For a Spring training ride that’s mostly car free, we will ride the entire length of the Putnam Trailway. After taking the 8:50AM train from Grand central you’ll meet the leaders at the Brewster train station at 10:16AM where we will ride the trail back to Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. You can return from there either by the #1 train which is right next to the park or you can ride 2.5 miles to Riverdale and take Metro North Train to Grand Central.

The route is mostly traffic-free as it runs along paved trailways with very few connecting sections running on roads. The route is pretty flat and going back to NYC we'll be dropping elevation gradually so the ride may appear easier. Except for few nasty hills to climb out of Brewster and the train station, that is:)

As this is a training ride we’ll be cruising at 12-15mph. The ride is very pleasant with long stretches of woodlands, marshes and farms with few small, quiet towns along the way. It passes over streams and rivers, along ponds and reservoirs with several cute bridges along the way.

We may stop at Brewster Cameraons Deli for some snacks, if needed. The lunch will be about half way, we'll get food at Tazza Cafe in Millwood. Unfortunately the gazebo in the nearby park has burned down so we will eat at Tazza Cafe.

Please be on time, the train departs Grand Central at 8:50AM. One leader will meet you in Grand Central, the other will meet you at the Brewster train station at 10:16AM just outside the train station. Do not be late. Unless agreed otherwise do not meet us anywhere along the route, especially if you're new to 5BBC: you have to meet us at the Brewster train station. Plan ahead as daylight savings time also begins this day!

NO CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED ON THE TRAIN. Buy the ticket from a vending machine or from a ticket booth before getting on the train.

Please bring:

- helmet (REQUIRED)

- MTA train bike permit (REQUIRED)

- two spare tubes (REQUIRED)

- lightweight bike lock

- pump

- two bottles of water or hydration pack

- snacks

- cell phone

- money for lunch and water ($20 should be enough)

-bike lights, front and rear, just in case!

BRING CASH! Credit cards sometimes don't work!

RIDE CANCELLATION POLICY

Check this 5BBC ride page or the 5BBC Event Facebook page after 9 p.m. the night before to see if the ride is on! A cancellation notice will be posted on both at 9 p.m. on the night before the ride. We will NOT meet if the ride is canceled! If it’s raining in the morning the ride is also canceled! DO NOT SHOW UP FOR THE RIDE without checking the status first! If the ride is cancelled as the leaders WILL NOT go to the meeting point.

If in doubt email elyssa.respaut@gmail.com.

MAPS AND CUE SHEETS

Ride With GPS Route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12325982