Want some smooth and extended pedaling?  Have we got a ride for you!

Now that the new Maybrook Trail portion of the Empire State Trail is open, we're hopping onto it, and cobbling together some nice before, during and after for extended mileage and fun. 

Ride starts at Brewster Train Station, and heads north on the Maybrook Trail. Of course we brake for Daddy O's (Mile 25) where we lunch on their delish BBQ, then peek into the nearby Hopewell Rail Museum. We continue seamlessly on the Dutchess Rail Trail to Poughkeepsie and Walkway Over the Hudson (Mile 38). Another rail trail brings us to the scenic town of New Paltz. We will toddle along off the main drag, through the early 18th century historic Huegonot settlement. Then a break for coffee and yummies (Mile 48) at Mudd Puddle Coffee Roasters (how on earth did they create that name?) on their outdoor plaza in the cute-sie Water Street Market.

Reversing to head east, we wind through some town streets to pass through SUNY at New Paltz campus, then back onto the rail trail, across the Hudson, and end at Poughkeepsie Rail Station.

Route has total of 1100' elevation gain, and 1580' descent.

BRING:  Helmet and mask are mandatory.  Layers of clothing as temps will vary throughout the longer day. Lots of beverages and carrying capacity for such. Pocket food for snacks to nibble on bike. BYO food/coffee/newspaper for the train ride up, and lunch if you prefer for the lunch stop. Tubes/patch kit/pump and whatever bike supplies needed for your own bike. Bike in good shape. 

MUST:  Register in advance, and please withdraw asap once you know you can't make the ride, to enable others to move up any list and thus participate.

RIDERS:  Be able to pedal steadily, for looooonnnnngggg segments, at 13-14 on the flats (and we won't have many mini-rest breaks from traffic lights and crossings). Confirmed riders will be sent details in advance of ride. 

NOTE:  Watch this posting and your email for any developments or if weather becomes an issue. This is a loop trip to the extent we start/end at GCT, but you can also hop onto or off of our Harlem Line train further along, such as in Harlem/125 or points north (but let leaders know if that's the case and you're not doing the GCT part).