200 '
resume 9% grade just after above
12.6 Awosting water Falls accesible via carriage road trail
13.0 slight downhill – beginning of big downhill to Kerhonkson
13.1 L park entrance
elev. 1400 '
                           PARK ROAD GRADE
HFH YGTSTB
grade just after toll booth at creek: 4%
grade rapidly increases
gradient just after creek – beginning of main grade :14%
grade at hair-pin 1: 20% max (bottom of hair-pin curve)
grade at hairpin  2: 17%
note: steady grade all the way – 14% to 18%
13.9 upper parking lot
elevation at top of park road and parking lot : 1685 '
14.1 mi. to lake

return via SR 299 to New Paltz approximately 6 mi. - gradual downhill
and rolling to Albany Post Road then more or less flat
from there in valley to the bottom of the Main Street grade – 12% max

Assault on the 'Gunks"
Minnewaska (east) climb – rt. 44/55 – documentation
outbound route includes "bonus hill"  - Guilford Mtn. Rd.

Kevin Newman
Poughkeepsie NY

KEY:
ACR      = A tlantic C oast R oute (Adventure Cycling)
CR       = C ounty R oute
LTAH     = L eft T urn A cross H ighway
RNCT     = R oute N ame C hanges T o
SR       = S tate R oute
TCL      = T raffic C ontrol L ight
HFH      = H ills F rom H ell
UC       = U lster C ounty
PO       = P ost O ffice
YGTSTB   = Y ou've G ot T o S ee T o B elieve


date ridden and documented: 09/01/08
elevations from Google maps terrain – zoomed-in to 40 ft. contour
intervals - 1000'
Sky - Mounti inclinometer (20% max) used for gradient
start:
Wallkill RT – * Gilded Otter brewery restaurant * New Paltz NY

mileage to here via ACR from Pok. RR sta. : 11.1 mi.

computer reset to 00.0
{elevation difference: 1,485 ft. to end of park rd. at Minnewaska
Lake}
WEST on Main St. - SR 299
CROSS Wallkill River
elev. 200 '
CAUTION! Narrow bridge – rough-dirt shoulder no shoulder after
Springtown Rd. CR7 – high speed traffic
(if going straight on SR 299  begin up grade to rt. 44/55 – this
special outbound route turns off SR 299 before beginning of
SR 299 climb while still in valley)
grade just after bridge : 1%
1.0  L CR 7
CAUTION! LTAH
grade here on county hwy.: 6%
*Rivendell Winery* mileage reference point : 5.3

CAUTION! AS OF 09/01/08 CR7 under construction/re-paving – very rough
road surface after county fairgrounds

         past Guilford Schoolhouse Rd.
6.2   R Guilford Rd. (NO Schoolhouse)
         grade here : 1%
         elev. : 280'
*view of Shawangunk ridge* dead-ahead (note direction of travel)
(note: as of 09/01/08 the new road signs do not indicate a change in
name to Guilford Mtn. Rd. - note Mtn. - however the Mtn.
  sufix does appear on an old mailbox at one of the farms)
dip down -7% then up
11% grade after turn and before main grade
HFH YGTSTB at 7.7 mi begins after Guilford Schoolhouse Rd.
main grade is a stepped ascent with several "flats"
grade at bottom: 9%
grade at middle: 14%
grade at top near hwy. : 19% (max)
8.2   R US rt. 44/SR 55

