The proper name of the beginning of our ride is Henry Hudson Drive, but the NYC cycling world calls it River Road. This route parallels 9W and can be done as a one way with a return on 9W back home, a reverse to ride south, or in both directions, again returning on 9W. First place among local climbs is Alpine Hill, the steepest and longest ascent on River Road. Your performance on this ascent a good a barometer for gauging your hill climbing ability. 

The State Line Lookout is a place to view the hawks soaring over the Hudson. It’s one of the outstanding gems of NYC cycling. The first time you do it you will be floored at the improbability of such a first-rate cycling experience sitting just outside the city's door. On a clear day you can see the stacks at Eaton's Neck on Long Island. Each of the cities in Westchester plus Stamford in Connecticut roll out before your eyes.

IMPORTANT: This ride is offered as an Advanced Moderate level due to the climbing, which will be done at your own pace. Gradual rolling hills on 9W allow for a faster pace, but we'll adjust to the group on longer climbs. Be prepared for traffic along 9W in both directions.

Starting at Dinosaur Playground, we’ll cross the GW bridge, ride to the southern entrance of River Road. After the climb we continue north on 9W to the Lamont-Dougherty entrance. We’ll follow Old 9W to State Line Lookout. It’s not in great shape, so careful riding is important.

At State Line Lookout, the snack bar is open year-round. We’ll have a picnic, so either bring lunch or purchase it at the snack bar.

We return by going south to walk our bikes over the pedestrian bridge that crosses Palisade Parkway, then cross over to 9W south. The route back is on 9W with a brief change to go through Englewood Cliffs. The ride officially ends at the Manhattan side of the GW bridge.

RWGPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35485088

CUE: http://roboviva.ninja/roboviva/pdfs/35485088.pdf

Note: The ride is limited to 10 riders.