Weekend Away Information -- LINKS HAVE BEEN FIXED --
Here is some information about the weekend. Please share your thoughts on meals and routes. Also, make sure to add your cell number and emergency contact in the link at the end. Please feel free to help out with any aspect of the planning, shopping or any other aspect that would make this a great trip for all involved.
Signed upJohn Olsson
John Powell
Anthony Ott
Patrick Grehan
Mark Taylor
Dale Suttle
Jim Nelson
Niall Smart
Erik Pfiffner
Duncan McKay
Transportation
Looks like we have more than enough drivers. Thank you @MaxThorn for starting the ride sharing spreadsheet. I plan on leaving from Long Island around 1pm. I can offer a ride. Everyone make sure you have a ride. Check the spreadsheet or ask on the forum. Don't be shy.
House
The house is located at 300 NY-296, Hensonville, NY 12439. More info about the house including information about local places to shop and eat are here.
Meals
1. Friday meals are on your own.
2. For Breakfast Saturday and Sunday I propose: Eggs, Bacon, Milk, Bread, Apple Danish, Juice, Fresh fruit, Granola and Yogurt. Is this enough or should I also pick up Pancake mix and syrup? Any other requests? I figure I will hit Costco on the way up.
3. Lunch is on your own.
4. Saturday dinner - My suggestion here is to grill chicken and have pasta and veggies along with it. I am open to alternatives from the foodies in the group. My sister-in-law who regularly cooks for large groups says she has gotten rave reviews for these two recipes: Baked Ziti (link) or Tamale Pie (link). Both of these would need to be cooked in advance. Thoughts?
Routes
I propose we ride a modified 80 mile Tour of the Catskills route Saturday with 6000 ft of climbing (link). The house in Hensonville in center of the loop. If we start the tour by heading north from Hensonville and following the route clockwise we climb Devil's Kitchen during the first half of the loop and allow opportunities to extend or shorten the later half of the ride. Here is an example of a shortened route (link).
Two alternatives for Sunday (which exclude Devil's Kitchen) include a 51 mile loop with 4100 ft of climbing (link) and a route that could range from 40-60 miles with up to 5000 ft of climbing (link). These loops look pretty good to me, but if you know alternatives that you prefer share them and we can discuss them.
Weather
There is rain in the forecast for next weekend. Landlord says the weather is pretty unpredictable. Dress appropriately.
What to Bring
Apparently you shouldn’t drink the tap water in the Catskills so bring plenty of bottled water. Also make sure to have tubes, pump and mini toolkit as well as bottles and nutrition for the rides. If I have time I will make some Rice cakes for the group. Make sure you bike and especially your tires are in proper working order. If they look bad replace them! You don't want to spend the weekend on the side of the road with a mechanical or in search of a bike shop.
Safety
Please complete the following document with your cell number and emergency contact info should it be necessary. We will regroup after climbs. I don’t know how the cell service will be so it is probably wise that no one will ride off on their own.
Its getting late and I can't remember all that I lost when my computer crashed. What did I forget?
Thanks
