I think BBQ , or we could head in to tannersville to a restaurant it’s a short drive

I'm willing to help cook. Let's do that. I like the idea of both grilling and ziti. The ziti will keep easily and it would be nice to have easy leftovers to help ourselves for the rest of our stay.

I'm really fine with either and both are easy. I'm with Max, let's do both.

John P,Erik,Mark - text me at 917.922.0812 so we can organize the pickup locations/times for Friday.

Sorry guys, but I’m not going to make it after all. If someone still needs a ride, my seat is now free. 😞

Now planning to head up on Friday lunchtime leaving from East Village. Sprained a thumb today it’s OK now but all assuming that isn’t worse tomorrow morning.

Sorry to hear that John.

I’m gonna jump in your seat in Jim’s car though.

MaxThorn said:

Sorry to hear that John.

I’m gonna jump in your seat in Jim’s car though.

You got it Max.

Max, just catching on on this thread. Given weather now planning to head up
Friday. Leaving from East Village around lunchtime and have room for two
others if anyone still needs a ride.

Landlord is delivering Farm Fresh Eggs for our Saturday Breakfast:

Yum

@niallsmart I can pick you up if you would like... up to you

@PatrickGrehan my schedule tomorrow might be a bit unpredictable so it's probably going to be easiest to drive myself up. appreciate the offer though! looking forward to some BBQ and bike riding LMK if I can help with picking up any groceries or other gear needed en route.

Are those farm fresh eggs vegan and gluten free?  

Kidding, sounds excellent.  I am picking up some beer tonight.  If you have a preference, please let me know.

Since you asked, I like my ales dark and robust

Belgian ales seem especially appropriate after epic rides 

Meal update:

Drinks:

We have several people who said they’d bring beer and coffee. I will pick up 6 gallons of water, but it would be wise to bring another few gallons. I’ll bring up some Milk. Feel free to bring anything else you really want.

Breakfast:

We will have some farm fresh eggs. I will pick up Bacon, Apple Danishes, Juice (probably orange), Fresh fruit (bananas, and…kiwi? apples? ), bread, jam, butter, Granola and Yogurt (Chobani) at Costco so we will have plenty for all of us. Let me know if you need anything else for breakfast.

Saturday Dinner:

I’ll pick up ingredients for baked ziti. I’ll also get Italian sausage, corn and sweet potatoes for the grill. Other requests?

Dessert:

Unless someone has something special they want to bring up I figure I’ll see what cakes or cookies look good at Costco

Thanks Patrick - all sounds fine.

I shopped for groceries tonight and also picked up stuff for a salad. Mom says you gotta get your greens

I’ll bring some salmon burgers and some English bangers for the grill , couscous salad , beer and bourbon 

Hope you’re hungry. This is just the food I’m bringing up...  hope there is room for my bike!

take pictures!

Last night we all arrived in our comfortable AirBnB: Max, John O, Dale, Jim, Erik, Anthony, Mark, Niall and I have found plenty to eat and drink in preparation for attacking the climbs around here. I made some rice cakes which helped us survive the day. 

This morning we braved the rain for a 57 mile ride up and down the Catskills including the dreaded Devil’s Kitchen climb. I had forgotten how much I hated that climb. My lower back was very unhappy with me. We all made it without incident even though some jerk with a Trump bumper sticker flew by way to close as we were grinding our way up. The worst part wasn’t the rain it was the never ending climbs after the main climb. 

Now we are relaxing watching a replay of today’s Giro stage. Tomorrow’s ride should be dry and gorgeous. 



Max finding some interesting reading



The wood burning stove is a nice touch



Rice cakes ready to go



Mark is smiling as he crests Devil’s Kitchen. Sorta like when you smile when the dentist finishes the root canal 

Here we are this morning just before setting off for another leg breaker. Weather was much different today.

Sunday’s was the kind of day that we had all been hoping for: beautiful and challenging roads, great camaraderie and great weather. We navigated to the course previously used by the Hunter Mtn classic for an additional 60 miles and 4000 ft of climbing. We really felt those climbs after hitting Devil’s kitchen the day before.

Saturday’s course was a modified (shortened) version of the Tour of the Catskills race course: 

https://www.strava.com/activities/1582492703

Sunday’s course was most of the Hunter mountain classic race course: 

https://www.strava.com/activities/1584767424

If only I could break the bounds of time and space, I'd be in Tuscany, the Catskills, and NYC, riding to my heart's content.

The board will make a decision this week about the weekend away in the Catskills. Go ahead and let us know what dates work for you if you have not done so already! Read the post above and complete the poll!

@PatrickGrehanHow are things looking for the weekend away?

Kissena's weekend away in the Catskills is planned for the weekend of June 1-2. Use this form to sign up and pay the $50 deposit to reserve your spot by this Friday May 3rd. Note that this date had the most votes AND that the following weekend is a large country music festival in town which would mean many more cars on the road.

The weekend:

The plan is to carpool from NYC area to Catskills on Friday May 31st. Expect a two hour drive from the GWB without traffic. We have arranged for early check-in on Friday, so those of us who can do so, can head up early and ride. We will have planned routes for Saturday and Sunday. We will have meals at the house. We have arranged for delayed checkout so we can shower and change after lunch on Sunday. At that point we carpool back to NYC. Everyone gets their own bed, but members will have to share bedrooms.

Housing:

We are requesting you sign up now to reserve your spot and to ensure we have the minimum headcount to make the trip viable.  Your housing cost will be your share of the total housing costs which will depend on the number of guests. Assuming 8 members, the AirBnB should run us $100 per person for the weekend (not including food). If fewer members participate, costs might go up, but if too few members sign up we will cancel the event.

If you sign up and cannot make the weekend you will get your deposit back as long as we have at least eight members going. If the number drops below eight then someone will need to take your spot in order to get your deposit back. This keeps the other members from having to absorb your costs if you cannot make it.

Transportation:

Members will arrange carpools on the forum. Member without cars are encouraged to contribute to tolls and gas

Food:

The club will purchase meals for the house and costs will be split among members. 

Go and and sign up and place your deposit here today!

I have a conflict this year, but I went last year and I recommend it.