Event Info
Routes • Educational Ride • Schedule • Services • Festival • Rules
Routes
Elevation Profile: Click here (PDF) to view the elevation profile for all routes. Check out our comparison chart to see how this ride compares to other Bike New York events.
Start/Finish Location: All rides start and finish in Millerton, New York, in northeastern Dutchess County, and include a stretch along the scenic Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Riders choose from among five distances: 22, 30, 55, 75, or 100 miles. The ride takes place rain or shine.
Note About Young Riders: We welcome the participation of families and ask that those with younger cyclists choose either the 22- or 30-mile route. Cyclists 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and everyone under 18 years old must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
22 Miles/Rail Trail: A ride along the Harlem Valley Rail Trail from Millerton to Wassaic and back offering smooth asphalt, scenic farm and valley views, and flat terrain. This ride is great for beginning cyclists and families with younger children. Riders have the option to join a group ride led by experienced leaders.
30 Miles/Sharon Loop: A ride along the Harlem Valley Rail Trail and then east into Litchfield County, Connecticut. Travel along scenic country roads and through the historic town of Sharon, Connecticut. Flat to rolling terrain with some hills. Riders will have the option to join a group ride led by experienced leaders. Cumulative elevation gain: 1,817 feet.
55 Miles/Kent Loop: A ride using the same route as the 30-mile ride with an additional loop south and east to Kent, Connecticut. Flat to rolling terrain with hills. Riders will have the option to join a group ride led by experienced leaders. Cumulative elevation gain: 3,920 feet.
75 Miles/Three State Challenge: An exhilarating and challenging ride through three states. A loop east through Connecticut, north into Massachusetts, and west back to Copake Falls, New York, before the return to Millerton. Riders climb through Mt. Washington Forest in southern Massachusetts and are rewarded with a breathtaking descent into New York. Includes some especially hilly and demanding terrain. Cumulative elevation gain: 5,590 feet.
100 Miles/Three State Century: Same as the 75-mile ride plus an additional 25-mile loop south and east to Kent, Connecticut. A long and challenging ride with some mountainous terrain. Cumulative elevation gain: 8,105 feet.
Hill Climb Time Trial: The time trial offered to 75- and 100-mile riders in 2007 and 2008 will not be held this year due to budgetary and operational considerations. Past Results >
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Educational Ride
30 Miles/Sharon Loop Class on Wheels: A 30-mile ride for novice cyclists led by a certified cycling instructor will teach skills necessary to ride predictably and confidently in traffic. You'll follow the route described above and learn how to use gears, scan, signal, and change lanes, and how to approach and navigate intersections. Adults and mature teens should be able to start, stop, balance and control their bikes; must have completed at least a 20-mile ride within the past year; and must be able to maintain a minimum speed of 12 mph on level terrain in order to participate in this session. When you register for the event there's no extra charge, but space is limited.
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Schedule
The Harlem Valley Rail Ride is a self-paced cycling tour with start times based on distance--the longer the ride, the earlier the start. You must be on the road within the start window for your distance or you will have to choose a shorter ride! The last cyclists are expected to arrive back at Millerton by 5:30 p.m.
Check-In: At the start area in Eddie Collins Memorial Field in Millerton, go to the check-in tent to pick up your ride wristband and cue sheet. (Note that cue sheets will be given out according to the schedule above.) A light breakfast will be available, and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions and help you with a Bike Safety Check. Should you wish to do a different distance than you signed up for, that won't be a problem.
If you bring your swimsuit and a change of clothes in a small bag, we'll keep it for you while you ride. No valuables, please.
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Rider Services
Route Markings: All routes will be marked with painted pink arrows on the road, and signs will be posted at key intersections. Riders will receive cue sheets with ride directions.
Rest Areas: Rest areas with snacks, beverages, and toilets will be located every 12-20 miles along the route. Those riding 22 miles will have one stop, 30-milers will have two rest areas, 55-milers have four, 75-milers have five, and there are seven for the 100-milers.
Rider Support: Stationary marshals will be posted at key intersections along the route to assist and direct riders, including places where the rail trail crosses roads. "SAG" (support and gear) marshals will be traveling the routes in vehicles and on bikes. Look for them if you need assistance. You can also call the Rider Assistance Hotline listed on your cue sheet if you need help.
Bike Repair: Bike repair services staffed by local bike shops will be provided at the start in Millerton and at selected rest areas. SAG marshals will also assist with basic bike repair.
Festival
At the end of your ride you'll return to Eddie Collins Memorial Field in Millerton. There you'll find a country Festival celebrating the ride and summertime. Offerings are expected to include:
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Rules
Stay safe by following these few simple rules:
Routes • Educational Ride • Schedule • Services • Festival • Rules
Routes
Elevation Profile: Click here (PDF) to view the elevation profile for all routes. Check out our comparison chart to see how this ride compares to other Bike New York events.
Start/Finish Location: All rides start and finish in Millerton, New York, in northeastern Dutchess County, and include a stretch along the scenic Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Riders choose from among five distances: 22, 30, 55, 75, or 100 miles. The ride takes place rain or shine.
Note About Young Riders: We welcome the participation of families and ask that those with younger cyclists choose either the 22- or 30-mile route. Cyclists 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and everyone under 18 years old must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
22 Miles/Rail Trail: A ride along the Harlem Valley Rail Trail from Millerton to Wassaic and back offering smooth asphalt, scenic farm and valley views, and flat terrain. This ride is great for beginning cyclists and families with younger children. Riders have the option to join a group ride led by experienced leaders.
