Want to get on your bike during the dreaded heat wave, but survive to tell about it? Join us on the Putnam Trail to and from the Bronx to Brewster on a beautiful, nearly car free, 100-mile route. This wonderful rail-trail doesn't have many amenities, but it does have one of my favorite things: SHADE! We will ride up the Putnam trail to Brewster, grab a quick lunch, and turn around and ride back to Van Cortlandt Park. We will keep a 13-15 mph pace (we have a lot of miles to cover and some parts of the trail are bumpy.) There are many scenic spots, and you may want to take a photo over the bridge or near the ponds. Bring your helmet, gloves, 2 spare tubes, 2 bike-style water containers or a hydration backpack, snacks, lunch or money for it, bike lights, bug repellant, $ for train fare and an MTA Bike Permit in case we need to bail early. Meet just inside Van Cortlandt Park, last stop #1 train, 242nd street in The Bronx. We will leave promptly at 9:15AM so please arrive by 9 for check in. The rail trail isn't in perfect shape, and you may have a better ride on bigger tires. (Please note that the lunch stop may be altered or shortened so that we are able to get back before dark.) This ride will be cancelled if an excessive heat or air quality alert is issued. PLEASE check in with me by 8am if you are planning to join us.

Note: there is an option to leave the ride at Brewster to return on Metro North. A cue sheet to the Brewster station will be provided. However, please note that we will maintain a brisk pace to Brewster. (If you aren't sure about your bike or your fitness, please select a more appropriate ride.) Also, our lunch stop will be brief and simple, but will include AC. (If you prefer a fancy 1 hour lunch, you may eat in Carmel. We will rendezvous with you after Brewster, but that will knock your mileage down to 90.)