PLEASE NOTE THIS CHANGE: purchase your RT train ticket to/from Southeast station on the Harlem line. [Due to track work, we are unable to utilize the stations listed below that are beyond Southeast; MNR will not take bikes on their shuttle buses.] Since we are getting off (and on) the train at Southeast, we will be biking 22 miles each way. in addition to our planned ride north. Therefore, it is very likely that we will not make it to Bash Bish falls on this ride today. We do plan to see some great rural scenery as we head north towards Copake Falls. Join us!

On Saturday, July 9th 2016, we will meet at Grand Central Terminal at 7:30 am and take Metro North Railroad (train 9611/9911: 7:50 departure) to Southeast. We then ride our bikes towards Copake Falls, a distance of approximately 50 miles on low-traffic country roads and the acclaimed Harlem Valley Rail Trail. In the Copake Falls area there will be optional activities including a short hike to Bash Bish Falls, a bicycle ride up a steep mountain road to a spectacular vantage point, and a refreshing swim in a pond formed from an abandoned iron ore mine. After Bash Bish, we will bike approximately 26 miles back to Wassaic. We expect to stop for a full lunch at midday, but we will only have time to grab snacks or sandwiches for dinner before we take the train back to GCT.

There isn't much elevation on this ride, but we will be riding at a brisk pace in order to get back on a Southbound train from Southeast station before darkness.

Road or touring bikes are recommended. We recommend you don't carry extra weight on your bike so you'll be more comfortable doing the 80 miles we plan to ride. Please do the two-minute bike check before you arrive at GCT so you'll know your bike is ready for an excellent day of riding!

(If you would prefer to get on Metro North at 125th St. or Fordham Rd., please email lyoncpa@hotmail.com in advance.)

In case of bad weather, the ride may be postponed to 7/10 or 7/16/16. If you aren't sure about the weather, please email Steve: lyoncpa@hotmail.com

What this will cost

This inexpensive ride is priced a la carte. Your expenses will include round-trip train fare (about $39) and food.  You MUST wear a helmet; gloves are also strongly recommended. Bring: a smile & the desire to see beautiful countryside, metro card, MTA bike permit ($5, lifetime pass does not expire,) two spare inner tubes, patch kit, pump for your tires, sunglasses, bug spray, sunblock, headlight & rear light, plenty of fluids & energy snacks. Optional: rain jacket/pants, swimsuit or quick-dry bike clothes for the swimming hole.