This group is dedicated to riding bicycles for fun , fitness , and recreation. Keeping that in mind , the majority of the riding will be done off road , away from the busy , possibly distracted cell phone and texting automobile drivers . We will explore the various rail trails in Dutchess , Orange , Ulster , and Columbia counties.
Most of there trails are paved , except for the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in New Paltz , the Hurley trail in Kingston, and the Stewart Buffer Lands in Rock Tavern , which are a mix of crushed stone and hard packed dirt. While any bike could be used on the paved paths , a dedicated road bike would not be very comfortable on a gravel and dirt trail. A hybrid , comfort , or mountain bike would be more comfortable in this environment. The choice of ride , though , for the various trails , is entirely up to you.
So , for anyone that used to ride and wants to get back into it ( clean the dust and/or clothing off of it and take it out of the basement/shed...) , or anyone who presently rides that would like some company , check out the nice rail trails that are springing up all over the Hudson Valley.
Some of the trails are relatively short ( 2.5 miles one way) , while others are a pretty decent length (5-11 miles one way).
During the ride or afterwards , if there is any interest to grab a bite to eat , or something to drink , or just an ice cream cone or shake (depending on our location) , we can play that by ear.

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PLEASE BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE "Pages" SECTION OF THIS GROUP TO READ ABOUT THE MEETUP "DISCLAIMER" AND "TERMS OF SERVICE"

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************** Note About The Meetup Fee*****************

If any of you are possibly unaware , Meetup organizers are charged a fee to start and organize a group. The current rate is $19/month (for just one month) , $45 for three months (or $15 a month) . or $72 for six months (or $12 dollars/month).
While I don't like to have to ask for money at the individual meetups , it is to help recoup my costs (and time) for starting , scheduling , and maintaining the group and it's future activities.

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Lightsey Cycles is  on board as a sponsor for our group. While he doesn't cover any group fees , Kirk is offering our members a 10% discount on purchases , as well as a discount on any rentals that are available.

Welcome to the Hudson Valley! Lightsey Cycles is a full service bicycle shop located in the Gardiner, NY. Our intention is to serve all members, at all levels, within the cycling community. Young, Old and everyone in between, we envision a place that will create an interest for the new riders and inspire the passionate ones. We at Lightsey Cycles want to be your place to find new and innovative inventions, products, parts, gadgets and accessories as well as your hot spot to find the perfect bicycle for you and your family in the Gunks.