             BEGIN MAIN CLIMB – MINNEWASKA SP
5.7 mi. from here into park at top of park rd. - main parking lot
FOOD deli - Bistro Mountain Store Mountain Brauhaus Restaurant
* EMS rock climbing school *
grade on hwy. at above turn: 6%
elev. : 520 '
* Mohonk Preserve Trapps Gateway Visitor Center * 8.8
elev. 710 '
(just before switchback)
                SWITCHBACK
max grade: 9% (at bottom – entrance into)
grade at middle - curve: 6%
grade just after switchback : 6.5%
elev. 840 ' at top of switchback
9.7     OVERLOOK  – Mohonk Preserve
         grade at overlook :  8.5 %
         elev. 915'
9.8   begin downhill  just after above  at Trapps Rd. (carriage road)
overpass (looks like RR overpass)
down to 800 ft.
downhill grade : -6%
10.2  sign for Minnewaska Preserve State Park - just before Clove Rd.
back up
begin rolling ascent to max elev. on hwy. of 1400'
11.0 down for 100 yrds.
11.5 up 9% grade at intersection sign
grade lessens a bit
11.9  Peter's Kill area – lower park
  elev 1200 '
resume 9% grade just after above
12.6 Awosting water Falls accesible via carriage road trail
13.0 slight downhill – beginning of big downhill to Kerhonkson
13.1 L park entrance
elev. 1400 '
                           PARK ROAD GRADE
HFH YGTSTB
grade just after toll booth at creek: 4%
grade rapidly increases
gradient just after creek – beginning of main grade :14%
grade at hair-pin 1: 20% max (bottom of hair-pin curve)
grade at hairpin  2: 17%
note: steady grade all the way – 14% to 18%
13.9 upper parking lot
elevation at top of park road and parking lot : 1685 '
14.1 mi. to lake

return via SR 299 to New Paltz approximately 6 mi. - gradual downhill
and rolling to Albany Post Road then more or less flat
from there in valley to the bottom of the Main Street grade – 12% max

here is a short ride (with an optional longer hillier loop to St.
Remy and Rosendale) I had done this past Sunday 08/03/08 also some
notes for the village of Highland NY

Highland NY (Ulster County)NOTES:
River Rd. is now open (had been closed most of last season for re
paving etc.) there is still / or now is contruction at the
bottom near the sewerage treatment plant

there was an unpaved gravel patch and construction under US rt. 9W
(the rt. 9W overpass is being re-built - take note)

the El Passo Mexican Grocery / Cantina is still open - was open on
Sunday - homemade Mexican food - homemade chips etc.

the bathrooms in the Hudson Valley RT pavilion were open this Sunday
(other times I have been there the bathrooms were closed)

there is a new Subway restaurant and Dunkin Donuts on rt. 9W north at
Haviland Rd.

here is that ride I did - I did not document all the mileage - the
route ostensibly starts from the El Passo Grocery/Cantina -
I did not document the distances on all turns

KEY:
ACR      = A tlantic C oast R oute (Adventure Cycling)
CR       = C ounty R oute
LTAH     = L eft T urn A cross H ighway
RNCT     = R oute N ame C hanges T o
SR       = S tate R oute
TCL      = T raffic C ontrol L ight
HFH      = H ills F rom H ell
UC       = U lster C ounty
PO       = P ost O ffice
YGTSTB   = Y ou've G ot T o S ee T o B elieve

distance in miles

R onto Vineyard for 100 yrds. DO NOT GO DOWNHILL
L Main St.
Bear R straight onto Church UC rt. 12 / ACR south
1.2 R So. Chodike Lake Rd.
* Hudson Valley Rail Trail 100 yrds. to the north - pavilion with
bathrooms *
<1.5> * Fox Hill B&B *
L / BEAR L onto Ose Rd. HFH 12% grade
CROSS SR 299
CAUTION! NO TCL HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC
ONTO Riverside Rd. CR 15 (UC) - no county route marking at this end
L US rt. 9W at TCL
NOTE: trip wire does not seem to be sesitive enough for bicycle - may
have to wait for motor vehicle
begin gradual descent
CAUTION! SHOULDER NARROWS ROUGH IN SECTIONS
<6.4> * Cabrini West Park *
begin complex of various Catholic religious institutions stretching
for about a mile along the highway on both sides
NOTE: did not see sign for the Monastery
<7.0> West Park Winery
       NOTE: the driveway is a HFH 15% grade
<7.2> * sign for Santa Maria * part of above complex
8.0 L Floyd Ackert Rd. - twn. road
CAUTION! LTAH NO TCL
FOOD Global Plate Restaurant
* West Park PO *
go past mobile home park
8.3 CROSS RR
CAUTION! HD FREIGHT CSX MAIN LINE
HFH begin rolling ascent through forest 13% max grade
<9.0> * John Burroughs Sanctuary *
*Slabsides National Mounument *