30 Miles/Sharon Loop: A ride along the Harlem Valley Rail Trail and then east into Litchfield County, Connecticut. Travel along scenic country roads and through the historic town of Sharon, Connecticut. Flat to rolling terrain with some hills. Riders will have the option to join a group ride led by experienced leaders. Cumulative elevation gain: 1,817 feet.
55 Miles/Kent Loop: A ride using the same route as the 30-mile ride with an additional loop south and east to Kent, Connecticut. Flat to rolling terrain with hills. Riders will have the option to join a group ride led by experienced leaders. Cumulative elevation gain: 3,920 feet.
75 Miles/Three State Challenge: An exhilarating and challenging ride through three states. A loop east through Connecticut, north into Massachusetts, and west back to Copake Falls, New York, before the return to Millerton. Riders climb through Mt. Washington Forest in southern Massachusetts and are rewarded with a breathtaking descent into New York. Includes some especially hilly and demanding terrain. Cumulative elevation gain: 5,590 feet.
100 Miles/Three State Century: Same as the 75-mile ride plus an additional 25-mile loop south and east to Kent, Connecticut. A long and challenging ride with some mountainous terrain. Cumulative elevation gain: 8,105 feet.
Hill Climb Time Trial: The time trial offered to 75- and 100-mile riders in 2007 and 2008 will not be held this year due to budgetary and operational considerations. Past Results >
Top ^
Educational Ride
30 Miles/Sharon Loop Class on Wheels: A 30-mile ride for novice cyclists led by a certified cycling instructor will teach skills necessary to ride predictably and confidently in traffic. You'll follow the route described above and learn how to use gears, scan, signal, and change lanes, and how to approach and navigate intersections. Adults and mature teens should be able to start, stop, balance and control their bikes; must have completed at least a 20-mile ride within the past year; and must be able to maintain a minimum speed of 12 mph on level terrain in order to participate in this session. When you register for the event there's no extra charge, but space is limited.
Top ^
Schedule
The Harlem Valley Rail Ride is a self-paced cycling tour with start times based on distance--the longer the ride, the earlier the start. You must be on the road within the start window for your distance or you will have to choose a shorter ride! The last cyclists are expected to arrive back at Millerton by 5:30 p.m.
| Route Choice | Riders Start Between | Group Ride Option |
| 100 miles | 7:30-8:00 a.m. | N/A |
| 75 miles | 8:00-9:00 a.m. | N/A |
| 55 miles | 9:00-10:00 a.m. | 9:30 a.m. |
| 30 miles | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Regular group: 10:00 a.m. Class: 8:30 a.m. |
22 miles | 10:00-10:30 a.m. | 10:15 a.m. |
Check-In: At the start area in Eddie Collins Memorial Field in Millerton, go to the check-in tent to pick up your ride wristband and cue sheet. (Note that cue sheets will be given out according to the schedule above.) A light breakfast will be available, and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions and help you with a Bike Safety Check. Should you wish to do a different distance than you signed up for, that won't be a problem.
If you bring your swimsuit and a change of clothes in a small bag, we'll keep it for you while you ride. No valuables, please.
Top ^
Rider Services
Route Markings: All routes will be marked with painted pink arrows on the road, and signs will be posted at key intersections. Riders will receive cue sheets with ride directions.
Rest Areas: Rest areas with snacks, beverages, and toilets will be located every 12-20 miles along the route. Those riding 22 miles will have one stop, 30-milers will have two rest areas, 55-milers have four, 75-milers have five, and there are seven for the 100-milers.
Rider Support: Stationary marshals will be posted at key intersections along the route to assist and direct riders, including places where the rail trail crosses roads. "SAG" (support and gear) marshals will be traveling the routes in vehicles and on bikes. Look for them if you need assistance. You can also call the Rider Assistance Hotline listed on your cue sheet if you need help.
Bike Repair: Bike repair services staffed by local bike shops will be provided at the start in Millerton and at selected rest areas. SAG marshals will also assist with basic bike repair.
Festival
At the end of your ride you'll return to Eddie Collins Memorial Field in Millerton. There you'll find a country Festival celebrating the ride and summertime. Offerings are expected to include:
- Food: Grilled burgers and chicken, pizza, salad, and local corn available for sale.
- Swimming: The town pool will be open to all riders.
- Entertainment: Local musicians play throughout the afternoon.
- Education: Fix-a-Flat Lessons (2:00-3:00): Avoid the SAG wagon by learning how to fix your own flats the easy way. Participants will get a free safety item (while supplies last).
- Services: Free bike parking so that you can stroll, eat, or take a swim. Free bottled water to keep you hydrated.
- Exhibitors: Pick up brochures on bike rides and other information on a variety of interests.
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Rules
Stay safe by following these few simple rules:
- Stay right. Ride as far to the right side of the road as is safe.
- Stay alert.
- Separate. Maintain adequate distance between you and the cyclist ahead of you, especially on downhills. If you're passing someone, call out "on your left" so they know you're coming.
- Wear your helmet. Always, all day.
- Keep your ears and eyes clear. No headphones, picture taking, or cell phone use while riding.
- Obey traffic laws. Watch for and obey stop signs and stop lights.
