Name of Ride: Dutchess County Rail Trail (DCRT) and Walkway Over the Hudson
Date: June 10, 2015
Day of the Week: Wednesday
Time: 8:30am assembly at Ridgefield Bike Shop
Narrative/Description of Ride:
DCRT is a relatively new rail trail running from Hopewell Junction in Dutchess County over to Poughkeepsie on the Hudson River, where it links up to the old RR bridge over the river, the Walkway Over the Hudson. The course is completely paved, quite flat and has only a few street crossings. Port-o-San type rest rooms are located at the start and along the route
The ride has us biking over to Poughkeepsie/Hudson River where, after spending a little time on the bridge enjoying the view/taking pictures, we’d have lunch in town, probably at the The Ice House Restaurant , on the river.
Some related website links below—nice pics on the Facebook page:
Milage: Rail Trail is about 12-13 miles, and Walkway adds a mile+, so round trip biking distance is about 28 miles, not counting detour for lunch;
Pace: 12-15 mph
Approximate duration of ride:
8:30 am: Assemble group at Ridgefield Bike Shop/load up car(s)/get coffee
9:00 Depart by car to Hopewell Junction(HJ)
9:45 Arrive HJ, disembark
10:00 Start ride
11:30 Arrive at Walkway—bike over Hudson, take in the view, pics etc
12:00 Drop down into Poughkeepsie for lunch
12:15 Lunch
2:00 Depart back to Hopewell Junction
3:15 Arrive HJ Depot
3:30 Depart by car to Ridgefield
4:15 Arrive Ridgefield
Driving Directions—Ridgefield area to Hopewell Junction Depot ( 30-32 miles):
1-Route 84 West to Taconic State Parkway North
2-Apx 1.5 miles to exit for Route 52---go West( left), toward Fishkill
3-Apx 1 Mile to Route 376 toward Hopewell—right turn
4-Apx 2.5-3 miles on Route 376 to Railroad Ave---past Route 82( you get on and off Route 82 very quickly—about 100 yards) and over RR tracks---Railroad Ave is a straight continuance when Route 376 turns left to Bridge St
5-Depot and parking lot for Rail Trail are straight ahead—look for Hopewell Junction Train Depot signs. The Depot is a restored train station at the trailhead.
Is this a multi-level ride? If so, what are the levels offered?:
All levels welcomed. Given the easy terrain, expectation is that any C rider and better will have no problem with the ride. This is a more social vs competitive ride, and we will be sharing the trail with walkers and casual bikers, especially on the return leg.
Carpool options: We’ll be meeting at the shop to start our drive over to Hopewell Junction at 8:30 am. There will be a need for drivers/bike carrying capacity, so when you register, let Joe Boland know by email if you can accommodate additional bikes/bikers in your car OR if you need transportation assistance.
Rain Date if applicable: TBD
Ride Leader: Joe Boland
Ride Leader Contact info:
Email:
jnboland@optonline.net
Cell Phone: 914-450-0473