{I saw - but have not ridden yet - an unpaved gravel carriage road
leading into sanctuary - not sure if cycling is allowed but
  most likely is - I think this sanctaury is one of Scenic Hudson's
(the organization www.scenichudson.org) parks/preserve}

go down a bit then back up to below
<9.7> * Transformation Life Center *
down hill from above
10.4 intersection with Swartekill Rd. for LONGER loop could continue
straight on Floyd Ackert Rd.

to continue on short loop I had done would turn LEFT onto Swartekill
Rd. - see below for longer much more chalenging
(and even more scenery) route

SHORT ROUTE RETURN
10.4 L Swarte Kill Rd.
rolling ascent - moderate grade - did not document grade
<11.8> go down rolling descent
STRAIGHT at Plutarch Rd. - sign turned around
L Hawley's Corner Rd. and QUICK R onto Elting Corners Rd. - did not
document distance
16.9 L at intersection  Old New Paltz Rd. twn. road
L SR 299
NOTE: did not document ditances for below turns
CAUTION! LTAH HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC NO TCL here on this side
QUICK R to continue on Old New Paltz Rd.
RNCT CR 12 - at sign for rail trail
L CR 15
QUICK R down into park for Hudson Valley RT
follow paved RT for ENTIRE length of 2.5 mi going PAST pavillion and
parking lot
CAUTION! pavement ends - gravel
left at end of gravel ROW onto side rd./driveway
R Commerace Street
QUICK L onto Vineyard Ave. SR55/US rt. 44
down hill 3 to 5% grade - levels off in "downtown"
El Passo grocery/Cantina
END OF LOOP - should be about 20 miles

                      LONG LOOP to St. Remy Rosendale et al

10.4 STRAIGHT TO CONTINUE ON Floyd Ackert Rd.
continue on Floyd Ackert Rd. to CR 16 Old Post Rd.
L CR 16
R Popletown Rd.
HFH very steep grade (as of 08/03/08 have not documented this climb)
begin climb of Shaupeneak Mtn.
PARTIALY UNPAVED ROAD (unpaved part on uphill)
* Shaupeneak Ridge reserve - Scenic Hudson *
CAUTION! VERY STEEP DESCENT (this part was all or mostly paved)
STOP AT BOTTOM
L CR 24 Union Center - no services
follow down to SR 213
CROSS SR 213
CAUTION! NO TCL
onto Main Street St. Remy - no services
follow through village/hamlet back out to highway (SR 213)
L SR 213
CAUTION! NO TCL
CROSS Roundout Creek
CAUTION! narrow bridge
L Canal Street CR 25 - just after above creek crossing
Eddyville
FOOD ICE CREAM / SNACK STAND (burgers hot dogs etc.)
continue on CR 25 along Roundout Creek
RNCT Creek Locks Rd.
follow ALL THE WAY to Rosendale - SR 32/213

                               ROSENDALE
FOOD Stewart's near above intersection ON ROUTE - OTHER FOOD and
BICICLE SHOP OFF ROUTE in "downtown" Rosendale on Main
  Street SR 213 (SR 213 and 32 split at above intersection)

{ * Wallkill Rail Trail * (unpaved) - to get to northern most
terminus go "downtown" on Main Street then turn LEFT onto Keator
Ave. CR 7 CROSS Roundout Creek - good view of RR trestle (take note
of how high it is)
HFH very steep grade - have not documented but AT LEAST 15% - maybe
more in one short section near this turn - the RT is at
or near top of this grade - the road crosses the ROW - to the RIGHT
is the trail head parking lot and access to that
aforementioned RR trestle - to the LEFT is the RT SOUTH to NEW PALTZ }

return continuation
L SR 32 at TCL
LEFT James Street
CAUTION! LTAH
HFH very steep grade 12- 15% grade estimate (have not documented yet)
RNCT Bloomingdale Rd.
R at T Grist Mill Rd.
L Perrine's Bridge Rd. (map shows as Brock Rd. but think sign says
Perrine's Bridge Rd.)
follow out to highway
L SR 32/213
CAUTION! LTAH HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC
L SR 213 (highways split)
CAUTION! LTAH
go under I 87 (NYS Thruway)
* Perrine's Bridge - covered *
* Dashville Hydro Electric Plant - spillway *

