Centered around the Walkway Over the Hudson, this ride is all about discovery. For some, that means taking it easy on one of the shorter routes and simply enjoying the gorgeous scenery of Ulster and Dutchess counties. For others, it means discovering what you’re capable of—with more than 5,900 feet of climbing, the 100-mile route is a century worth bragging about.
See below for new details!
Check out Photo Highlights
IMPORTANT DETAILS
- Rain or shine
- This event takes place on streets open to traffic.
- Helmets are required on all Bike New York rides.
- New York State law requires that all cyclists have and use a bike bell or horn.
- Proceeds from all Bike New York events fund our free bike education programs. Learn more.
The Routes
All routes begin and end in Victor C. Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie, NY—right next to the Metro-North train station. Please refer below for start time windows and route summaries. Be advised that you cannot join a route prior to the specific window opening or after it has closed.
If you miss your intended timeframe, you must drop back to a shorter mileage. Timing is based on the availability of route support and services. We ask that you arrive 30 minutes prior to the close of your start time window to allow enough time for check-in.
15 Miles
This family-friendly route option takes riders across the Hudson via the Walkway and onto the tranquil rail trail and scenic backroads of Ulster County before circling back over the river and into Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Elevation: 895 feet
Start time: 9:30AM – 10:15AM
33 Miles
Same as the 15-mile route with an additional 18-mile loop on the backroads of Dutchess County.
Elevation: 1,754 feet
Start time: 9:15AM – 10:15AM
55 Miles
The 55-mile route begins like the 15 and 33-mile but veers south after the first rest stop in Ulster County before returning to the Walkway Over the Hudson. It also includes an additional 18-mile Northern loop even deeper into the woods of Dutchess County toward the town of Clinton.
Elevation: 2,925 feet
Start time: 8:30AM – 9:30AM
75 Miles
The 75-mile routes starts out like the 55-mile, but includes an additional 20-mile northern loop through woods and farms.
Sunday morning Metro-North trains arrive after this route start time window has closed. Please make other travel arrangements from NYC.
Elevation: 4,196 feet
Start time: 8:00AM – 8:45AM
100 Miles
The 100-mile routes sets out like the 75-mile, but includes an additional 25-mile northern loop up through rolling hills to Elizaville.
Sunday morning Metro-North trains arrive after this route start time window has closed. Please make other travel arrangements from NYC.
Elevation: 5,822 feet
Start time: 7:30AM – 8:30AM
All routes begin and end in Victor C. Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie, NY—right next to the Metro-North train station.
STAYING THE WEEKEND
Want to make a weekend out of it? Dutchess County Tourism has plenty of recommendations for where to stay in the Poughkeepsie area.
There’s also plenty to do in the area (besides riding bikes). Dutchess County Tourism has you covered there, too!
Note that anyone riding the 100- or 75-mile route must either stay in the area the night before, or drive to Victor C. Waryas Park on the morning of the ride.
Train
Space for bikes is extremely limited, with only 44 bikes allowed on each train, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the conductor’s discretion. Please check current Metro North policy regarding bikes when making travel plans. There are no trains available for 100 and 75 miles riders on the morning of the ride.
Unlimited Biking offers a bike shuttle for Discover Hudson Valley Ride participants, even if you’re not renting a bike. For $49, you can have Unlimited Biking bring your bike to the Start at Victor C. Waryas Park and back again.
Drop-off will be at Unlimited Biking at 346 West 57th Street (Between 8th and 9th Avenue) on Saturday, June 24, between 9AM-5PM.
After the ride, simply drop your bike off with Unlimited Biking at the Finish, and they’ll take it back to the same location on Monday, June 26, for pick-up between 9AM-7PM. Bikes picked up after Monday will incur a $10/day charge.
Car
We recommend using Google Maps to plot your route. Enter Victor C. Waryas Park, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601 as your final destination.
There are a number of public parking lots that are free on Sundays. Click here for a map of the area.
WHEN YOU RENT A BIKE WITH UNLIMITED BIKING, THE OFFICIAL RENTAL PARTNER OF BIKE NEW YORK, PROCEEDS HELP FUND OUR BIKE EDUCATION PROGRAM!
Riders renting a bicycle with Unlimited Biking will pick up their bike at the Start and drop off their bike at the Finish. No need to transport your rental to and from the ride!
Photo Highlights
Feeling nostalgic? Check out the 2018 Discover Hudson Valley Ride video below.
If you would like to cover and/or ride the Discover Hudson Valley Ride as a member of the press, please complete and submit the following form.
Where and when does the ride start?
Discover Hudson Valley starts and finishes at Victor C. Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie, New York on Sunday, June 25, 2023.
Your start time depends on the distance you’ll be riding.
