Why be down in the dumps when you could be up in the Gunks? Roll those blues away on a ride to Awosting Falls in the verdant Shawangunk Mountains. Meet 7:15 AM at the clock in GCT for the 7:45 to Poughkeepsie. Brief stop at Walkway Over the Hudson to hear about the rebirth of this 19th-century railroad bridge and take in the views that inspired a generation of painters. Pick up lunch at Mountain Harbor Deli for al fresco dining in Minnewaska State Park by the rushing waters of Awosting Falls. Visit the historic Huguenot settlement in New Paltz and the modern campus of SUNY. And, on our return to Poughkeepsie via the Walkway, look back once more at the majestic Shawangunks.

This Advanced Moderate ride is 50 miles round trip and includes 3000 ft of climb. Pace will be 14-15 mph on the flats. The route includes unpaved segments but is road bike friendly.

Bring $38.50 for RT Metro North fare (or buy with your MTA smartphone app) and $ for lunch.

RWGPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27921401
Cue sheet: http://roboviva.ninja/roboviva/pdfs/27921401.pdf
Mountain Harbor Deli menu: https://mountainharbordeli.weebly.com/menu.html

Note: Due to ongoing track work, Metro North might not be allowing bicycle groups north of Croton-Harmon on September 1st. In that case, instead of going to Awosting Falls, we will do a Croton Reservoir Triple-Cross in reverse (40 miles, less hilly) and finish at Van Cortlandt Park. We still will meet at GCT at 7:15 unless they change the train schedule.

If you are signed up for this ride, we will keep you posted re ride status.