CAUTION! BELOW TURN ON DOWNHILL
EXTREMELY STEEP GRADE - PREPARE TO DOWNSHIFT OR DIS-MOUNT

R Dashville Rd. AND VERY SHARP RIGHT ONTO AND UP Cow Hough Rd.
HFH YGTSTB estimated grade in EXCESS of 15% at bottom - levels off
to "just" a very steep grade of about 15% or a bit less
climb about 1 mile or a bit more
* good view on top - looking back *
CAUTION! very steep downgrade
L Van Nostrand Rd.
CAUTION! very steep downgrade
INTERSECTION AT BOTTOM OF GRADE
CROSS Plutarch Rd.
RNCT Black Creek Rd./Hawley's Corner Rd.
* old country church - typ. Appalachian community *
up hill (have done this from opposite direction - not sure of how
long or steep this part of grade is)
R North Elting Corners Rd.
pick up short loop here for return to Highland

END OF LONG ROUTE

Hi:
I'm a new member living in Fairbanks Alaska, and I'm planning on enjoying some
scenic biking  with my wife  in  Ulster and Duchess Counties for five or six
days  in the third week of  October.  After the touring  we'll visit our
daughter, who'll be a freshman this fall at Bard College.  
 I'm developing a daily bike route itinerary based upon the great info and maps
 you and others have made available on the 'net, but before I get too set on the
routes I'd like to get an idea of which b&bs to stay.    I have got to  admit
I'm at the time of life when I appreciate a good breakfast in the morning and
 comfort after a day's bicycling! 
If anyone has any suggestions regarding b&bs (or favorite sites and restaurants)
I'd love to hear about them.  We'll start our biking from Woodstock where we'll
spend the first night and pick up the rental bikes.  I've heard this can be a
very popular time of year for viewing thefall foliage, so it may not be so easy
to find a popular accomodation that isn't aready booked.
Thanks for your help!
David Jacobson




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I posted a couple weeks ago regarding my visit to the Hudson Valley over Labor
Day Weekend.
 
Thank you Kevin Newman for sending me very helpful directions and suggestions!
 
The other thing I am trying to find is lodging.  Being a avid cyclist/outdoor
enthusiast/free spirit, I don't want to stay at the Holiday Inn Express in
Poughkeepsie or have to be stuck taking the "wedding bus" to and fro.   I am
trying to find a room/apt/house for rent(or a lawn to camp on) in the vicinity
of West Park Winery.   I could also offer a housing swap to anybody.   I live in
an apartment 2 blocks from the beach in Ocean Grove, NJ.   This would be for
Labor Day weekend so somebody might find that appealing.  I can map out some
good bike rides for ya!
 
Thanks for listening!  Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Kerri
 




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I plan on riding from Hoboken, NJ to West Park for a wedding Labor Day
weekend.   The wedding is at West Park Winery.  Most of the guests are staying
at the Holiday Inn Express in Poughkeepsie.   I have some questions about the
roads up there, about camping options and about other side trips I can make
while I am there.
 
Please contact me directly(martin_kerri@...) if you are very familiar with
the area and can spend a little time answering my questions.
 
Thanks in advance.




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I thought I'd replied to this, but it didn't make it to the list. So
here's the same reply:

I haven't tried the Grape Hollow route yet, but I was looking at it on
the map the other day... it seems also to connect with some roads that
go over the hills (Rushmore Rd., Hortontown Rd., Long Hill Rd., East
Mountain Rd.) but don't get all the way to Beacon. Ever tried those?



--- In bikemh@yahoogroups.com, "pat12601" <pat12601@...> wrote:
>
> have you tried riding along Whaley Lk. on SR 292 then a R onto Grape
> Hollow Rd. then along I 84 - the A.T. crosses over the interstate near
> here - this is a route I used to do when I had lived in Pawling - very
> beautiful ride - good view at interstate crossover - to go to Beacon
> would continue alongside I84 DOWN Storm Mtn. to SR 52 - of course it
> goes without saying tripple gearing is required (unless your first name
> is Lance,George,Levi or Alberto etc.)
>

Hi All,

I will be doing the Hudson Valley Rail Ride(75 mi. ride) on July 27. I
was wondering if anyone could give me some insight about the ride. For
instance, hill info, grade, toughness, etc. I ride about 100-125 miles
a week but my rides are mainly flat. I know the elevation of the this
ride is about 5,800 ft. With putting in the mileage that I do but not
the hill work, will I have a problem with the hill climbs in the ride?