- 100 miles: 7:30AM – 8:30AM
- 75 miles: 8:00AM – 8:45AM
- 55 miles: 8:30AM – 9:30AM
- 33 miles: 9:15AM – 10:15AM
- 15 miles: 9:30AM – 10:15AM
Note: Timing is based on route support and rest area services. Once a start window has closed, participants will no longer have access to that route and must switch to a shorter option.
All riders must be on the route by 10:15AM. If you arrive after that time, we will not be able to provide your rider kit to you.
Can I rent a bike for the ride? Is there a bike shuttle again this year?
Yes! And now for the best part: When you rent a bike with our official rental partner Unlimited Biking, proceeds help fund our bike education, community outreach, and advocacy programming.
You’ll pick up your bike at the Start and drop it off at the Finish; no need to transport your rental to and from the ride!
Unlimited Biking is also offering all registered riders the option of transporting their bicycle between NYC and Poughkeepsie. For $49 (round trip), Unlimited Biking will shuttle your bike to the Start/Finish area in Victor C. Waryas Park. After your ride, simply drop your bike off with Unlimited Biking for swift transport back down to the city.
How do I get to Poughkeepsie?
For driving directions, please enter Victor C. Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie, NY, in your GPS device.
Trains from New York City are very limited on the morning of the ride. Participants riding in the 75- and 100-mile routes must make other travel arrangements from NYC as trains arrive after the start time windows for those routes have closed. Please also note that Metro North caps the number of bikes per train at 44 bikes.
If you wish to have your bike transported to and from the city, Unlimited Biking is offering all registered riders the option of a bike shuttle service. For $49 (round trip), Unlimited Biking will shuttle your bike to the Start/Finish area in Victor C. Waryas Park. After your ride, simply drop your bike off with Unlimited Biking for swift transport back to the city.
When can I check in? What is the latest I can get there on ride day?
Check-in is available on Saturday and Sunday.
- Saturday, June 24: 12:00PM – 4:00PM
- Sunday, June 25: 7:00AM – 10:15AM (depending on your route distance)
All check-in is located at Victor C. Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie, New York. Please bring your confirmation email with QR code and your government-issued photo ID to receive your riding materials. Rider kits will not be provided to riders who are not present in person.
If you are checking in on the morning of the ride, we recommend you allow yourself at least 30 minutes prior to your preferred route’s start window to ensure you have ample opportunity to get through the check-in line, receive your cue sheet, use the restroom, and grab a complimentary breakfast. You should also account for travel time, parking, and potential lines when planning your trip.
Breakfast starts at 7:00AM on ride day.
Cue sheets will be distributed 10 minutes before the beginning of each start window. Starts are staggered to keep the ride flowing smoothly by spreading out cyclists along the route and minimizing our impact on local roads and communities.
All riders must be on the route by 10:15AM. If you arrive after that time, we will not be able to provide your rider kit to you.
What do I need to bring with me?
Here’s a handy list of what to bring with you:
- A helmet: You gotta wear it. No ifs, ands, or buts.
- A bell: New York State law requires that all cyclists have and use a bike bell.
- Water bottle(s): You’ll be able to fill your water bottle at the Start Area and every rest area.
- Photo ID: so you can check in and get your cue sheet.
- Cash/credit card: Cash payment is required for beverages at the beer garden, but you may use cash or your card to stock up on cool Bike New York gear!
- A spare tube and patch kit: Bike repair along the routes is free, but there’s a charge for parts.
- Sunscreen: Apply liberally and repeat.
- Clothing: Wear jerseys, shorts, and arm skins with built-in sun protection, and a cap under your helmet to shield your head.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Check your water levels often and be sure to always have a full bottle on hand. Increase consumption of watery fruits and veggies in the days leading up to the ride. Sodium helps you hold onto fluids you’re drinking, so sip an electrolyte beverage during your ride. Drink little amounts often. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty; keep sipping from beginning to end. We provide snacks and hydration at all rest stops, but if you have dietary restrictions, please bring snacks that you can use to fuel your ride.
- Travel light: There is no bag check, so bring only what you can carry with you on the ride.
Can I register on the day of the ride?
Yes, you may register in person at Victor C. Waryas Park. Onsite registration is cash or credit card:
- Adult: $125
- Youth: $105
You may register onsite during these times:
- Saturday, June 24: 12:00PM – 4:00PM
- Sunday, June 25: 7:00AM – 10:15AM (depending on your route distance)
Please note: If you are registering on ride day, you must complete your registration before the start window for your route closes.
All riders must be on the route by 10:15AM. If you arrive after that time, you will not be able to register for the ride.
Will my rider kit be mailed to me?
