Volume 52, No. 3 August 2019

President’s Corner By Bill Leahey, MHCC President Here Comes Century Weekend 2019

fter a rainy spring and early summer, Awarm weather conducive to long rides on a bicycle has finally arrived. As I write this column on July 7th, the US women won the World Cup 2-0 over the Netherlands, stage 2 of the Tour de France was playing out, and Wimbledon was in full swing. Good thing I got out for a terrific ride in Saratoga county in The beautiful roads of southern Albany County will once again host the annual Century Weekend. the morning, so I could be a couch potato all Club’s signature annual event based again at Altamont Fairgrounds afternoon. Did you ever wonder how many members only $50 for MHCC club members and $60 are in your cycling club, how many of them t’s only a few short weeks now until for non-members. Also, this year there’s a ride in a given month, and what kind of rides IMHCC’s annual Century Weekend, and if special offer for casual riders who only want are being scheduled? And, what are the most you haven’t registered yet, time is running to do the 12 mile “Piccolo Century”: $20 common sites for rides to originate from? out! through September 5! After September 5 Well, the board is concerned with those Century Weekend is a ride event for registration prices increase for all rides—so questions, as the most common complaint we everyone including 12, 25, 50, 62.5, and 100- register now and save some cash. hear is that there aren’t enough casual rides on mile routes that show off the best of upstate Plus, this is MHCC’s 50th Anniversary the schedule. New York scenery. Follow up your rides both (1969 – 2019: Can you believe it?), and we So at the June 12th board meeting, days with a catered lunch from the awesome want to celebrate. So all registrants for any Christian Hess provided a data analysis of the Four Corners luncheonette. Then relax, length ride will be given a pair of MHCC rides completed in 2019 up to June 12 to trade stories about your rides, and enjoy a 50th Anniversary socks when they return to get a handle on these questions. There were complimentary craft brewed draught from the Fairgrounds after their ride – you have to 119 rides, 3890 miles ridden, and 982 riders. Brown’s Brewing in Troy (for adult riders check in at the registration desk to get them! Out of 119 rides, 51 happened in Albany only). Socks will be also available for sale at the post- County, and there were 27 rides each in both This event is also one of the best ride deals ride check in desk as well for non-members, Rensselaer and Saratoga Counties. for your money. Ride both days for an advance volunteers and other MHCC Continued on page 2 registration price through September 5 of Continued on page 4

Check for up-to-date ride information at: mohawkhudsoncyclingclub.org/calendar/rides Adventures Along the Cumberland GAP with Bill Little: Page 8

THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB President’s Corner By Bill Leahey / MHCC President From Page 1 page will direct new or casual riders to the So Dave, Bob, and John created a new No surprises there. If you add the Sport, library. Ghost Bike, and on June 24, the old bike was Tour, and Multipace rides, they comprise 88% We have also decided to add a regular removed, the site was cut, landscaped with of the rides. And, Casual rides represent 11% Wednesday morning rail ride named crushed stone, and the new bike was installed. of the total. Wednesday Wanderings, and our inaugural On Sat June 29, Dave, Bob, and John led a This confirmed that the complaints about ride was July 24th led by yours truly. The ride from Niskayuna to the Ghost Bike. You lack of casual rides have some merit, and if plan is to add a regular Saturday morning trail can read about this in more detail in Dave’s the club wants to attract new members, and ride after we get the Wednesday ride up and article in this issue. grow the membership from it’s current 640 running. These rides will be promoted on Finally, we’re very close to our Century number, this has to change. Facebook, and other social media platforms, Weekend, on September 7 and 8. The starting Christian also analyzed: to better serve the needs of our club casual point will again be the Altamont Fairgrounds. riders, and new riders. An email has already Co-Chairs Bill Little and Chet Lasell have the • Ride distance (mean: 32.1) been sent out to ride leaders, asking to help planning well in hand, and more participants • Total gain in feet (mean: 1632) out with these rides, as it’s difficult to get than in the recent past have already signed • Total gain in feet per mile (mean: 48.3) casual riders to lead rides, per Eric Randall. up on BikeReg. Bill Little’s article in this All of these ride stats would make a ride One recent past event that needs to be issue will fill you in on the details, but I very tough for a casual rider, especially the mentioned was the MHCC team ride for the want to appeal to you to volunteer for this TGIF per mile, which borders on the hilly Tour de Cure in early June, lead by Andy event. Instead of paying $50 to ride, you can classification in BikeAbout. We need more Swartz. The team consisted of Andy, Anne volunteer for either Saturday or Sunday for a casual rides, and need new ride leaders to lead Boehm, David Ray, Dave Liebschutz, Ron 4 hour period, and you can ride free! Plus, them. Stefanski, Jackie Hill, Charlie Shopsis, and we’ll feed you lunch on both days! Our initial steps to make this happen were Bob Duncan. Team MHCC raised $6400. It’s a great deal, and you can sign up on undertaken by Bill Little, Dave Kraus, and Thank you Team MHCC! BikeReg. Currently, we have 22 volunteers John Petiet. They mapped some terrific casual Another noteworthy event was the 15th signed up, but according to Jude Sagor, our routes using the various Rail in our area, anniversary David Ryan Memorial Ride, coordinator, we need 60 total volunteers. and looked for casual rides in the MHCC Club organized by Dave Kraus, Robert Preville, Please enjoy these beautiful summer route library. There is now a link on the About and John Gillivan. David Ryan was killed by a months, and I’ll see you on the road. MHCC Rides tab named Casual and Bike Path speeding teenage driver on Riverview Road in Rides for New Riders that contains a multitude Vischer’s Ferry, and there’s been a Ghost Bike of these rides. To make these casual rides even at that site since the tragic event. The bike had more visible, a rotating banner on the web become rusted, and the site was overgrown. Bill Editor’s Note By Dave Kraus