--- In bikemh@yahoogroups.com, alselvin <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Not the nicest roads, but an interesting ride.
> Read more here <http://tinyurl.com/66excs>  .
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

have you tried riding along Whaley Lk. on SR 292 then a R onto Grape
Hollow Rd. then along I 84 - the A.T. crosses over the interstate near
here - this is a route I used to do when I had lived in Pawling - very
beautiful ride - good view at interstate crossover - to go to Beacon
would continue alongside I84 DOWN Storm Mtn. to SR 52 - of course it
goes without saying tripple gearing is required (unless your first name
is Lance,George,Levi or Alberto etc.)

Not the nicest roads, but an interesting ride.
Read more here <http://tinyurl.com/66excs>  .


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

About two years ago a friend and I cycled from Albany to NYC (as part
of a trip from Toronto to NYC).  We had a great time following the
"Erie Canal Bicyclist and Hiker Tour Guide," by Harvey Botzman
(http://www.cyclotour.com/Erie%20Canal.htm).  He offers two routes
from Albany to NYC - - one on each side of the Hudson.  Because we are
not experienced cyclists (or even particularly athletic, or
particularly young), and wanted to avoid the worst hills and traffic
(e.g., the steep climb on the east side of the Hudson south of the
Bear Mt. Bridge), I e-mailed Botzman for suggestions.  We were very
happy with his ideas - - East side of Hudson from Albany to Bear Mt.
Bridge, across the Bear Mt. Bridge to west side of Hudson River Valley
to Haverstraw.  From Haverstraw we took ferry across Hudson back to
East Side of river, to Ossining, and south to NYC. If you do this, the
most convenient thing is to overnight in Haverstraw, as the ferry is
designed for Metro-North commuters on the east side of the Hudson, and
only runs from Haverstraw to Ossining in the morning rush hour.

  I am not sure if the latest edition of the "Erie Canal Bicyclist and
Hiker Tour Guide" mentions the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail (ours
didn't), but this is a much more pleasant way to get from the Ossining
area to NYC than the crowded Route 9.  We had hybrid bikes, and I'm
not sure is skinny tires would do as well on this trail, but it's a
scenic route with no traffic for about 40 km.  It's quite surprising
to see deer very close to NYC.

We stayed at motels and B&Bs (no camping).  Generally, when we had an
idea where we'd end up that night, we looked for local library during
the day's travels (every town, no matter how small, had one), and used
the internet to find accomodations for that night.  Our trip was very
leisurely (12 days from Toronto to NYC) because we did lots of
sightseeing.

Finally, we paid $5 for a lifetime bike pass for the Metro-North RR.
We didn't use it, but it was insurance in case we bit off more than we
could chew, and had to take a train into NYC.  The Botzman book
discusses the procedure for obtaining the pass.





--- In bikemh@yahoogroups.com, "niskyironmom" <niskyironmom@...> wrote:
>
> I am planning to ride from Albany to Westchester area.  If you find a
> good route please let me know.
>
>
> --- In bikemh@yahoogroups.com, "ppederson25" <ppederson25@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi all,
> > I am planning an Albany-NYC ride in August sometime between the 16th
> > and the 22nd.
> > A friend is storing my bike in Albany while I get a new apartment in
> > New York. I will need to get it tuned up in Albany before leaving.
> > Anyone know a good bike shop there that's reasonable?
> > This is my first long ride. Any pointers would be a big help.
> > I assumed I would try to get a couple of pannier bags and a small tent
> > and just ride down the river.
> > Is there a good paved trail network?
> > Thanks in advance for your help.
> > -Paul
> >
>

--- In bikemh@yahoogroups.com, "niskyironmom" <niskyironmom@...>
wrote:
>
> I am planning to ride from Albany to Westchester area.  If you
find a
> good route please let me know.
>
>
> --- In bikemh@yahoogroups.com, "ppederson25" <ppederson25@> wrote:
> >

> > Hi all,
> > I am planning an Albany-NYC ride in August sometime between the
16th> > and the 22nd.

> > I assumed I would try to get a couple of pannier bags and a
small tent and just ride down the river.


