Two Bike Rides in Dutchess County June 24 & July 22

Date Published: June 11, 2018

Discover Hudson Valley Ride on June 24th & Harlem Valley Rail Ride on July 22nd

It’s that time of year when the trails start to come alive! As summer approaches, Dutchess gears up for two highly anticipated bike rides – the Discover Hudson Valley Ride and the Harlem Valley Rail Ride. With one providing a challenging, yet picturesque route along the Hudson River and northern Dutchess, while the other offers an experience of serene beauty throughout eastern Dutchess and the Harlem Valley Rail Trail.

Discover Hudson Valley Ride - PASSED

Bike New York brings its annual Discover Hudson Valley Bike Ride back to the area on Sunday, June 24^th. It’s the perfect opportunity to get out of the city and come explore the beautiful Hudson Valley region. If you’re not familiar with the area, you’re in for a real treat – from the beautiful Hudson River views, to the rolling countryside, to some challenging elevation gain, this ride is one to remember.

There are five different routes to choose from ranging from 15 to 100 miles, all centered around the Walkway Over the Hudson. At 1.25 miles long and 212 feet high, the Walkway is the longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world and has become one of Dutchess County’s top attractions. A destination in itself, each rider will get the opportunity to cruise over the Walkway and enjoy its gorgeous panoramic views. And it probably doesn’t come as a shock that this ride is all about discovery! As the Discover Hudson Valley Bike Ride website says, “for some, that means enjoying one of the shorter routes and simply enjoying the gorgeous scenery of Ulster and Dutchess counties. For others, it means discovering what you’re capable of—with more than 5,900 feet of climbing, the 100-mile route is a century worth bragging about”.

Registration for this ride is open now and can be found here. Fees start at $75 for a youth rider, bump up to $95 for adults, and for the first time this year riders can register for the event and become a Bike New York member at the same time for just $135, with benefits including $5 off membership, early access to 2019 TD Five Boro Bike Tour registration and more! Registration for the Discover Hudson Valley Ride includes a BBQ lunch, a complimentary beer from New Belgium Brewing, free ice cream, a finisher medal, and a t-shirt. Learn more about the ride, get details about the routes, travel information at more at the Bike NYC website.

Harlem Valley Rail Ride    

Just a month after, you can return to Dutchess for a totally different experience with the Harlem Valley Rail Ride on Sunday, July 22^nd. The ride, which begins in the town of Millerton, takes you along a picturesque course through “Mother Nature’s gym”. The lush green summer scenery will include horse farms, dairy farms, abandon railroads tracks, and more! Although you may be pushing your legs to the limit, this ride is the perfect way to breath in the fresh air and escape the everyday grind.

With routes including distances of 23, 33, 45, 57, 72, 80 and 100 miles, there’s an option for everyone! The ride starts and ends at Eddie Collins Field, kicking off with a delicious breakfast perfect for fueling you up before the big ride. After you’ve accomplished the miles, you’ll be welcomed at the finish line with a country BBQ festival, and for just $3, make your way to the beer garden and grab yourself a refreshing cold one post ride, because you’ll have earned it!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience one of the summer’s most beautiful rides. Early bird registration is $85 and will run through June 15^th. Prices go up to $90 after that and will be charging $130 day-of the event. Save money and register now!