First time for this epic ride up the Hudson! We ride over the GWB to the Newburg/Beacon bridge and back home via MetroNorth (make sure you bring your MetroNorth bike pass with you). The hills get bigger towards the end of the ride, but we will be climbing them slowly so speed shouldn't be an issue. It will be a long ride with about 3,600 feet of climbing.  Our speed will be in the club's Moderate range but I'm calling it Advanced Moderate because of the short stops and hills. The main bail out point would be to take the Bear Mountain Bridge to Garrison avoiding the final 2 big hills and cutting out 15 miles. Meeting early at the bridge to get some riding in while it's still cool out, give us some extra time so we're not rushed, and cut out the city mileage.