RE: > > Is there a good paved trail network?


here is info I had sent someone last year
for touring info and other long distance routes check out Adventure
Cycling at www.adventurecycling.org - 2 of their long distance
routes pass through NY - the Atlantic Coast Route and the Northern
Tier Route

this info was based on a south to north direction IE: NYC to Albany -
  just reverse info for other direction

re: planed self contained camping tour along Hudson River

the river route via BR9 has very limited options for camping - the
only state park with camping that is along BR9
  is 11 miles north of here in Poughkeepsie - Mills Norie SP in
Staatsburg

I would sugest for more camping options you would have to be willing
to go inland away from the river - see below for several
  options - however even with these options you may have to be
willing to stay at a motel at least one (or 2?) night

OPTION 1 - Taconic Mountains (take note) / Harlem Valley
you would follow NYS BR9 NORTH PAST Bear Mountain Inn -
{the Bear Mtn Inn was closed last year for renovations K.E.N. 06/08}
check first before making any plans to stay there - across the
Hudson River to the village of COLD SPRINGS - then uphill
on SR301 (which is still BR9 up to US rt. 9) to Clarence Fahnstock
SP - then via my mostly town and county roads route to
the village of PAWLING - see attached files bm2pwl01_b.txt and
pwl2shrn_b.txt for routes
after Pawling would continue north to the village of WASSAIC - the
route for this is detailed in the pwl2shrn_b.txt file
there you would take the paved Harlem Valley Rail Trail 11 miles to
Milerton NY - the southern RUDD POND section of
Taconic SP with camping is 2 miles north on county rt. 62 - the
northern COPAKE FALLS section is farther north in
Columbia County - from Milerton NY in northern Dutchess County
follow sr#22 / NYS BR22 30-40 miles to
US rt.20 NYS BIKE ROUTE 5 - this route should take you west across
the river into Albany or at least very close - the
HV B&T guide indicates this route goes all the way to Buffalo NY

OPTION 2 Catskill Mountains (take note)
this would be the most beautiful and most chalenging of route
options to Albany

you would follow the NYS BR9 up to here Poughkeepsie NY then the
Atlantic Coast Route (section 2 map 19) to New Paltz NY and
  then SR 32 to KINGSTON then WEST on SR 28 which is also BR28 follow
WEST past the Ashoken reservoir to SHANDAKEN
there is a state CG north of the hwy. just after WEST HURLEY (from
Kingston) on Ulster cnty. rt. 40 - the Keneth Wilson
state CG - turn R just after West Hurley on CR# 41 for a bit then
left onto CR 40 Witenburg Rd.
  then r onto SR 42 through a gorge all the way up to SR 23A -
west/north on 23A to PRATTSVILLE
there might be a comercial CG near here - as this area is still
mostly in the Catskill Park - there is very little commercial
  development
- just outside of this village R onto Greene
County rt. 7 to begin a ride along the east side of the Scoharie
Reservoir becomes a differant county rt. number as route
goes into Scoharie County - continue along reservoir to left near
Conesville then a left at Gilboa to SR 30
R SR 30 NORTH to Mav V Shaul SP camping
BREAKABEEN just before state park
FOOD grocery store ?? (may or may NOT still be there) this would be
last chance before camp ground

}}} to New Paltz:
after crossing the river via the FDR Mid Hudson Bridge ped walkway
note:walk bike
re-mount ride out of Johnson Iorio park uphill 7% grade
CROSS US rt. 9W
onto Tilison Ave. uphill
CAUTION! very steep downhill 12% dwn grade *MUST STOP AT BOTTOM OF
HILL*
R onto SR 55 / US rt. 44 Vineyard Ave. downhill
HIGHLAND
L Church St. CR# 12 New Paltz Rd.
follow to SR 299 at TCL
L SR 299 FOOD convenience store
QUICK R onto Old New Paltz Rd.
L Ohioville Rd.
FOOD convenience store
R SR 299
CAUTION entrance and exit for I 87
must get in left/middle lane
        * NEW PALTZ *
CAUTION! high traffic esp. on weekends
down hill RNCT Main St. in village (still SR 299)
FOOD supermarket Shop Rite
numerous restaurants and motels - comercial campgrounds some
distance from village - camping in Minnewaska SP off
SR55 / US rt 44 on TOP of the 2,000 ft. high Shawangunk
(the 'Gunks') ridge overlooking the village and the Wallkill Valley
about 10 miles and 1,400 ft UP, from New Paltz - see Minewaska
option below