it’s been a hard road to get back into shape. for these past years. Happy reading and riding can hardly believe this cycling season is But it has just made me appreciate even more for the rest of this season. Ialready half gone. It seems like just last being in shape and how quickly fitness goes week that I was wearing winter gear and away if you don’t care for it. coughing up a lung as I tried to get some I hope you enjoy this issue, and my fitness back after a winter with no cardio. apologies for it being a bit late. This A variety of reasons sent my cycling season experience is also making my appreciation last year straight into the dumper, so this year grow for the incredible job John Ceceri did 2019 Club Events Calendar Ride With Cambridge Valley Club Century Ride Weekend Gravel Gobbler Ride

Saturday, Sept. 28 at 9:30 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, September 7-8 Saturday, November 2, 12 noon 30-40 mile road ride with lunch and brews Altamont Fairgrounds, Altamont S&S Farm Brewery after at Argyle Brewery. Watch the ride Purchase one ticket and ride both days, Jefferson Hill Road, Nassau calendar for more information as the ride date explore the beautiful Albany County Watch the MHCC website, Facebook page, approaches. countryside. See page 1 for full story. and this newsletter for more details as this charity event takes shape.

The BikeAbout/ August 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 2 Save the Date • August 17-23 Cycle ADK Ultimate Cycling Vacation BikeAbout is published five - Loop from Ticonderoga, NY/ http://cycleadirondacks.com/ultimatecyclingvaca times per year on the 15th tion/ of the month in March, May, July, October, and December, by: • September 12-15 JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes - Saratoga Springs/ https://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR/Ride/ Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club JDRFNationalRide?pg=entry&fr_id=7736 PO Box 12575 Albany, N Y 12212-0575 • September 22 Cycle ADK Harvester Ride www.mohawkhudsoncyclingclub.org - St. Lawrence Co., NY/ http://cycleadirondacks.com/harvester/ ABOUT MHCC The Club consists of over 650 members who live and cycle in the Capital Region of New York State. MHCC CLUB OFFICERS TOUR COMMITTEE sponsors road rides for all levels of cyclists within an 80-mile radius of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area. MHCC is affiliated with the League of American PRESIDENT CHAIRPERSON Bicyclists. Bill Leahey 518-961-6001 William Little 518-861-8769 [email protected] [email protected] JOIN US! VICE PRESIDENT CASUAL & SPORTS RIDE COORDINATOR Join online at our website at https://www. William Little 518-861-8769 Eric Randall 518-366-5353 mohawkhudsoncyclingclub.org/purchase-mhcc- [email protected] [email protected] membership. Membership cost is $20 per year per individual. You will receive an email reminder to renew, SECRETARY QUICK RIDES COORDINATOR and you can renew for up to three years on our website. Jude Sagor 518-729-3933 Bruce Curtiss 518-587-4408 [email protected] [email protected] CONTRIBUTE TO BIKEABOUT Send your submissions and ideas to Dave Kraus at TREASURER TOUR RIDES COORDINATOR [email protected]. The deadline for submitted Becky Lazorchak 518-369-8401 Henry Wilkie 518-482-3902 materials is the first of the month preceding the issue [email protected] date. Articles are accepted in DOC, ODF, RTF, or TXT formats. Photos are accepted in JPEG, TIFF and BOARD OF DIRECTORS EPS. Contact the editor regarding other formats. All OTHER COMMITTEES rights to material published in BikeAbout revert to the Jon Benn 518-577-5943 contributor following publication. [email protected] MAPS & REPORTS, CLUB HISTORIAN John Berninger 518-439-6473 ADVERTISE IN BIKEABOUT Christian Hess 518-281-0271 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP CHAIR & RENEWALS, Contact our Advertising Director, Robin Obrecht DATABASE MANAGER Krumanocker, at [email protected]. Ads are Terry Peters 518-428-4069 Joanne Petrozzi-Jones 518-831-1707 accepted as PDFs, with all fonts and images embedded. [email protected] Commercial advertising rates per issue are as follows: [email protected] Howie Diamond 518-441-3519 WEBMASTER Full Page $90 [email protected] John Petiet 518-438-9102 Half Page $70 Quarter Page $50 Ex Officio member: [email protected] Andy Swartz 518-322-1858 Buy four ads and the fifth ad of equal size is free. [email protected] BIKEABOUT To advertise on the MHCC website, contact our webmaster, John Petiet, at [email protected] CENTURY COMMITTEE EDITOR & DESIGNER Personal classified advertisements for members are Dave Kraus 518-852-9612 free, and are published on the MHCC website. Contact CHAIRPERSONS [email protected] webmaster John Petiet for more information. Chet Lasell 518-708-3762 ADVERTISING [email protected] ADDRESS LIST Robin Obrecht Krumanocker [email protected] We offer our address list on mailing labels for purchase. William Little 518-861-8769 Please contact our database manager, Joanne Petrozzi- [email protected] PHOTOGRAPHER Jones at 518-831-1707 or [email protected] for more information. Bob Cohen 518-877-5552 [email protected]

