trek330

About a month ago I posted about a possible ride to Bear Mt.From NYC and what to expect from above Nyack where I had never been.Finally today I did the trip and it was great!Weather was perfect and It was probably the toughest ride I ever did though I enjoyed every minute.I took 9W till Piermont where I took the scenic route returning to 9W after upper Nyack.As warned,the Haverstraw area was less than Bike friendly with no shoulders and construction but I went through it as I could not find the "bike route 9" alternative that was described in my last post.I probably was day dreaming when it appeared.I did find the turnoff to "9" , a dirt road that avoids the big hill up to Bear Mountain.However I found it unpassable to anything but a mountain bike and turned back and went up the last ascent finding it pretty brutal.The descent was good however.As warned There was some serious Uphills and many narrow stretches so when I finally crossed the Bear Mountain Bridge with the superb view,plenty of room,And no hills,I felt like a king.I had no Idea the trip to Peekskill(where I would take the train Back) would start with such a serious uphill though I was warned about the almost non existent shoulder.I received good instructions on how to get to the train station and was back home in about 2 hrs.Hell I should have biked back!Next time.By the way Metro North asked for my Bike Permit which I didn't have.Anybody else been asked?I had one but I lost it.Guess I'll get a new one.Anyhow thanks All for your input on the last thread.

dendawg

The bike nine turn off is the first right past the intersection of 9W and 304. It's called Short Clove Rd. Be carefull crossing the RR tracks right after you make the turn. It's a pretty flat ride through the town of Haverstraw. Next time you need to detour and climb Perkins before heading across the bridge, :-)

FrankieV

Your first ride to Bear Mt. sounds just like my first trip there. It's really a good feeling of accomplishment.
On your next trip, you should ride back rather than take the train.
It's not as difficult as you think especially if you take the flatter course back.
I think it's 9W to 303/505.