2021 Micro-Tour 1

2021 Micro-Tour was a 57 mile Bike Camping trip to Ward Pound Ridge on April 17/18, 2021

Planning

At 718, we’ve been running multiple Micro-Tours since 2015. Last year, because of the Covid Pandemic, we shut the program down. 2021 Micro-Tour 1 represents the re-birth of this program.

We hosted a Zoom Orientation meeting 10 days before the trip to get everyone on the same page.

Also, in the lead up to the trip we made sure that we had waivers signed, Covid Guidelines read and maps published. Because not everyone fully digests the maps and GPS files, I also create a “placemat” version for people to take with them Although not the best map, its WAAAAAAAAY better than nothing

Ride Up (Saturday, April 17)

The group met at 7am at the Hudson River Greenway and Chambers Street in Lower Manhattan. Temps were in the high 40’s, and got to about 60 that day. We try to average 10 mph moving speed, and with the stops, the ride to camp generally averages 7-1/2 mph. This is a no-drop ride, and no one gets left behind

1st stopping point, Van Cortlandt Park, Mile 15

Group meet at the Kitchewan Railroad Bridge, Mile 42

Stop in Katonah for food and supplies, Mile 50

This trip utilized a new route to keep us of of more dangerous road. There is a nice 1.5 mile section of gravel. Photo by Chen Liang

Camp

Most people arrived at camp between 3:30 and 4:30pm. At this time of the year, this is good timing as there is lots of daylight left to set up camp and enjoy the surroundings and fresh air.

The campsite was a newly created site in the Pell Hill section of Ward Pound Ridge. It can accommodate 50 campers. It has a stone pavilion structure (shown) , 6 tent gravel patches, lots of land, 2 porta-potties (very clean), and was a 3 minute walk… — The campsite was a newly created site in the Pell Hill section of Ward Pound Ridge. It can accommodate 50 campers. It has a stone pavilion structure (shown) , 6 tent gravel patches, lots of land, 2 porta-potties (very clean), and was a 3 minute walk to a building that has bathrooms, water and showers.

Probably one of the best campfires in Micro-Tour history

Ride Back (Sunday, April 18)

The temp was listed as being 40 overnight, but I felt it was more like 35. Early risers (like me) were up at 5:30am, with most of camp up and about at 6:30am. Breakfast and coffee are time-honored traditions of any campout.

The first departure group rolled out at around 8am

…and, we go right past Martha Stewarts house (seriously)

Images