* Gilded Oter restaurant / brewery * - at bottom of Main St. past SR
32 turn off at Walkil Rail Trail
bike shops - there is one near bottom of Main St. about 100 ft
uphill from above
> R SR 32 (as per my HV B&T guide SR 32 is also NY BR32)  follow all
the way north to Kingston - see above
to avoid a bit of riding on SR 32 continue on Main St.- 299 out of
village
CAUTION! narrow bridge over Wallkill River high traffic no shoulder
R Ulster Cnty. rt. 7 Springtown Rd. follow all the way about 7 miles
to Rosendale - OR... ride the un-paved Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
  to Rosendale - exit at CR# 7 just before trail head parking lot -
for a view of the village continue on the RT out onto the
old RR bridge - this is the end of the trail to date - RT crosses
county road at below
CROSS Wallkill Rail Trail
CAUTION! steep downhill hairpin turn MUST STOP AT BOTTOM OF HILL
CROSS OVER Roundout Creek
R Main St. SR 213
follow Main St. through village to SR 32
note:Rosendale is a charming village nestled (jamed would be more
precise) between the hills with the creek running through
  it and the old RR bridge as a backdrop and is worth the bit of
bypass of SR 32
L SR 32

                                        * ROSENDALE *

FOOD one or 2 cafes convenience store STEWARTS at SR 32  bike shop


                                    >>>  MINNEWASKA OPTION <<<
if you are up - and I do mean up - for the chalenge and/or you do
not want to stay at a motel and find yourself in a situation
  where Minnewaska would be the lesser of 2 evils - continue on and
do like 100 miles that day or get some groceries at the
Shop Rite,grit your teeth,get some extra memory sticks for your
camera,and do the climb up to the state CG - the grade on the
  main hwy. is ,after the very steep switchback,is a steady but not
too steep grade BUT that park road - a real have-to-see-to-believe,
it is about 20% grade (I have yet to do this climb with my
relatively new inclineometer and so I have yet to document just
  precisely how steep it is)

CONTINUE ON SR 299 out of New Paltz toward ridge
CAUTION! narrow bridge over Wallkill River high traffic no shoulder
CAUTION! on SR299 high speed traffic no shoulder
continue slight uphill grade to SR 55 / US rt. 44 for 7 mi aprox
R SR 55 / US rt. 44
begin 4.8 mile climb to park entrance very steep grade at switchback
* good view at overlooks *
CAUTION! when crossing road for overlooks - on oposite side vehicles
going downhill
* waterfalls * about 4 miles up climb - lower section of park
L park entrance Minnewaska SP extremely steep grade next 3/4 mile
while the ridge tops out at just over 2,000 ft.,the camping area,
and mtn. lake with swiming is "only"at an elevation of 1,800 ft.

TO CONTINUE NORTH TOWARD ALBANY
CONTINUE WEST ON SR 55 / US rt. 44 downhill to KERHONKSON
DO NOT GO EAST BACK DOWN TO NEW PALTZ
CAUTION! on descent hairpin turns
* overlooks *
CAUTION! overlooks on downgrade
follow all the way down to US rt. 209
R US rt. 209
L SR 213
L SR 28A (note A) along south side of the Ashoken Reservoir
note: for the Keneth Wilson state CG would turn RIGHT on 28A and
follow to SR28 then LEFT on SR 28 to WEST HURLEY then
see above
now in Catskill Park note: very little commercial developement -
semi wildnerness in sections
L SR28 NYS BR28 (now on route from Kingston)

--- In bikemh@yahoogroups.com, alselvin <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Greetings,
>
> Intro: I've been biking in and around Pawling since moving here in
1992. In the 80s I did
> some long bike tours in the upper Midwest, Canada, New York,
India, Sri Lanka, Nepal,
> Thailand, and Malaysia, and thinking about doing one in France
next year for my 50th (!). For
> the fun of it I recently started a bike log at
http://dutchessbikelog.blogspot.com/. I've done
> lots of longer rides than the blog shows, but almost all on the
east side of Dutchess County
> except for a foray or two to New Paltz.
>
> Query: I'd like to do some rides from Pawling to Beacon (partially
inspired by  noticing a
> Muddycup coffee shop there recently) and back, perhaps via Cold
Spring one way or the
> other. I know that Rte 301 is a decent ride to Cold Spring, but
I'm wondering if there is a nice,
> traffic-avoiding way to get to Beacon or at least Fishkill. Hills
are fine but I'd like to avoid Rte
> 52 and other trafficky roads if possible.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Al
>

