Great Hudson Valley Pedal participants will pedal their way through one of the most picturesque river valleys in the world. The
Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site,
Olana State Historic Site, and
West Point are just a few of the many interesting stops along the way. Rich in history, culture, wineries, and gourmet cuisine, the Hudson Valley offers fantastic bicycling. The tour, which includes five panoramic bridge crossings, including the
Walkway Over the Hudson, will ride along designated bike routes, scenic roads, and off-road trails, such as the renowned Manhattan Waterfront Greenway along the west side of Manhattan.
Last year’s Great Hudson Valley Pedal drew riders from 22 states. About one-third of the riders were from New York State. “In-state riders were amazed at the beauty of the Hudson River Valley as well as its cultural and historic richness,” said Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks and Trails New York, a statewide nonprofit organization which organizes of the annual Hudson Valley bike ride.
“We are eager to showcase the magnificent Hudson Valley to cyclists from around the nation and the world,” said Dropkin. “The Hudson Valley offers great cycling, great scenery, and great attractions, all the ingredients cyclists are looking for in a touring location.”
The $535 fee for the Great Hudson Valley Pedal includes daily cue sheets and marked routes for 35-45 miles of cycling per day, camping accommodations every evening with showers and toilet facilities, five hearty breakfasts and four delicious dinners, two refreshment stops daily stocked with fruit, snacks and beverages, entertainment and historical presentations each evening; guided tours of historic sites, museums, and other attractions; T-shirt and water bottle; sag wagon and mobile mechanical support; and baggage transport.
A shuttle will be available at the end of the ride to transport riders and their bicycles back to Albany for an additional fee. Non-cycling friends and family of riders with their own transportation are welcome. Youths (18 and under) enjoy a special half-price rate.
The Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area are premier sponsors of the Great Hudson Valley Pedal.
Mark Castiglione, Acting Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway and Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, said, “The Hudson River Valley is a diverse and spectacular region, and the Great Hudson Valley Pedal offers a fantastic way for cyclists to experience the wealth of natural, cultural and historic resources within our communities. The Hudson River Valley Greenway and Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area are pleased to be premier sponsors of the Great Hudson Valley Pedal for the seventh year in a row, and to continue our partnership with Parks and Trails New York.”
Other sponsors of the event include Champion Corporate Sponsor Con Edison and Leading Hudson Valley Sponsor Central Hudson. Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Columbia, and Ulster Counties are also sponsors of the event.
Additional bike tour along Erie Canal
Parks and Trails New York organizes another multi-day bicycling tour along the legendary Erie Canal. Cycling the Erie Canal, an eight-day, 400-mile bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany, is set for July 10-17, 2011
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Parks & Trails New York works to create a network of parks, trails and open space across the state for all to use and enjoy. Funds raised will help support Parks & Trails New York’s park and trail programs.
