Parking lot by 8, roll by 830!

8:00 am meet at:
41 Springtown Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561
https://goo.gl/maps/ktVh8rXbfCBoKoSr5

I put together a Strava route, variations on what we rode in 2022. 68km/42Miles
https://www.strava.com/routes/3408949822860222388 

Amazing plan.  I’m going to get there by 730. Roll out to the Starbucks a mile away (it’s the only coffee shop open before 8am) if any joiners for fuel. Back by 8 or so. Figure with the weather and foliage parking lots will fill up. 

Sounds good , I’m in 👍

Boys.  Feeling like dog shit. I’m gonna take a knee on the foliage.  Don’t wait for me.  Have a great time. 

Last year we were a wee bit late and this year we were a wee bit early. One of these days we'll hit the goldilocks weekend, but the real peak foliage was always just hanging with buds on bikes and having a great time crunching through the gravel and woods.

This year it was myself, Greg, Thierry, Ryan, Adam, Matty, Mark, Eloy, and Bret. Hot, dry and dusty this year with little rain in the last month or so in the north east. The gravel paths were well maintained and there were plenty of cyclists, walkers, runners and doggos out enjoying the great outdoors with us. Thierry and Adam were smoking us up the climbs early on so we had to tell them to have mercy and they eased off. Bret was on my loaner retro-mod cross bike and like a seasoned pro took to it like fish in water. We hit the entrance to the single track around Lake Awosting and there was a roadblock saying the trail was under construction. We were about to turn around, but saw a few riders emerge from behind the barrier and they very coyly said it was probably rideable. We headed in and indeed it seemed like they were resurfacing the very rocky and rooty single track trail so big portions of it was mostly exposed soil - no pinch flats for us! Thierry had to head early so cut straight back from Rainbow Falls. Sadly, Rainbow Falls was down to a trickle with the lack of rain, but still, the pools and rivers down stream were still inviting and lovely. Maybe one day we'll take a dip... The cliff side views were and always will be breathtaking, making the climbs all the more rewarding.

No mechanicals this year!

Back at the lot, Matty and Adam had to head back early and Ryan caught a ride back to NYC with his wife, trying to beat the inevitable Sunday traffic. The rest of us hit Twin Star orchards for some chill pizza and burgers hang.

Traffic on the drive home, but even then it with good company the time passed quickly, talking about bikes, life and all the good stuff in between.

e home

This was year 5 since we started this little post-pandemic tradition and sort of like the changing leaves, even though the routes and season are similar, every year has it's unique charms with a mix of slightly different ways of getting lost, group of friends, challenges and highlights.

Until next Fall!

I had a fantastic time riding this course, even though it wasn’t easy for me—my motivation to ride has dipped since learning about my medical condition earlier this summer. The conditions were perfect, and I feel truly fortunate to be surrounded by such wonderful friends who share this passion for cycling.

I began treatment yesterday. Although I had been warned about the possibility of strong side effects from the monoclonal antibody, I experienced none—aside from the pre-dose Benadryl, which put me to sleep like a baby.

Seven more infusions to go, and I’ll keep you updated on my progress.

Glad to hear side effect did not materialized.

Almost like a race, 7 laps to go! We are swinging cowbells for you. It was awesome to hang and ride, you were looking honestly strong!