Harlem Valley Rail Ride

Harlem Valley Rail Ride

In 2011, the Harlem Valley Rail Ride, formerly produced by Bike New York, is being continued by the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association together with new organizers, while we concentrate on educational rides and activities centering around New York City. We encourage you to visit harlemvalleyrailride.com for full details and to register for the July 24 event. Please contact bbcyclingevents@gmail.com if you have any questions about the 2011 event.

Also be sure to enjoy the July 25, 2010, photos by Lars Klove. Click on a photo to see an enlargement and scroll through. More pictures are on the photographer’s Flickr page.

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Upcoming Events

2/26	Bike Maintenance 101
3/4	Learn to Ride - Adults
3/11	Bike Maintenance 101

Upcoming Classes

2/26	Bike Maintenance 101
3/4	Learn to Ride - Adults
3/4	Learn to Ride - Adults

The all-important decision faced by all riders at the start of the day: Which ride to do?	Bike Safety Check participants made sure their wheels were ready to go and also had a shot a winning a floor pump.	With all-new routes this year, riders got to see different wildflower-lined roads and beautiful vistas versus previous editions of the ride.
Most routes started out on rolling hills heading east, into Connecticut.	The first stop? The historic open-air race track at Lime Rock Park!	Lime Rock hosted a rest area and allowed cyclists the unique chance to take a spin around the track.
The 1.53-mile track is nestled into a Litchfield County hillside.	Thanks to Salisbury Bank volunteers for manning the pit stop!	Back on the open road, rolling hills continued through the Connecticut Loop.
Although hot, conditions were considerably cooler than the day before, making it one of the nicer riding days this July.	Shade and downhills always welcome!	Sharon, Connecticut, home to many well-known actors and cultural figures.
Whether riding 20, 30, 55, 75, or 100 miles, everyone hit the Amenia rest area.	Poughkeepsie's Hampton Inn graciously staffed the Amenia rest area.	Amenia's name comes from a Latin word meaning pleasant to the eye, and how true!.
The ride namesake and beneficiary Harlem Valley Rail Trail, southern section, part of an 11-mile stretch from Wassaic to Millerton.	Longer-distance routes hit the open roads again at Coleman Station.	Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club represents!
Following a wet spring and hot July, local farms are prolific.	Many people, used to the hustle and bustle of New York City, don't realize that such bucolic countryside is so nearby.	Thanks to the five different distance options, this ride offers something for everyone.
With its big climb, Skunks Misery Road was also responsible for some human misery . . .	. . . quickly alleviated by smiles upon reaching the top and seeing the sign.	A road meant for riding!
The northern section of the rail trail, in Columbia County, was used by 75- and 100-mile riders after their forays into the hills.	This piece of trail is 4 miles, and another 8 miles of abandoned rail bed are in development.	A relic from the days when trains rode this route.
HVRTA's dream is a 46-mile trail!	A final stretch of roadway heading back to Millerton.	Those who did the full 100 miles traveled through three states and four counties on a single day!
We heard from many people who loved the old routes and were amazed that it was possible to find even nicer ones--just what we were aiming for when making changes this year.	Merwin Clark Road, heading into Millerton.	Thanks for joining us for the day!
A final descent for an easy finish.	Congratulations on earning the souvenir T-shirt!	Come baaaack soon.