Our 2019 Fall Tour of the Catskills was 4 days of riding and 3 nights of camping, all self supported. We covered 201 miles, and climbed 11,198 feet
Maps and Ride Data
Media
Day 1
Thursday October 17th 2019. 50.2 miles, 3136’ elevation climbed. The first day pf the trip had 15-25 mph headwinds the whole way, with temps in the mid 50’s during the day, dropping to 46 overnight.
I took my Niner RLT on this trip. I used King Cage Everything cages on the fork to carry tent and sleeping bag, and a set of Arkel Dolphin 32’ panniers for the rear. I have an SON28 dynamo hub, powering a Sinewave Beacon light and charger. The bike is the 2016 model, and has Shimano 105 2x11 with mechanical disc brakes
Most all of our trips involve getting of Brooklyn and through Manhattan
Hudson River Greenway in Manhattan. Head winds had become 20 mph at this point, making the ride along the river slow.
Up and over the George Washington Bridge into New Jersey (12 miles up the road, we get back into New York State again)
A stop along Route 9W in New jersey. This is Chris’s Surly Big Dummy
Heading north on 9W in New Jersey still had us contenting with some pretty strong winds
The group of 14 of us stopped at the 9W market for lunch
Rocking the Helly Hansen cycling windbreaker
Riding the trails of Tallman State Park
Old Erie Path in Piermont, New York
Old Erie Path in Piermont, New York
Riding the 5 mile gravel section of Nyack Beach State park on the west bank of the Hudson River, heading north into the teeth of the wind
Leading out of Havestraw, where we bought provisions for the next few meals, the group attempted a line formation to make it up “The Hill”
Arrival at Beaver Pond Campsite in Harriman State Park. The park is closed for reservations at this time of year, but the campsite is open for walk-ins, and the bathroom/water is still available.
Beaver Pond
Chris, creating a dinner masterpiece
Campfire at Beaver Pond. the wind had picked up at this point and made even talking to each other difficult. Everyone on this trip will remember trying to sleep during the night with that wind endlessly howling
Day 2
Friday October 18th 2019. 56.8 miles, 2849 elevation climbed.
The crew awakes and gets ready to set sail on day 2. the winds were still an issue all day, but temperatures climbed to the upper 50’s late in the day. The day was punctuated by a dinner at the Mountain Brauhaus.
Morning at Beaver Pond
Morning at Beaver Pond
For this breakfast, I decided on deli meats for protein and bread for carbs. I also drank alot of Nuun electrolyte-infused water on this trip.
Heading west and leaving Harriman State Park
Heading west and leaving Harriman State Park
Goshen NY for lunch
I have this theory that people from mall towns win the lottery. So, I but a ticket in every small town convenience store we stop at. I won $15 on this trip (and spent $20)
The Orange Heritage Trail
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
Wallkill, New York
Overlook north of Wallkill
Arrival and camp set-up at Sam Pryot
Dinner at the Mountain Brauhaus
Dinner at the Mountain Brauhaus
We had to walk about 1/2 mile from dinner back to the campsite on a dangerous road
Day 3
Saturday October 19th 2019. 42.5 miles, 3323 elevation climbed.
Morning at Sam Pryor
Overnight temps were in the mid-30’s
Guess where we’re climbing today?
Breakfast pitstop…see that ridge in the background, that’s what we had to climb
After the climb up the ridge at the Gunks
On the road to Phoenicia
Rest stop at a gas station in Accord, New York
Phoenicia Diner
A late lunch at the Phoenicia Diner
Although we were running out of daylight, we had to stop at this river
Getting provisions in Phoenicia, New York
Camp set-up at Allaben Campsite just north of Phoenicia
Toasting pop-tarts on a hot rock
Day 4
Sunday October 20th 2019. 51.5 miles, 1890 elevation climbed. Morning broke on our last day at 28 degrees. we ending up leaving camp at 9:30 with the goal to get to the train at Poughkeepsie. Rain started mid-ride.
Breakfast
Getting all set to leave camp and hit the road
Bridge Out….the best line fo the trip was “the river doesnt look to deep”. Needless to say, we found an alternate route.
Rosedale Trestle Bridge
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
A Cyclists favorite sign
Near Glenford, New York
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
Hurley, New York
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
Walkway over the Hudson Bridge, Poughkeepsie New York
Mechanicals
Chombo chain
Joe flat
Chris front derailleur
Adrian flat
Franz front derailleur
Adrian rear brakes
Hadley rack
Hadley shoe/cleat