Media | Bike New York

Events > Discover Hudson Valley Ride

June 28, 2020

Registration opens soon. Stay tuned for details!

5 Routes
Up to 100 Miles

Centered around the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world’s longest footbridge, 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.

Registration includes a BBQ lunch, a finisher medal, a T-shirt — and riders can register for the event and become a Bike New York member at the same time! You get $5 off membership, early access to 2021 TD Five Boro Bike Tour registration, a 15% discount on Bike New York’s upcoming Twin Lights Ride (9/13), a member T-shirt, bike shop and partner discounts, invitations to members-only social rides and activities, and much more! Learn more here.

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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.
Bags are allowed, but there is no bag check.
Proceeds from all Bike New York events fund our free bike education programs. Learn more.
Current Metro-North policy limits the number of bikes allowed on each train; riders planning on traveling via Metro-North who are interested in a paid bike shuttle should click here.

The Routes

All routes begin and end in Victor C. Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie, NY— right next to the Metro-North train station. Please reference 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 participants arrive 30 minutes prior to the close of your start time window to allocate 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.

Start time window: 9:30 – 10:15 AM

Elevation gain: 750 ft

33 Miles

Same as the 15-mile route with an additional 18-mile loop on the backroads of Dutchess county.

Start time window: 9:15 – 10:15 AM

Elevation gain: 1600 ft

55 Miles

The 55 mile route begins like the 15 and 33, 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.

Start time window: 8:30 – 9:30 AM

Elevation gain: 2900 ft

75 Miles

The 75- and 100-mile routes start out like the 55 mile. The 75 mile route 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.

Start time window: 8:00 – 8:45 AM

Elevation gain: 4200 ft

100 Miles

The 75- and 100-mile routes start out like the 55 mile. Running north all the way to Elizaville, this challenging century features more than 5,500 feet of climbing and a well-deserved sense of achievement at the end. Sunday morning Metro-North trains arrive after this route start time window has closed. Please make other travel arrangements from NYC.

Start time window: 7:30 – 8:00 AM

Elevation gain: 5900 ft

GPS

Want to navigate/track your ride using GPS on your smartphone? We’ve got you covered. However, even if you’ve got the route on your phone, you should not begin riding until your appointed start time and you should not rely solely on your phone. Here’s why: If you leave early, you’ll arrive at rest areas before they’ve had a chance to set up. Do not ignore the pink arrows, blue signs, or the directions on your cue sheet because there’s always a slight chance that we’ll have to change the route in the next few days.

RidewithGPS

Strava

Along the Route

Rest Areas

Rest Areas along the route offer cyclists a chance to rest, fill up their water bottles, and refuel for the road ahead with complimentary snacks and refreshments.

Toilets

Toilets are located in Waryas Park and at every Rest Area.

Bike Repair

Bike repair stations are located in Waryas Park and at each Rest Area. Bike repair is free, but there’s a charge for parts.We strongly recommend that you bring an extra bike tube and a patch kit, and check your bike before the Tour. Here’s some info to help with that. If you need assistance in between rest areas call the rider hotline # on your cue sheet.

Marshals

Volunteer marshals will be riding with you, and will be stationed along the route to provide roadside assistance. If you are interested in volunteering please stay tuned, roles are coming soon!

SAG (Support & Gear)

If you are running out of steam, get hurt, or fall too far behind, SAG vehicles positioned at Rest Areas along the route will transport you and your bike back to Waryas Park. Please be patient as SAG vehicles may be busy and you may be required to transfer before returning to Waryas Park.

Finish Festival

Live music and a complimentary BBQ await riders when they return to the Finish Festival at Waryas Park. Refuel, relax, and revel in your ride while listening to some sweet tunes along the Hudson. Riders age 21+ may access the Beer Garden and receive a complimentary beer from New Belgium.

If you have friends and family who aren’t registered riders but would like to join you afterward at the Finish Festival, feel free to invite them along for the celebration! Additional meal tickets will be available for purchase on event day. Lunch tickets for non-participants will be available at the information tent (cash only upon availability).