The BikeAbout/ August 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 3 This year’s Century Weekend will once again be based at the historic Dutch Barn at Altamont Fairgrounds. From Page 1 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED QUICK FACTS fans. This year’s scenic routes all start and YOUR volunteer help is valued to make finish at the Altamont Fairgrounds at the • What: MHCC Century Weekend Century Weekend a success on September historic Dutch Barn (Brandle Road, Gate B • Where: The Dutch Barn at the 7-8. There’s a lot to be done every year! entrance in Altamont). The 100, 62.5 and Altamont Fairgrounds, Altamont, NY As a volunteer, ride for free and get lunch 50-mile routes will go through the scenic (Brandle Road, Gate B entrance in and a craft brew (for adults only). Consider southern Albany County communities of Altamont) riding one day and volunteering the other! Westerlo, Berne, Rensselaerville and Knox. Family and friends are also welcome to You can ride one day or both days for a single • When: September 7 & 8 volunteer and donate their free registration to day’s registration fee–discounted for club • What you get: Catered lunch for a club member. members–so pick the one that you like the all registrants. Complimentary post- As of this date volunteers are only needed most and enjoy a lovely fall weekend of riding. ride craft draught for adults only. for the actual ride weekend. Riders doing the 25-mile and 12-mile To volunteer, just contact Volunteer “Piccolo Century” rides will pass through the MHCC 50th anniversary socks for all registrants. coordinator Jude Sagor at judesagor@gmail. Village of Altamont and its rural surroundings com or go to BikeReg.com, search for MHCC with striking views of the Helderberg • Price: For MHCC club members, and register there. escarpment. Full rest stops will be provided $50 (for 50 years!) and non-members at approximately 20-mile intervals for all the $60 until September 5. Day-of BIKE RESCUE DONATIONS ride routes. The rest stops have food, drink, registration also available. Support Albany Bike Rescue by bringing and real bathrooms—no porta-johns! your used bicycles or parts to donate at The Century Committee has been working • How to Register and more Century Weekend. ABR is a very important hard since last winter to make this year’s event information: Look for the Century and successful charity returning bikes to the a fun way to get in a lot of riding with a big Weekend link on the MHCC home road for those who need them. Your donations group of your fellow riders. page or go to Bikereg.com and search are needed and will be much appreciated! Let’s pump up the tires and get riding. See for MHCC. Visit them at albanybikerescue.org. you there! - Bill Little

The BikeAbout/ August 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 4 Cyclists Unite To Honor Fallen At left, David Ryan’s friend, Bob Preville, answers ques- Colleague and tions from the media at the ride start. Below, the memo- rial peloton rides slowly Friend at David on River Road. From left to right are Marc Kingsley of Cooperstown, Nathalie Lenehan of Schenectady, Ryan Ride and Ruth Morrow of East Greensbush.

