Starting an independent thread with hopes that this becomes an annual tradition! Referencing my ride report from last year:

https://forum-archive.kissenacycling.com/discussion/18-p338.html#Comment_124463

Origins: A few of us wanted to do an official Bear Mountain group ride outside of the Super Bowl ride which is usually freezing and nobody is in particularly good shape. It made sense to revisit the mountain when the weather is pleasant and people have good legs.

The sunrise start time was thrown in as a way to help people get back to their non-cycling lives at a reasonable hour. Side benefits include quieter roads to start as well as an incredible front row seat to the sunrise coming up over the Hudson.

We're just over a month out from the Summer Solstice this year (June 20) and the days will progressively grow shorter from there.

Some references below for sunrise/sunset and daylight hours. From solstice on out the sunrise is pushed later about a minute per day.

Friday, June 20, 2025 (Summer Solstice)
Twi: 4:51am
Sunrise: 5:25am
Solar noon: 12:58pm
Sunset: 8:30pm
Twi: 9:04pm
Solstice: 10:44pm
Day len: 15h 6′

Saturday, July 26, 2025
Twi: 5:16am
Sunrise: 5:47am
Solar noon: 1:03pm
Sunset: 8:18pm
Twi: 8:49pm
Day len: 14h 31′

Saturday, August 23, 2025
Twi: 5:45am
Sunrise: 6:14am
Solar noon: 12:59pm
Sunset: 7:43pm
Twi: 8:12pm
Day len: 13h 29′


Here's my Strava from last year - Moving time was just around 6hrs from GWB to GWB totaling around 90 miles on the route we took.

Does anyone feel strongly about doing this in July or in August?

Im not in town for the june or august dates, but i’d love doing this ride in July  

July works here

Down for July.

I’m in for July

I'll be in town for a wedding in September.

I'm in for July, randomly. 

I’m in for June or July!

July for me

In for July most likely 

Down for July!

I'm hoping that the July date is unconfirmed, wondering if we could hold the 19th, but unsure if that interferes with race calendar. Nevermind, now I see the calendar, all good. Ignore me. 

down for July as well

Im up for this sooner rather than later 

Alright party people, we're about a month out so I'm making it official:

When:
July 26th, 2025
5:30am

Where:
GWB/NJ side up to Bear Mountain. Route is TBD but welcome to suggestions. Last year we went up River Road, 9W, through the wooded trail between Nyack and Haverstraw and up to the top of Bear.

What:
An endurance paced, life affirming ride with friends on early morning quiet roads with the sun rising over the Hudson. Depending on where you're coming from you'll end up riding approximately 100miles in the summer heat. Pack accordingly, including food, double bottles (large if possible) and extra electrolyte drink mix (use whatever your stomach is used to). We will do a traditional Cove Deli stop after descending from Bear Mountain so we'll have an opportunity to refill on food and drinks.

Reminder! 

530 at BB or GWB?

GWB dawg

FWIW, the North Walk (aka the bike path) opens at 5am.

Are people actually going to joining Dave on this ?

I am. Hopefully I can last the whole ride.

I’m in for Saturday. Will be my first century ride. Looking forward to it.

i'm in for now...fitness is not there after covid a couple weeks ago so hopefully can hang on the whole time as well.

I'm down

I’m in. I thought this was on Sunday. Good thing I saw RJ mention it was Saturday 

I was in, but my wife and I came down with E. coli on Sunday. I still want to be in… but we’ll see. I hope to at least set off with the group and turn around in Nyack at worst 

i've had e. coli. nasty bug. get well soon!

Dave
gwb and back will be 100miles?

Give or take a few based on last years route. I started from Grants Tomb and it was 95miles and planning on doing a similar route

Alrighty folks, I'm planning out the final route and will most likely keep it very similar to last year's. I really liked last year's since we hugged the Hudson all the way north from Nyack to Haverstraw which made for really scenic views with the sunrise over the water, but we have to ride through some woodsy trails. Most of us will have road bikes with road tires, but it's doable - I did it on 24mm Vittorias race tires last year! - but want to gauge if you want to avoid or keep that gravel/trail section. The section is around 4-5 miles.

The other consideration to avoiding the woods is 9W is not pleasant when we're coming back. Alt parallel roads are nearby (Old Haverstraw Road/Kings Highway and then cut over to Nyack).

TL;DR - are you all cool with a bit of off road or do you want to stay on tarmac? Can decide en route as well!

https://www.strava.com/routes/3383451195262726248

I would prefer to stay on the road; I'll go alt routes where necessary and then re-connect if that becomes problematic.