Once a year, I do a kamikaze ride from Montreal down to Delaware. No luggage.

Second day is the most challenging, from Fort Edward NY (South of Glenns Falls) to Manhattan.

Back in the days, I used to just ride on the 9 straight through Pooghkeepsie all the way to Ossining.
Things have changed since then...

2 Years ago, I stuck on the 9 but found it dangerous since they removed shoulders and in many places had to wait for a red light after crossing an intersection to get a bit of quiet time to make it to the next one. ost much time to traffic lights.

Last year, I came in on the 9G from the north and hopped on the partially completed Dutchess Rail Trail to Lake Walton Road, then CR 82 to rejoin the 9 at Fishkill with a short distance of hell until you are past the Interstate 84.

However, last year, I found 9 between Fishkill and Peekskill to be extremely busy and didn't see a single cyclist (I used to see many). Can anyone comment on whether this route is permanently busy now ? Or was I unlucky with some road closure funneling traffic onto the 9 ?

Are there different/better ways to getting across the Poughkeepsie metro area which has very few north-south routes ?

As this is a very long day and tests my endurance limits, I can't afford to do many detours.

Also, from Peekskill to Ossining, what are the recommended routes ? Do cyclists stick to the 9 ?
Last year, at Peekskill I climbed onto Washington street which was nice for a while and when coming back down to water level, hopped on the 9 for a short stretch until the bike path to Ossining on the side of the bridge.

Any suggestion on the best way to get across ? (bearing in mind that by the time I get there, my legs already have about 10 hours of riding).