n Saturday, June 29, over 50 cyclists from Oacross the Capital Region honored the late GE Global Research scientist at the 15th anniversary David Ryan Safety Awareness ride to highlight road safety for cyclists and the installation of a new “ghost bike” in his memory. The ride began and concluded at the Shoprite Plaza in Niskayuna and included a short ceremony and moment of silence in memory of David at the ghost bike location on River Road near Vischer Ferry in Clifton Park. Ryan was a physicist at GE’s Global Research facility in Niskayuna. Originally from England and schooled at Oxford, he was an avid recreational cyclist and outdoor enthusiast who had a bright future ahead of him. On June 29, 2004, while riding his usual training route on the scenic “river loop” through Colonie, Latham, Niskayuna, and Clifton Park, he was struck and killed on River Road just east of the Sugar Hill Road intersection. The driver who struck Ryan, Joshua Paniccia of Niskayuna, was charged, pled guilty to one count of negligent homicide, and served a 3 year prison sentence. This year’s ride also included the installation on June 24 of a new ghost bike at the crash location on River Road by Ryan’s friend Bob Preville, MHCC President Bill Leahey, and club members John Gillivan and Dave Kraus. The bike was kindly donated by Schenectady Bicycle Rescue. (www. electriccitybikerescue.org) Both the ghost bike installation and the memorial ride received extensive coverage from local media including the Schenectady Daily Gazette, the Times Union, and TV channels 6 and 13. Thanks to all of them for their interest in the important issue of safety for cyclists. Thanks are also due to the Niskayuna and Colonie Police Departments, and to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department for their exemplary assistance with traffic control for the ride and Bill Leahey, Bob Preville, and John Gillivan work on the ghost bike installation on June 24. memorial ceremony.

The BikeAbout/ August 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 5 Cyclists gather at the David Ryan ghost bike site on River Road for a memorial ceremony and moment of silence.

Paul Winkeller, left, Pausing for a selfie and Walt Klimek at the ghost bike participate in the installation on June moment of silence 24. L to R: John to remember David Gillivan, Bill Leahey, Ryan. Below, Bob Preville, and Saratoga county Dave Kraus. Below, Sheriff’s deputies Rich Shade greets provided traffic Tim Cleworth at the control at the ghost ride start at Shoprite bike ceremony. Plaza.

The BikeAbout/ August 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 6 Second Annual Gravel Gobbler Ride Scheduled for November 2

ooking for that perfect end-of-season event Lwhere it’s all about bicycling on quiet country roads with friends and then hanging out to talk about the ride over a beer and fine food? If so, you’re in luck. What you’re seeking exists and it’s the second annual Gravel Gobbler at S&S Farm Brewery in Nassau. Back for a second year with new features, the Gravel Gobbler event is a fun way to wind down the season with your cycling friends while helping others in our community. The ride benefits the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Last year’s inaugural Gobbler attracted nearly 100 riders and helped raise $2,400 for the Food Bank. Building on last year’s success, MHCC will host the 2019 Gravel Gobbler on Saturday, November 2. If you participated last year, we hope you will join us again (no way can it possibly snow again two days before the event). If you are new to gravel riding and want to check out this event, we hope you will join us. Please consider bringing a friend to this fun event to experience the great riding and post-ride vibe at S&S Brewery. Trust us, you’ll like the relaxed country atmosphere at S&S as much as we do. The Gravel Gobbler is all about the group ride featuring frequent regrouping stops along each route. We all know bicycling is more fun when you ride with friends and this event emphasizes that fact. The event organizers are also busy adding new elements to make the 2019 Gobbler another memorable experience. We have a new 23-mile gravel route this year with nearly 1,500 ft of climbing. The 38-mile route and its 3,000 plus ft. of climbing remains. The 38-mile route has been described as “perfect,” so we aren’t messing with perfection. We are also starting the 38-mile route earlier this year so that everyone has time to finish before the bar and food service begins at 4 p.m. The new start time is noon. The 23-mile route starts at 1 p.m. We will open the registration desk at 11 a.m. on November 2 so everyone has time to check-in or register. Registration for this year’s Gravel Gobbler is already open at www.BikeReg.com. Just click over there and do a search for–what else?–”Gobbler!”

