Empire State Trail - Poughkeepsie to the Rosendale Trestle

Let's ride the Empire State Trail, from Poughkeepsie to just north of the Rosendale Trestle.

If you haven't seen this part of the Empire State Trail, you're in for a treat! The scenery is gorgeous and the views from the Rosendale Trestle and Walkway over the Hudson are not to be missed.

This ride is for Brompton bicycles only.

The Route
View the route at this link: [RideWithGPS link coming soon]

The ride starts from the Poughkeepsie train station at 10:00. We'll ride to the the Walkway over the Hudson and take the elevator up 200+ feet to the top! Then we'll cross the 1.2-mile Walkway taking in gorgeous views of the Hudson River. From there we'll bike the rail trail to New Paltz.

(Note that at New Paltz the trail changes from paved to packed earth. The packed earth portion of the trail is high quality and nice to ride on, but it does slow us down to speeds around 8mph. We'll have two G-Line Bromptons on the ride and it will be fun to try them out on this terrain.)

From New Paltz we'll continue north to the Rosendale Trestle and bike a bit further to check out the Lawrence Cement Works, a historical mining area. There's a point where the terrain changes from packed earth to a gravelly hill, and that's where we'll turn around and bike back the way we came. But first we'll try out the gravelly hill with the G-Line Bromptons! (All are welcome to try.)

Our lunch stop, on the way out, is at the Rail Trail Cafe for wood-fired pizza. We'll also stop there on the way back for refreshments.

Ride Level: Advanced
This is an advanced ride due to the distance, remote location, and terrain (part of the ride is on packed earth).
Distance: 40 miles
Speed: Speed will vary based on terrain
Please consider your fitness and preparedness before joining. An option to leave the route will be considered for anyone who is unable able to keep up with the group. All Brompton riders who are comfortable with the pace and distance are welcome!

What to bring

• Sunglasses can be nice as the trail can be buggy with little gnats
• Enough snacks and water for the entire trip as there aren't many amenities along the trail
• Please ensure your tires are inflated and your bike is in good working order
• Spare inner tube in case of flats - everyone should bring this
• Let us know if the comments if you plan to bring a pump as we'll want a few of them spread around the group.

Please maintain your RSVP
If you can't attend, please update your RSVP so someone from the waiting list can have your spot. Riders with a history of "no shows" may be removed from the ride in favor of others on the waiting list.

Our Community Rules:

1. Be kind. Welcome and encourage other riders. Insults, shaming, and hate will be removed, and offenders will be banned.
2. Your safety is your responsibility. Helmets are required. Lights are required if riding in darkness. It is each rider’s responsibility to ensure their bike is clean, well-maintained, and fully functional.
3. This is a Brompton only event. Contact Brompton Junction if you'd like to borrow a Brompton for this event (participation may vary).
4. If your plans change, please update your RSVP.

BY ATTENDING this event you ACKNOWLEDGE and ACCEPT the following:

1. I ACKNOWLEDGE, agree, and represent that I understand the nature of bicycling activities and that I am qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such activity. I further acknowledge that the ride-out will be conducted over public pavements and facilities open to the public, and upon which the hazards of traveling are to be expected. I further agree and warrant that if, at any time, I believe conditions to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue further participation.
2. I FULLY UNDERSTAND that (a) BICYCLING ACTIVITIES INVOLVE RISKS AND DANGERS OF SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS AND DEATH ("Risks"); (b) these Risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the ride-out, the conditions in which the ride-out takes place, or the negligence of others; (c) there may be OTHER RISKS AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSSES either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time; and I FULLY ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS AND ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSSES, COSTS, AND DAMAGES I may incur as a result of my participation; (d) I acknowledge that Brompton Bicycle, event organizers, ride leaders, and volunteers will not be liable for any accidents or damages through this ride-out.
3. PHOTO RELEASE: I CONSENT to my voice, name, and/or likeness being used, without compensation, in any and all media, whether now known or hereafter devised, for eternity, and release Brompton Bicycle, its successors, assigns and licensees from any liability whatsoever of any nature.

DO NOT REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING.