Northeast - Harlem Valley Ride (NY)

Anyone from the BF doing the Harlem Valley Ride next weekend?

That's odd that I didn't get their mailing. I should be on Bike New York's mailing list from the 5 Boro Tour. Well it looks like transportation's already sold out so I guess I won't be doing it.

That's odd that I didn't get their mailing. I should be on Bike New York's mailing list from the 5 Boro Tour. Well it looks like transportation's already sold out so I guess I won't be doing it.

I'm not sure if the e-mailed me about the ride either.
I just make a list of all the rides I want to do and put them on my calendar.

They should make bumper stickers for the bike rack!
I am looking forward to the down hill..the uphill...not so much.:)

BTW I was on the northern section of the rail trail a couple weeks ago...it features lots of root cracks and bumps...watch out.

I'm just looking out for that sadistic climb through Mt.Washington Forest :cry:

It's a great ride, lemme tell 'ya! There's only a small portion of the ride on the HVRT, so it's not a huge worry - most of the routes stick to the roads.

I've only ever done the century route, and it's a great time! The climb out of Kent, CT, is a tough one, as is the climb up Washington Road to the Bash Bish descent (and it's not that sadistic of a climb - then again, my "sadistic" climb quotient is meted by the final ascent at Mountains Of Misery: a 4 mile grind at an average of 11.5 percent, starting at mile 98 of 102). Support on the ride is great, as well - Bike New York runs a tight ship, for sure. It's a pity that they're not doing the uphill time trial this year (budgetary woes), as that was a unique feature of this ride.

If you are riding it this year (and I'm not, as my vacation plans changed this year), hope that the weather is good. Last year there was some intense thunderstorm action (and a tornado only 12 miles north of Copake Falls that shut down the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival), and many crashes on the descent into Copake down Route 344. I ended up SAGging back a few riders after finishing my ride, so intense was the torrent of rain and hail and so insane were the crashes. Many people did finish the whole ride, but it was tough for those who didn't ride at a brisk pace and/or pushed themselves a bit beyond the traction limitations of the road and their tires.

You can see the century route here (http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ny/millerton/920923934968).

To those who are going: have a GREAT time!

I can't make it this year either, but it is a great ride. Last year's route was beautiful (if very wet). Hopefully, the skies are drained for the season. Have fun!

It's a great ride, lemme tell 'ya! There's only a small portion of the ride on the HVRT, so it's not a huge worry - most of the routes stick to the roads.

I've only ever done the century route, and it's a great time! The climb out of Kent, CT, is a tough one, as is the climb up Washington Road to the Bash Bish descent (and it's not that sadistic of a climb - then again, my "sadistic" climb quotient is meted by the final ascent at Mountains Of Misery: a 4 mile grind at an average of 11.5 percent, starting at mile 98 of 102). Support on the ride is great, as well - Bike New York runs a tight ship, for sure. It's a pity that they're not doing the uphill time trial this year (budgetary woes), as that was a unique feature of this ride.

If you are riding it this year (and I'm not, as my vacation plans changed this year), hope that the weather is good. Last year there was some intense thunderstorm action (and a tornado only 12 miles north of Copake Falls that shut down the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival), and many crashes on the descent into Copake down Route 344. I ended up SAGging back a few riders after finishing my ride, so intense was the torrent of rain and hail and so insane were the crashes. Many people did finish the whole ride, but it was tough for those who didn't ride at a brisk pace and/or pushed themselves a bit beyond the traction limitations of the road and their tires.

You can see the century route here (http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ny/millerton/920923934968).

To those who are going: have a GREAT time!

I do most of the event rides every summer and this is my favorite ride.
Last year I did the 75 and did about 20 miles in torrential rain and then hail.
Probably the worst weather I've ever ridden in.
We held up at the last rest stop before the hill climb trial and actually loaded our bikes on to the truck.
But the rain stopped and sun dried the roads I took my bike off the truck and finished the ride.

The weather looks iffy again this year but I'll take my chances again.
It's worth it.

I've never done this century, but I spent a good chunk of time riding up there a few years ago. Fantastic riding. Absolutely beautiful. It's my daughter's birthday, so I won't be able to make the ride, but if you're going, have a great time!

I ride up there regularly as my in-laws have a house in Egremont, MA, right at the base of that climb on Mt. Washington Road. It is a big climb without much of a flat until you are almost all the way up, but it is doable without having a triple. My lowest gear is 39/26. Going the other way, up BashBish road is much harder, with the hairpin turns and all. NYCC does the ride in that direction. I've never even tried.

I ride up there regularly as my in-laws have a house in Egremont, MA, right at the base of that climb on Mt. Washington Road. It is a big climb without much of a flat until you are almost all the way up, but it is doable without having a triple. My lowest gear is 39/26. Going the other way, up BashBish road is much harder, with the hairpin turns and all. NYCC does the ride in that direction. I've never even tried.

I wouldn't even consider going up the other way.
That's my favorite way down :thumb:

I wouldn't even consider going up the other way.
That's my favorite way down :thumb:

Aw, c'mon - it's a great challenge! Sure, it's tough, but it can be done. I did repeats on it last year on the day prior to HVRR: climb Bash-Bish, descend Mt. Washington, reverse route, repeat. It was crazy tough, but tons of fun. You definitely need some climbing legs to pull it off, as well as gearing to match your ability.

The best part, though, was cooling off at the pond at Copake Falls State Park: cool water, nice and deep. :)

My wife and I are signed up and ready to go. I will be pulling the trailer with our little girl in it, so only the 22 mile run for us. I just hope the weather holds out (we did the 25 mile route of the North Fork Century in the rain).

So, the ride happened (I think) - any reports?

Yesterday I did hill repeats going up Bash Bish Road (Rte 344) as well as some riding through Copake, Ancramdale and Millerton, and the surface was in good shape. I hope that the thunderstorms held off.

Took a spill this week and couldn't make the ride.
It really sucks that I have to wait an entire year to do this ride.

I was wondering about the weather too.
Anyone? Anyone?

Didn't do the ride, but I was nearby in Red Hook ( so close...) entertaining guests. There were showers on and off, but no torrential downpours...