The BikeAbout/ August 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 7 Don’t Think You Need a Helmet? Read This. BikeAbout Editor is living proof that luck does exist – and that absolutely everything can change in a split second. So when I went out Thursday evening—11 small piece on the rear still held the two pieces n 2010, after 25 years of cycling with no major days later--I had forgotten and rode away with a together. My friend Gary came by the next Iincidents, my number finally came up one loose skewer. morning to see how I was doing. He’s had at least Thursday night. I should have noticed. The brake adjustment five crashes I know of over the years and spent I was heading down the Mohawk Hudson lever wasn’t tight. I flipped it as I rode. I’ve time in the local rehab hospital with a brain injury Bikeway, hit a stutter bump and my front wheel forgotten to tighten it before. Then I noticed a from one of them. came off. I somersaulted over the bars and hit the creak as I was riding, I handed him the helmet and he said, “Oh, asphalt on the right front part of my head . . . at but again didn’t think Crap!” Then he just stared at it silently for a few 20mph. much of it. Bikes moments before looking me straight in the eye My helmet took the brunt of the impact. I creak, almost always and saying quietly, “You’re a dead man, you know. remember hitting the bump, starting up over the for innocent reasons. You’re not wearing this and you’re a dead man.” bars, and thinking, “Uh-Oh.” I woke up on the Last time the seat post He was right. I’m sure of it, If that had been ground with people around me. I could feel blood needed some carbon my bare head I’d be dead. That was the first time dripping in my eye, but my first thought was, paste. No big deal. anyone had put it in those words, so it hit me “Oh, crap, I crashed. I better call my girlfriend to I got almost 20 miles pretty hard. come get me.” around the river, down This wreck didn’t involve irate drivers or I dialed her automatically and told her I had some hills at over 35 other cyclists, only clumsiness and my own crashed. She asked where I was, so I asked out mph, before this one forgetfulness and stupidity. No heavy vehicle loud and somebody said “Dunsbach Ferry Road is little bump on the bike traffic. No potholes. No rain or ice. It happened right down there.” trail finally did me in. so fast that I literally had no time for any kind I recognized the street name but was totally of reaction that would have helped. If I hadn’t unable to picture where it was on a map. I’m a he Bike was pretty been wearing this helmet it would have been a visual person. That’s how I think about things. So Tmuch OK, with beautiful August evening on a smooth section that should have been my big clue that all was not $82 in repairs. The of idyllic bike trail with me lying dead on the right. front wheel had to pavement. It seemed like only moments later the be trued. Right bar ambulance was there, but she told me later I end plug chewed up. look at my shattered helmet now and think of was on the phone with her for over 12 minutes, Outside of right pedal I that happening to my head. I will remember. It babbling the same questions over and over. She chewed up a bit. The brake/shifter levers were heard the EMT’s trying to convince me to go makes any temporary discomfort from wearing a both turned in and I pushed them back by hand. with them. helmet over the past 30 years worth every second The frame and fork were perfect. Not even a Finally I said yes—fortunately!—and away we since I put on that first heavy, hot chunk of plastic scratch on the fork dropouts. I must have gone went. back in 1987. over the bars, tightening my grip on the levers, My yellow Serotta, the “Queen Bee,” rode in Giro has a crash replacement policy, but no bending them inward as I somersaulted. The bike the ambulance with us. My girlfriend met us at way was I going to send this helmet back to them. went over me and the fork never touched the the ER along with a friend of hers and got the It still hangs on my wall as a reminder for next ground. It landed more or less on top of me. It bike, then they both stayed with me for a CT time. Bad day at the office? Argument with the must have been pretty spectacular to watch. My scan, x-rays, and lots of lying around not realizing girlfriend? Sweat is dripping in your eyes? So Serotta apparently lives a charmed life. how badly I was hurt. what. It’s still better than what might have I ended up in considerably worse shape, with The collar stayed on and I stayed down until been . . . a fractured posterior spinous process of the the doctor had evaluated the tests. When he told So check your wheel quick-releases before C4 vertebrae. In other words, a broken neck, me the score I got nauseous and laid down fast. every ride . . . and wear your helmet every time, though a relatively minor one if there is such a A fracture of the C4 vertebrae–a broken neck. even if it’s just to circle the driveway to check thing as a “minor” broken neck. There was also If I had hit the ground at just a slightly different those derailleur adjustments. a concussion—no wonder I couldn’t figure out angle or just a tiny bit harder I would have ended I’m not going to go riding around preaching at where I was! up paralyzed from the neck down. people, and in most places you can legally make Part of my right earlobe was gone. There So what happened? I’m always so careful and that decision for yourself. Go right ahead and was also major road rash on my right temple pride myself on keeping my bikes in perfect skip that helmet if you think you’ll be too hot or and brow, a big black eye and more oozing shape. it makes you look uncool or you’re just riding “a unpleasantness on the back of my right shoulder. I remember—in perfect 20/20 hindsight— few feet.” The ER doc said I’d be off work for a week, taking the bike out of the car when I got home But if you do decide to skip the helmet for wearing the collar for two, and six weeks with no from Ididaride almost two weeks before. I put on whatever reason, forgive me for thinking you’re a “athletic activity.” Can I at least ride a trainer? Six the front wheel with the quick-release just tight total, complete idiot. weeks of not riding at all? Shudder . . . enough to get it in the house. I was in a hurry to My helmet was almost split in two. Only one make a dinner date. – Dave Kraus

The BikeAbout/ August 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 8 Westchester Cycle Club to Host Golden Apple, Dirty Apple Oct. 13

n Sunday, October 13, the Westchester Cycle OClub will once again host their annual Golden Apple Ride for road riders and the Dirty Apple event with a variety of gravel road routes in Westchester County. This is a great day of riding no matter which event you choose. Both rides are based out of the Goldens Bridge Metro-North station just off I-684 in Goldens Bridge in Westchester County. The Golden Apple is a longstanding annual event hosted by WCC and features a collection of road routes that include the 35 mile Candy Apple starting at 9:30 am, the 45 miles Golden Apple that starts at 9:00 am, and the 73 mile Full Manzana that rolls out at 8:30. More details are available at goldenappleride.wordpress.com/ The Dirty Apple is a new event in it’s second year. It also includes three different routes: The 40 mile Classic Dirty Apple at 9:30am, the 50 mile Dirty Apple at 9:00 am, and the 63-mile Rotten To The Core that hits the dirt at 8:30am. Unlike the Golden Apple, the Dirty Apple has a limited registration of 400 riders. Need more information? Go to dirtyappleride.wordpress.com/ Registered riders for both events will be able to use the well-stocked rest/aid stations, enjoy a great post-ride lunch, and have full sag support and available cue sheets and GPS files. The registration fee for beither apple events is $55. Profits from the rides will benefit three different Westchester County charities including Westchester Bikes4Kids, Friends of Karen, and the Westchester Parks Foundation. Registration for both events is at Bikereg.com. Just do a search for the event name. Since 1975, Westchester Cycle Club (WCC) has been bringing together recreational bicyclists to explore Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Dutchess counties. The club hosts rides for all levels, from social to super-fast; on paved or dirt roads and off-road trails.

The BikeAbout/ August 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 9 Adventures on the Cumberland GAP MHCC Vice-President Bill Little found adventure and fellowship in early spring along the . geared towards cyclists’ needs and wants. The many communities along the way welcome riders, no matter their outfit, and provide more than adequate food and lodging. Aside from intersections and a few miles in Pittsburgh, you never share the route with a motorized vehicle.

ncountering typical Appalachian Egeography right off the bat, the GAP path north from Cumberland winds along Scenic Railroad tracks at a steady, gentle 2 -3% grade, crossing the eastern continental divide at mile 24 (elevation 2392 feet, Cumberland being elevation 620 feet). Before you reach the “top”, you cross the Mason Dixon Line, at mile 20.5 – a reminder that this area has been under historic levels of Victory! Bill Little, right, and Peter Lefkin celebrate the end of their journey at Pittsburgh’s Point State Park. contention since first settled by Europeans. You also pass through three or four deep We actually started at Washington D.C.’s tunnels that show how difficult it must have think bike trekking shares something with Union Station, where for around $45 we each been to cut a railroad right-of-way through I literature: immersion in a long ride calls reserved a rush hour seat on Amtrak. There’s the Appalachian Mountains. Note that two for the willing suspension of disbelief. Yes, space on board for bikes and packs, and we tunnels, the Borden tunnel (mile 17) at about you have a destination, travelling from point were deposited in Cumberland to begin the 957 unlit feet long, and the A to point B, but logistics and physics fall to cycling leg to Pittsburgh, by-passing the entire (mile 22), a full 3,294 feet long and lit only the wayside with the pace and rhythm of the Potomac section. dimly, can challenge your sense of balance. journey. As you know, there is nothing quite like They almost create vertigo, with the far ends I was fortunate to be invited on my first being a cyclist in full riding kit in the middle being nothing more than a distant pinprick. bike trek by Peter Lefkin, a law school of a crowd of normally dressed people. An From the Continental Divide the pathway roommate and friend of 42 years, for a three- Amtrak ride full of families and commuters levels off, the remaining route to Pittsburg day ride along the Cumberland GAP (Great from the real world only emphasizes this (two more days) rarely exceeding a 1% Allegheny Passage) rail-to-trail pathway. dichotomy. grade. You still experience the steepness of Lefkin had been trying unsuccessfully for But on the GAP path you enter a world the Appalachian Mountains, but in a riparian years to get me to commit to an extended manner: following the Casselman River trip and I finally succumbed. (which is a greenish color) and Youghiogheny While we encountered the rain and cold River (which tends to be brown) as they that an Appalachian spring can dish out, the cut deep channels through the surrounding emerging vegetation, roaring rivers and mountains. striking geology of this region, plus good We theorized that “Youghiogheny” is a fellowship, made a few hours of inclement European-ized spelling of the word “Ohio- weather forgettable. gheny”, “Ohio” being an Iroquois word for The 148-mile GAP path is a rails-to- “beautiful river.” It reaffirmed in our minds trail route from Cumberland, Maryland to that all these waters join the Ohio River and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The GAP is the then the Mississippi. Are there pathways for northern half of a set of trails starting in all of that distance? Washington, D.C., where the southerly half, The next two days were spent at a the C. & O. Canal Towpath route, begins a comfortable pace, enjoying mountain and 185-mile journey along the Potomac River to Continued on page 11 Cumberland. The long, dark Big Savage tunnel.