Official Merchandise

Get kitted out in official Bike New York and Discover Hudson Valley Ride gear—we’ll have shirts, jerseys, water bottles, and much, much more for sale at the Finish Festival. All proceeds fund our free bike education programs, so shop away!

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.

Note that anyone riding the 100 or 75- mile route must either stay in the area the night before the ride, or drive up on the morning of (No trains leave NYC early enough to get 100 or 75-milers to the start area in time to get rolling).

There’s also plenty to do in the area (besides riding bikes)! Dutchess County Tourism has you covered there, too.

LEARN MORE

Train

Space for bikes is extremely limited with only 33 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.

See Train Schedule

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 Pier 78 (West Side Highway and 38th St.) on 6/29 (Saturday) between 9AM-5PM; after the ride, simply drop it off with Unlimited Biking at the Finish, and they’ll take it back to the same location on 7/1 (Monday) 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. We encourage riders to use the event’s Facebook page to connect and organize carpools. There are a number of public parking lots that are free on Sundays. Click here for a map.

Go to Google Maps

Photo Highlights

Discover Hudson Valley - 2018 - Kenji Edmonds

DOWNLOAD THE MEDIA KIT

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.

CAN I REGISTER FOR THE RIDE THE DAY OF?

Yes, day of registration is available on the morning of the ride in Victor C. Waryas Park and is cash only.

WHEN DOES THE RIDE START?

100 miles 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
75 miles 8:00 AM- 8:45 AM
55 miles 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
33 miles 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM
15 miles 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM

Note: Timing is based on the availability of route support and services. Once a window has closed, participants will no longer have access to that route and must switch to a shorter option. For example: if you plan to ride the 100 mile route but arrive at 8:10AM, the Start Window has closed and you will be asked to join the 75 mile route.

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE FOR CHECK-IN?

Check-in is available on Saturday, June 29, from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM and the morning of the ride starting at 7:00 AM. All check-in is located at Victor C. Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie, NY.

If you are checking in on the morning of the ride, it is recommended that participants give themselves at least 30 minutes prior to their intended Route’s Start Window closing time to ensure they have ample opportunity to get through the check-in lines, receive their cue sheet (turn-by-turn instructions), use the restroom, and grab a complimentary breakfast. Please account for travel time, parking, and potential lines when planning your trip. Reference our Lodging and Travel page for travel information.

Please note: All riders must arrive in person with their government issued photo ID in order to retrieve their riding materials. Materials will not be distributed to individuals looking to pick up bibs and bike plates for other riders.

WHAT TIME IS THE RIDE? WHAT IS THE EARLIEST/LATEST I CAN GET THERE?

Check-in and breakfast begin at 7:00 AM; start times depend on your route choice. The longer the route, the earlier the start. Cue sheets will be distributed ten minutes before the beginning of each start window. The starts are staggered in this way to keep the ride flowing smoothly, spread out the cyclists, and minimize our impact on the roads and local communities.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MATERIALS FOR MY RIDE?

You should receive a confirmation email immediately after you register. Final details will be sent closer to date of the event. For the Discover Hudson Valley Ride, bibs will be distributed at check-in on the day of the ride.

ARE BIKE RENTALS AVAILABLE?

Yes! Please visit our Bike Rental page for additional information.

CAN I RIDE AN E-BIKE ON THE DISCOVER HUDSON VALLEY RIDE?

No, not at this time. Outside of New York City, which permits pedal-assist bikes to be used, New York State does not permit bikes with motors (pedal-assist or throttle) to be ridden on any street, highway, parking lot, sidewalk, or other area in New York State that allows public motor traffic. We hope to see this law changed as soon as possible.

You can find more information on New York State law regarding e-bikes here.

IS THE ROUTE CLOSED TO CARS?

No. The route is open to traffic. Riders are expected to obey all traffic laws.

CAN I SWITCH ROUTES DURING THE RIDE?

