Ichabod Crane is the protagonist in Washington Irving's spooky story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". Crane is the local schoolmaster, and has a strong belief in all things supernatural, including the legend of the headless horseman. Crane eventually begins courting the heiress Katrina Van Tassel, a decision which angers Abraham "Brom Bones" Van Brunt, a local man who also wishes to marry Katrina. After supposedly proposing to Katrina, Crane is headed home alone at night when the headless horseman appears and chases the schoolmaster. Crane is never seen again.  And thus a tale is born.

BUT, Ichabod Crane did exist !  He was a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps, and served honorably in the War of 1812. Washington Irving met Ichabod Crane in 1814 at Fort Pike located on Lake Ontario. Irving was an aide-de-camp to New York Gov. Daniel D. Tompkins, who was inspecting defenses in the Sackets Harbor area. The real Ichabod Crane is buried in Asbury Cemetery in New Springville.  To get there we go through the heart of Staten Island including Richmondtown Restoration, Old St. Andrews Cemetery and LaTourette Park.  Some of the ride is on beautiful trails, there is hard pack gravel through La Tourette, and there is the usual assortment of trafficked Staten Island Roads. Parts of this ride are a true scout - so there may be an oopsie or two.  But nobody every said that finding Ichabod Crane would be easy.

This will be a picnic ride AND YOU MUST PACK A LUNCH WITH YOU.  We may not be stopping for food.  Please also take snacks, water, spare tube, and the normal things that you bring on a ride.  This ride is limited to 15 people.  If the weather looks cold and not good for eating outside - we will come to a decision is we want to switch to indoor dining.  That call will be made later in the week.