The BikeAbout/ August 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 10 From Page 10 rail traffic (other side of the river), birdsong. providing places to wash down our rides (very rural landscapes much like southern Albany There is an Eastern Redbud tree that does important after riding these gritty surfaces); County or northern Green County, but poorly in Albany’s climate zone. On the GAP get a good hot meal and a brew; and spend two or three weeks ahead in the advance of path, deeper into this tree’s natural zone, we some downtime with very accommodating Spring. There are frequent reminders that you rode through long phalanxes and tunnels of locals. are riding a former rail bed as you roll over fuchsia blooms. It was unreal. On day three, at McKeesport (mile stream-gorged culverts and across restored The pathway itself is very well maintained, 130), we began to encounter more settled trestles. composed mostly of crushed stoned or light communities, runners, dog walkers and You’ll have to resolve for yourself whether gravel and dirt. Intersections are marked, cyclists as we made our way the last 16 miles the scenery presents a conflict between hamlets and towns and the mileage between into Pittsburgh. Upon passing the mammoth making progress and stopping to take photos. them are identified, and there are countless U.S. Steel plant, on the other side of what The GAP path railroad cut exposes benches and viewpoints along the way for has become the Monongahela River, there numerous types of geological uplifts and down picnic stops or, if you wish, camping. More is no question that you have put behind the thrusts in shale, limestone and sandstone; a formal campgrounds are available along the bucolic climes of the shady GAP path. We thorough eastern seaboard continental plate path at the settlements. rode hardened pathway through declining experience. In spring it’s just exploding with We found that 32 mm tires worked well on manufacturing areas and rust belt skeletons rushing streams and waterfalls feeding the this surface. A narrower tire might suffice but for a while before entering a portion lined rivers. is not recommended since you cannot avoid by condominiums and, going into downtown For most of the three-day ride we were encountering a few spots with heavier gravel, Pittsburgh, freshly built high-tech enterprises. alone on the path, spinning in sunlight playing mud, sand and water. This striking change to an urban through emerging leaf cover, exposed only to Our overnight stays were in Ohiopyle environment offers something unique: while the sounds of the adjacent river, occasional (mile 71) and West Newton (mile 114); each Continued on page 12

At upper left, Bill and Peter pose at the Union Station Amtrak gate bound for Cumberland, MD, packed and ready for the trail. At lower right, Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterful Falling Water house in Ohiopyle, PA, made a great side trip. In the large photo, Bill and Peter had the trail to themselves on a brisk spring morning.

The BikeAbout/ August 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 11 From Page 11 of which was affirmation that, while sound is the best time. Bear in mind that rain is a not yet on paved roadways, there are several travels at 1,125 feet per second, counting probability and the temperature may not ramped overpasses spanning railroad tracks the seconds between lightning strikes and exceed 55 degrees. and waterways, offering some challenging thunderclaps only gives false hope that you Note: At Ohiopyle there is an opportunity cornering and an exciting “Chutes ‘n ‘ can outride the oncoming downpour. to visit Falling Water, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ladders” ride. We concluded our trek at We also learned that a shared meal and stunning home designed for the Kaufman Pittsburgh’s Point State Park where the tales of past and future cycling adventures in family to fit into the wilderness landscape on Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers join to a warm pub at the end of the day erases all a waterfall. It is accessible by shuttle or by form the Ohio, giving expansive views of complaints. riding up and over a long hill at an average 8% downtown, the industrial heartland, and Our innkeeper at the B & B in West Newton grade; 9% on the reverse route. Heinz Field football stadium. said we were some of the first riders of the Every ride is a learning experience, season. So if you are looking for the isolation – Bill Little and these three days provided numerous of the woods and the emergence of spring in educational exclamation points. Not the least all its glory, mid-to-late April or early May

Bill Little, left, and Peter Lefkin pose at the Eastern Continental Divide after 24miles of almost constant climbing from the start of their ride.

