Activities on Saturday, July 26
Harlem Valley is a wonderful place to spend a weekend--or longer! Cyclists are encouraged to explore the area and/or participate in a group ride offered through Bike New York the day before the big ride.
Group Rides • Educational Ride • Weekend Trip • Things to Do in Millerton
Group Rides
The group rides on Saturday allow cyclists to explore beautiful areas not covered on Sunday's ride. The Saturday group rides are designed to be a bit less strenuous than the comparable distance on Sunday. By combining various distances on Saturday and Sunday, cyclists can achieve weekend mileage of between 50 and 175 miles! Saturday rides are open exclusively to riders registered for Sunday's Harlem Valley Rail Ride; there is a modest additional fee.
Riders have a choice of three group rides (A, B, or C with varying lengths and difficulty), with each led by one or more experienced leaders. The routes will not be marked, but riders will be given cue sheets.
Group rides start and finish at Eddie Collins Memorial Field in Millerton. [Directions] Parking is available at the field. All rides are "club style" format, minimally supported with a SAG vehicle. Water and Gatorade will be provided at the start and finish. Riders are expected to bring the basics: helmet (mandatory), plenty of water (bottles and/or hydration pack), spare tube, tire levers, pump, energy snacks, sunscreen, money, rain gear if threatening. Riders may bring or buy lunch.
75 Miles/Group Ride A
Meeting time: 8:30 a.m., departure: 8:50 a.m.
A long and scenic ride through Dutchess and Columbia Counties. Traveling north and west from Millerton, cyclists will circle around Winchell Mountain (site of the new Hill Climb Time Trial the next day) to Pine Plains in northern Dutchess County. From there, the ride continues north to Ancramdale, Copake, and Copake Falls before returning along the northern section of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Riders should expect to maintain an average riding pace of 15 miles per hour or greater. At least one of the smaller subgroups will travel at 18+ miles per hour. Some hilly terrain.
50 Miles/Group Ride B
Meeting time: 8:50 a.m., departure: 9:10 a.m.
A scenic loop of southeastern Columbia County. Traveling north from Millerton, cyclists will visit Ancramdale, Copake, and Copake Falls before returning along the northern section of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Riders should expect to maintain an average riding pace of 12 miles per hour or greater. Rolling terrain with some hills.
25 Miles/Group Ride C
Meeting time: 9:10 a.m., departure: 9:30 a.m.
A scenic "up-and-back" ride from Millerton to Copake Falls in Columbia County. Cyclists will return to Millerton along the northern section of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Rolling terrain. Riders should expect to maintain an average riding pace of at least 10 miles per hour. This is the only group ride that allows children.
Fees: $10 for adults, $5 for children 14 and under. All participants must be signed up for the Harlem Valley Rail Ride as well. You may register on Saturday morning for the Sunday ride, but please arrive early. Proceeds support the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association's important work to extend and preserve the rail trail.
Registration Details >
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Educational Ride
Meeting time: 9:45 a.m., departure: 10:00 a.m.
A flat out-and-back on the local rail trail, Rail Trail Class on Wheels partners certified League of American Bicyclists Cycling Instructors with cyclists to teach the skills necessary to ride safely on a busy rail trail. Lessons will include how to control your speed, pass safely, approach intersections, and share space courteously with other trail users. This Class on Wheels is geared toward cyclists who know how to start and stop, balance, and control their bicycles; families with children 8 and up are welcome.
Registration Details >
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Rail Trails and Country Roads: Harlem Valley Rail Weekend
The Five Borough Bicycle Club offers a self-contained, two-day bike trip featuring an escorted ride, a hike, a swim, and admission to the Harlem Valley Rail Ride. (Please note that this trip is not affiliated with Bike New York.) More Info >
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Things to Do in Millerton
Make the most of your trip by spending time in town. Activities include:
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Harlem Valley is a wonderful place to spend a weekend--or longer! Cyclists are encouraged to explore the area and/or participate in a group ride offered through Bike New York the day before the big ride.