No, all rider kits will be distributed at check-in at Victor C. Waryas Park.
Are breakfast and lunch included?
Yes!
- Breakfast starts at 7:00AM.
- BBQ lunch starts at 12:00PM.
What kind of bikes are permitted? Can I ride an e-bike?
We welcome any human-powered pedaled bike (road, mountain, fixed gear, recumbent, unicycle, tandem, tricycle, etc.) and, due to updates in New York State law, pedal-assist e-bikes may be used on Discover Hudson Valley.
Throttle-powered e-bikes are not allowed on any Bike New York events.
Is the route closed to cars?
No. The route is open to traffic. Please visit New York State’s website for more information on the rules of the road.
Does the ride take place entirely on paved streets?
The route is almost entirely on paved streets, as well as the Walkway Over The Hudson and short segments of the Dutchess Rail Trail and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail.
There are no dirt paths on the route, though there may be gravel surfaces at certain rest stops.
What is the elevation for each route?
15 mile – 895 feet
33 mile – 1,754 feet
55 mile – 2,925 feet
75 mile – 4,196 feet
100 mile – 5,822 feet
*All elevation gains are approximate.
Can I switch routes after I've started?
Yes. There will be points on each route at which you’ll have to decide whether to continue on your chosen route or switch to a different route. These splits are indicated on your cue sheet and will be marked with signs. Follow the signs for your chosen route.
Will the ride be canceled if it rains?
All Bike New York rides are rain or shine. In the event of severe or potentially dangerous weather, we’ll be in touch regarding contingency plans.
What's included in my registration fee?
Your registration fee covers:
- Entry to the ride
- Breakfast at the start
- Cue sheet (printed turn-by-turn directions)
- Gps files for download
- Access to services and amenities along the route (rest areas and SAG support)
- Full BBQ lunch at the Finish Festival
- Commemorative T-shirt
- Finisher medal
Where do proceeds from the ride go?
Bike New York is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all proceeds from our events fund our free bike education, community outreach, and advocacy programs. In 2021 alone, we taught bike riding and bike safety skills to more than 30,000 kids and adults throughout New York City.
I need to cancel my entry; what are my options?
Entries are non-refundable and non-deferrable, but you may transfer your entry to another person. Here’s how:
- Log into your EnMotive account.
- On your account page, click on Registrations on the left side and find your 2023 DISCOVER HUDSON VALLEY RIDE registration.
- Click on the three dots.
- Select Transfer Registration.
- Please enter the Enmotive account email address of the person to whom you would like to transfer your registration.
- Click on Transfer Registration; this will send an email to that person notifying them of the transfer, with instructions on how to accept the transfer.
- There is a $10 transfer fee to be paid by the transferee.
- The transfer will only be valid for 48 hours, so be sure they accept quickly!
If you prefer to donate your registration fees to Bike New York (with our deep gratitide for your support), please email info@bike.nyc to request that your registration fee be converted into a tax-deductible charitable donation.
If you purchased the EnMotive Protection Plan during registration and need to cancel your entry, please email protectionplan@enmotive.com for assistance.
Are there age restrictions? Do I have to register my child?
Youth ages 3-17 are welcome to participate (provided they are registered) and ride with a parent or guardian, adhering to these guidelines:
- Ages 3-9 must ride with an adult on a tandem bike, in a child’s seat on a tagalong bike, or in a bike trailer.
- Ages 10-17 may ride their own bikes, but must remain in close proximity to the adult with whom they were registered.
- Children under 3 are not allowed to participate in Bike New York events.
All participants, including children in child seats, on tagalongs, or in bike trailers, must be registered. Youth entries are available at a lower price.
How long will it take me to finish the ride?
That’s up to you! You can ride at your own pace and stop at rest areas for as long as you like, provided you remain in front of the SAG vehicles trailing the back of the pack. The Finish Festival closes at 6:00PM, so be mindful of your pace and ride accordingly.
Can I get the cue sheet ahead of time? Will GPS files be provided?
No. Cue sheets will be given out on the morning of the ride, 10 minutes before the beginning of the start time for each route. This allows us to ensure that people start the ride when rest areas are open and SAG vehicles are in position.
We will post GPS files two days before the ride on our Routes and Services page.
Will my ride be timed?
No, but you may use the timing feature in your GPS app to track your time.
Can I check my bag at the start? Are there any bag restrictions?
We don’t provide bag check for the ride; you must take your bag with you.
For our regional rides, there are no bag restrictions. Just make sure you can carry what you bring with you.
Does the beer garden accept credit cards?
No. Only cash will be accepted at the beer garden for purchasing beer and hard seltzer from our friends at New Belgium.
Interested in sponsoring Bike New York?
Please complete and submit the following form.