The BikeAbout/ August 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 12 Scenes From The Road Thank God It’s Thursday Ride led by Jon Benn

The BikeAbout/ August 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 13 Scenes From The Road

July 4 Voorheesville Ride/40+ Riders

Summer Solstice Ride from Delmar Park & Ride

The BikeAbout/ August 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 14 Scenes From The Road Emma White Meet & Greet Ride at the Real McCoy Beer Company in Delmar Over 50 cyclists gathered on July 10 to meet and ride with Emma White, Capital Region Duanesburg native and newly crowned US Women’s criterium champion – the youngest ever at age 21. Riders from MHCC and CBRC and others gathered at the Real McCoy Beer Co. in Delmar to head out on a ride with her. Emma was a perfect, gracious guest, making sure to greet the young female fans who had come to meet her. Watch for her the rest of this year, and she is a really good candidate for the 2020 Olympics.

John Ceceri Ultra-Cycling Rides

Adirondack Ultra Cycling, owned by long-time area cyclist John Ceceri, opened on June 19 at 160 Broad St. in Schuylerville. John has been in the bicycle industry on and off for the last 30 years. For about the last two years, he has wanted to own his own business again. Stop by and see John at his new shop! Get more information about the store and his shop rides at: https://www.facebook. com/AdkUltraCycling/

The BikeAbout/ August 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 15 Scenes From The Road Tuesday Night Rensselaer County Rides Led by Bill Leahey and Gary Toth

The weekly Tuesday Night Rensselaer County Ride cruises the rural roads of Rensselaer and Columbia Counties and is led by Bill Leahey and Gary Toth. This regular, no-drop ride is based at the Schodack Rd. Park & Ride near the intersection of I-90 and Rt. 20.

Ken McGuiness says, “No pictures, please! I’m bonking!

The BikeAbout/ August 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 16 Scenes From The Road

Poultney, VT, Road & Gravel Ride with Jon Benn On August 4 Jon Benn took club members on a combined road/gravel ride through his vacation stomping grounds in and around Poultney, VT. The weather was perfect and hopefully this is only the first of many rides led by Jon in this area. Among other sites, the ride visited local horse farms, slate quarries, and riders gathered for post ride recovery afterward in Poultney.

Bill Little found a new friend to play with.

Chet Lasell found some major league gravel to grind at a local slate quarry.

The BikeAbout/ August 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 17 RIDE GUIDELINES CLUB MEMBER LCI’s

NOTE: All ride schedule listings are now hosted at the MHCC website to assure Tami Flanders the most up to date ride information – Go to: .mohawkhudsoncyclingclub.org/ [email protected] calendar/rides Bob Fullem | [email protected] Everyone is welcome on rides sponsored by required to follow all traffic rules and regulations. Claire Nolan | [email protected] the Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club, however, our Examples are stopping at stop signs and red traf- Bert Schou | [email protected] insurance policy only allows non-members to fic lights, as well as riding single file when being John Vendetti | [email protected] participate in one club ride per year. Riders should overtaken by traffic. arrive at least 15 minutes before the ride starting See below for information about ride pace League Certified Instructors are certified time. All riders must wear helmets. A rider groups, and ride coordinators to contact if you by the League of American Bicyclists, the will not be allowed on a ride if he/she does would like to lead a ride. national organization for bicycle advocacy. not have a helmet. Riders are expected and They are individuals interested in promoting RIDE CATEGORIES AND THEIR SUGGESTED PACE RANGES: safe and effective cycling as a means of • Casual: 10-12 MPH Listed speeds represent the intended average speed recreation and transportation for all ages. All • Sport: 12-14 MPH for the ride. Flats and descents may be faster and candidates must pass courses covering topics • Tour: 15-17 MPH climbs slower. including fit, maintenance, handling, vehicular • Quick: 18+ MPH cycling and the rules of the road. In addition, they review and reinforce the topics learned RIDE TERRAIN DESCRIPTIONS ARE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING “TGIF” and how to present them to others. They are (TOTAL GAIN IN FEET) GUIDELINES: qualified to lead classes in schools and other • Flat: TGIF less than 250’ per 10 miles groups for both children and adults. • Rolling: TGIF between 250’ and 500’ per 10 miles • Hilly: TGIF between 500’ and 1,000’ per 10 miles For more information or to set up a class, • Mountains: TGIF greater than 1,000’ per 10 miles contact any of the LCI’s or go to https:// Individual climbs on a ride that are potentially more difficult than the overall TGIF suggests should be www.bikeleague.org/content/become- noted in the ride description. instructor

Words to Ride By . . .

“When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.” - Sir Ar t h u r Co n a n Do y l e (1859 – 1930), a u t h o r o f Sh e r l o c k Ho l m e s

“I have always struggled to achieve excellence. One thing that cycling has taught me is that if you can achieve something without a struggle it’s not going to be satisfying.“ - Greg LeMond, former pro rider, three times the Tour de France champion and twice Road Race world champion

“Cyclers see considerably more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle, well applied, will cure most ills this flesh is heir to.” - Dr. K. K. Doty

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