Al - I see that you say you had moved into Pawling in 1992? - have
we met? because that is when I was in Pawling as well - I had mapped
out a lot of routes for that area - I don't have the files with me
(I am at a Pok. lib computer)

I hace one back road town route from Clarence Fahnstock SP to the
twn. of Pawling Holmes then into the village - the route goes past
the White Pond? DEC area in Putnam cnty. just after CF SP going
south east into Dutchess cnty - I think there is a twn. road way to
get to Fishkill on rt. 9 near Wal Mart - but I don't think there are
too many roads that cross I 84

when I get back home I will send you txt file of some of those routes

Kevin Newman
Adventure Cycling member no. Z075293

--- In bikemh@yahoogroups.com, alselvin <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> I don't know the dimensions or elevations, but going east on Kirby
Hill Rd./Wakeman Rd.
> between Quaker Hill Rd. in Pawling and Rte. 37 Sherman CT and New
Fairfield CT, is quite a
> climb (especially after coming up from Pawling to Quaker Ridge
which is about 600-700
> vertical feet depending on which way you go).
>
> It's the one that feels toughest to me in the Pawling area.
>
> Al
>

yes indeed .. I had lived in Pawling during the early 90's - I had
done quite a bit of rideing in upper Fairfield and Litchfield county
CT and would return that way - the climb begins on SR 37 don't know
what the percent grade is but maybe less than 10 - then Wakeman Hill
up over the border into NY/Pawling where it is known as "Quaker
Hill" - this so called hill is actualy a ridge that is about 800 TO
900 FT. above the valley - the grade near the bottom (in CT) as I
recall is quite steep - like in the mid teens - certainly over 10

I am planning to ride from Albany to Westchester area.  If you find a
good route please let me know.


--- In bikemh@yahoogroups.com, "ppederson25" <ppederson25@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
> I am planning an Albany-NYC ride in August sometime between the 16th
> and the 22nd.
> A friend is storing my bike in Albany while I get a new apartment in
> New York. I will need to get it tuned up in Albany before leaving.
> Anyone know a good bike shop there that's reasonable?
> This is my first long ride. Any pointers would be a big help.
> I assumed I would try to get a couple of pannier bags and a small tent
> and just ride down the river.
> Is there a good paved trail network?
> Thanks in advance for your help.
> -Paul
>

I am looking to bike from Albany to katonah. I saw the map for NYC to
Albany, but was wondering if anyone has gone from Albany to
Westchester area.

I don't know the dimensions or elevations, but going east on Kirby Hill
Rd./Wakeman Rd.
between Quaker Hill Rd. in Pawling and Rte. 37 Sherman CT and New Fairfield CT,
is quite a
climb (especially after coming up from Pawling to Quaker Ridge which is about
600-700
vertical feet depending on which way you go).

It's the one that feels toughest to me in the Pawling area.

Al

Greetings,

Intro: I've been biking in and around Pawling since moving here in 1992. In the
80s I did
some long bike tours in the upper Midwest, Canada, New York, India, Sri Lanka,
Nepal,
Thailand, and Malaysia, and thinking about doing one in France next year for my
50th (!). For
the fun of it I recently started a bike log at
http://dutchessbikelog.blogspot.com/. I've done
lots of longer rides than the blog shows, but almost all on the east side of
Dutchess County
except for a foray or two to New Paltz.

Query: I'd like to do some rides from Pawling to Beacon (partially inspired by 
noticing a
Muddycup coffee shop there recently) and back, perhaps via Cold Spring one way
or the
other. I know that Rte 301 is a decent ride to Cold Spring, but I'm wondering if
there is a nice,
traffic-avoiding way to get to Beacon or at least Fishkill. Hills are fine but
I'd like to avoid Rte
52 and other trafficky roads if possible.

Thanks,

Al