Group Rides • Educational Ride • Weekend Trip • Things to Do in Millerton
Group Rides
The group rides on Saturday allow cyclists to explore beautiful areas not covered on Sunday's ride. The Saturday group rides are designed to be a bit less strenuous than the comparable distance on Sunday. By combining various distances on Saturday and Sunday, cyclists can achieve weekend mileage of between 50 and 175 miles! Saturday rides are open exclusively to riders registered for Sunday's Harlem Valley Rail Ride; there is a modest additional fee.
Riders have a choice of three group rides (A, B, or C with varying lengths and difficulty), with each led by one or more experienced leaders. The routes will not be marked, but riders will be given cue sheets.
Group rides start and finish at Eddie Collins Memorial Field in Millerton. [Directions] Parking is available at the field. All rides are "club style" format, minimally supported with a SAG vehicle. Water and Gatorade will be provided at the start and finish. Riders are expected to bring the basics: helmet (mandatory), plenty of water (bottles and/or hydration pack), spare tube, tire levers, pump, energy snacks, sunscreen, money, rain gear if threatening. Riders may bring or buy lunch.
75 Miles/Group Ride A
Meeting time: 8:30 a.m., departure: 8:50 a.m.
A long and scenic ride through Dutchess and Columbia Counties. Traveling north and west from Millerton, cyclists will circle around Winchell Mountain (site of the new Hill Climb Time Trial the next day) to Pine Plains in northern Dutchess County. From there, the ride continues north to Ancramdale, Copake, and Copake Falls before returning along the northern section of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Riders should expect to maintain an average riding pace of 15 miles per hour or greater. At least one of the smaller subgroups will travel at 18+ miles per hour. Some hilly terrain.
50 Miles/Group Ride B
Meeting time: 8:50 a.m., departure: 9:10 a.m.
A scenic loop of southeastern Columbia County. Traveling north from Millerton, cyclists will visit Ancramdale, Copake, and Copake Falls before returning along the northern section of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Riders should expect to maintain an average riding pace of 12 miles per hour or greater. Rolling terrain with some hills.
25 Miles/Group Ride C
Meeting time: 9:10 a.m., departure: 9:30 a.m.
A scenic "up-and-back" ride from Millerton to Copake Falls in Columbia County. Cyclists will return to Millerton along the northern section of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Rolling terrain. Riders should expect to maintain an average riding pace of at least 10 miles per hour. This is the only group ride that allows children.
Fees: $10 for adults, $5 for children 14 and under. All participants must be signed up for the Harlem Valley Rail Ride as well. You may register on Saturday morning for the Sunday ride, but please arrive early. Proceeds support the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association's important work to extend and preserve the rail trail.
Registration Details >
Top ^
Educational Ride
Meeting time: 9:45 a.m., departure: 10:00 a.m.
A flat out-and-back on the local rail trail, Rail Trail Class on Wheels partners certified League of American Bicyclists Cycling Instructors with cyclists to teach the skills necessary to ride safely on a busy rail trail. Lessons will include how to control your speed, pass safely, approach intersections, and share space courteously with other trail users. This Class on Wheels is geared toward cyclists who know how to start and stop, balance, and control their bicycles; families with children 8 and up are welcome.
Registration Details >
Top ^
Rail Trails and Country Roads: Harlem Valley Rail Weekend
The Five Borough Bicycle Club offers a self-contained, two-day bike trip featuring an escorted ride, a hike, a swim, and admission to the Harlem Valley Rail Ride. (Please note that this trip is not affiliated with Bike New York.) More Info >
Top ^
Things to Do in Millerton
Make the most of your trip by spending time in town. Activities include:
- Watching the glass blowers at work at Gilmor Glassworks on Main Street
- Greenscape Farm Market
- Sidewalk Sale on Main Street
- Evening suggestions: first-run movies, fine and casual dining, amazing star gazing, and more.
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