The Great Outdoors - a Hudson Valley Fall

The air is cool, the leaves are turning vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow. Yup…
fall is here! And what follows fall, the dark, cold, and sometimes white season called winter! While some parts of the country are lucky enough to not have that frigidly cold winter season, we in the Hudson Valley are not. Which, is more of a reason to take advantage of the great fall season we are lucky enough to have.

Fall for us means apple picking, pumpkin picking, pumpkin lattes, fall foliage, and of course Oktoberfest. Fall is also an amazing time to get out and enjoy nature! Here's your fall reminder to take advantage of the outdoors! It won't be long before that frigid winter air comes blowing in.

Take a hike and enjoy a mountain top view of a Hudson Valley fall. Get out on your bike and enjoy the fall views along the Hudson! And remember if you're in need of a new suggested ride check out the Bikepath Country App, which is filled with local rides no matter where you are! Available for free download on Android and iPhone!

What's your favorite part about fall? Show us in pictures. Send photos to bikepathcountry [at] gmail [dot] com or share on Facebook, Twitter!

Too Close For Comfort: Can Cars and Bikes Share the Roadway?

As cities and counties across this country work to become bike friendly, the issue (concern) of bike safety makes headline after headline. In some instances we see a 'battle' between the drivers and the bikers. Well, today I had quite the ironic 'near accident' experience while out for a ride.

It was a beautiful morning, and I decided today was a perfect day to take a ride to Nyack. So I got ready for the trek and off I went. Of course I wasn't the only one with this idea, it was cycle city on 9w!!! I was quite impressed with how well cars were sharing the road. I usually get quite nervous as the big trucks go flying by. I didn't even get honked at! Side Note: I know there is also a big debate whether or not beeping is helpful, and for matters of disclosure, my opinion is, PLEASE DON'T BEEP AT ME (or yell out your window).

As I neared an intersection by Rockland Lake, I saw an oncoming car waiting in the left turn lane. The light was still green so I pedaled on. I was moving at a pretty fast pace, at least a fast pace for me (I'm no super cyclist. In fact I get passed by all of them!! Slower than most and steady is my style). As I got even closer to the light (close enough for the driver of the car to look me in the eyes), the light turned yellow. This car hesitated, but then at the last second decided it was going to go. I of course was forced to immediately brake in the intersection to avoid being flattened into the pavement.

As the car drove past, I noticed his bike rack. A sigh, a head shake, and a chuckle. Of all the cars on the road, I thought, the one that almost hits me is a 'fellow' cyclist. Ironic, or probably a rather common occurrence. The best part was that after making his turn, he slowed down, and turned his head. Probably looking to see if I survived his stupidity.

That lovely driver decided he didn't want to get stuck at the light, so regardless of how safe it was, he was making that left hand turn. We all make decisions, and it just proves that when behind the wheel, even a cyclist can forget what it's like to be on a bike.

P.S. If you've never taken a ride on 9w, I'd suggest trying it! It's a gorgeous ride, with plenty of views of the Hudson. Hilly, yes, quite! But a really enjoyable ride! Map Your Ride before you go!

Scenic Sunday Ride - Seven Lakes Dr

As I stepped out my door into the humid summer air carrying my bike I thought I must be out of my mind! But, onward I went, loaded the bike onto the bike rack and headed out on what would become my first 20 mile ride. I pulled into the parking area for Lake Skannatati, late, and found my friend (K) in a nice shaded area, waiting. We didn't waste any time, got our bikes ready to go and off we went!

We headed southwest on Seven Lakes Dr, and took the 1st exit at the traffic circle onto CR 106W. We were approaching a lake and I noticed an artist set up on the edge of the lake painting an incredible landscape of what the sign would shortly tell us was Lake Kanawauke. We continued on our adventure and I noticed the lake was filled with Kayakers embarking on their own summer adventures. All I could do was smile! Continuing on and up hill, my friend called out, "Did you see that buck?" I of course was quite focused on getting up the hill and didn't have anything but the top in my eyesight. (TIP: While riding through beautiful scenery, remember to look up every once in a while!!). We made it to Little Long Pond, which has a nice little beach at the far end, and folks were taking advantage of natures swimming pool!

The next leg was a pretty steady incline which eventually came to a spot that overlooked Lake Stahahe. The beauty in making it to the top of a hill is what comes after...a much needed (at least for me) downhill coast!!! As we got to the bottom of the hill, K pulled off so I followed him. He had quite the smirk on his face and pointed up to the highway, "that's the thruway," he said. I had my own smirk and nodded. For those of you who don't know the area, we had two options. One, ride back up the long, windy, hilly road we came down. Or, take RT 17 down, and up its own hills to the other end of Seven Lakes Dr. Of course going back wasn't an option! We finally made it to Seven Lakes Dr, and found a shaded area to pull off for a well deserved break!

As we sat there catching up, our conversation was interrupted by the sound of distant thunder and a dark looking sky coming our way. "Looks like we'll be chasing the storm," I said. "More like the storm will be chasing us," K replied. And just like that, back on the bikes we got! What I didn't know, this part of Seven Lakes Dr. is pretty much one big steady incline. Slow and steady I thought, and I did...and a long while later after passing Lake Sebago, and the other end of Lake Kanawauke we saw signs for the traffic circle! Of course I found a sudden burst of energy at the end of this 20 mile ride, and sped on back to the parking area for Lake Skannatati.

If you aren't familiar with Harriman State Park or Seven Lakes Drive, I would suggest doing some exploring. Be sure to download the free cycling navigation app from Bikepath Country before you go and plan the perfect ride for you.

Bikepath Country App for Android:
Android App

Bikepath Country App for iPhone:
iPhone App