Yes. There will be certain 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.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Helmet. (And you gotta wear it. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.)
New York State law requires that all cyclists have and use a bike bell.
Photo ID so you can check in and get your cue sheet.
Water bottle(s)—you’ll be able to refill them at the start and at every rest area.
Cash so you can stock up on cool Bike New York gear!
We strongly recommend that you bring an extra bike tube and a patch kit, and check your bike before the Tour. Here’s some info to help with that. Bike repair along the route is free, but there’s a charge for parts.

WHAT ABOUT BAD WEATHER?

All Bike New York rides are rain or shine unless otherwise noted. In the event of severe or potentially dangerous weather, we’ll be in touch regarding contingency plans.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE REGISTRATION FEE?

Your registration fee covers entry to the ride, a cue sheet, access to services and amenities along the route (such as rest areas and SAG support), a commemorative T-shirt, complimentary breakfast, a full BBQ lunch, homemade ice cream at the Finish Festival, and a 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 programs. In 2018 alone, we taught bike riding and bike safety skills to more than 28,000 kids and adults throughout New York City.

HOW DO I GET TO POUGHKEEPSIE?

Visit the Lodging & Travel page for up-to-date information.

CAN I GET A REFUND FOR MY RIDE ENTRY OR GIVE/SELL MY REGISTRATION TO SOMEONE ELSE?

No. Entries are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is partly due to insurance/liability reasons. If you cannot attend for any reason, email info@bike.nyc to request that your registration fee be converted into a tax-deductible charitable donation.

WHAT IS THE ELEVATION GAIN FOR EACH ROUTE?

15 mile – 950 ft

33 mile – 2000 ft

55 mile – 2900 ft

75 mile – 4200 ft

100 mile – 5900 ft

*All elevation gains are approximate.

ARE THERE AGE RESTRICTIONS?

Youth ages 3-17 are welcome to participate provided they register, ride with a parent or guardian, and adhere to these guidelines:

Ages 3-9 must ride with an adult on a tandem bike, in a child’s seat on a tag-along 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 the event.

MY CHILD WILL BE WITH ME IN A TRAILER OR CHILD SEAT. DOES SHE HAVE TO BE REGISTERED?

Yes. Each person participating in the event must be registered. Youth entries are available at a lower price. Children under the age of three are not allowed on Bike New York rides.

HOW LONG DOES THE RIDE TAKE?

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 PM, so be mindful of your pace and ride accordingly.

CAN I GET THE ROUTE CUE SHEET AHEAD OF TIME?

No. Cue sheets will be given out on the morning of the ride, ten minutes before the beginning of the start time for each route. This allows us to make any necessary last-minute adjustments to the route and ensures that people start the ride at the right time—when rest areas are open and SAG vehicles are in position.

AM I REQUIRED TO HAVE A BELL ON MY BIKE?

According to New York State law, all bikes are required to have bells.

IS THERE A PLACE TO DROP OFF MY BAG?

No. You must take your bag with you on the ride.

ARE THERE ANY BAG RESTRICTIONS?

No.

IS LUNCH INCLUDED AT THE END?

Yes, there will be a BBQ and free ice cream at our Finish festival.

IS THERE A LOST AND FOUND?

Check at the T-shirt/information tent at the Finish Festival to see if your lost item has been found. If not, email info@bike.nyc two days after the event to see if we found it. Lost-and-found items that remain unclaimed after two weeks will be repurposed, donated, or discarded.

I'M A BIKE NEW YORK MEMBER! HOW DO I RECEIVE MY 15% DISCOUNT?

That’s awesome! Please e-mail membership@bike.nyc or call the Membership Department at 212-870-2072 for instructions on applying your member discount. Interested in becoming a member? Visit the Membership Page to find out more!

HOW DO I REGISTER?

Online registration is now closed for the 2019 Discover Hudson Valley Ride, but you can still register on-site at Victor C. Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie from 12-5 PM on Saturday 6/29 or at 7 AM on Sunday 6/30!