June 19, 2025 - Poughkeepsie, NY, to Palenville, NY
End: Palenville, NY
Miles: 51.9
Feet climbing per mile: 60
Record of the day's ride: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/298072949
I caught the 7:39 Metro North train from Grand Central that would arrive in Poughkeepsie two hours later. When I showed the creative spelling of "Poughkeepsie" to the person checking my ticket, she said she had never noticed it, and now had something to laugh about.
Why do you think is the reason for the spelling "POKIPSE"? Please post your guess in the comments below this post.
After leaving Manhattan, the train runs along the east side of the Hudson River, providing many beautiful views. Here's the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Here's Pollepel Island, on which the Bannerman Castle is located.
Here's the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.
Shortly after leaving Poughkeepsie I was on Violet Avenue with a beautiful surface, a generous shoulder, and plenty of trees.
Throughout much of the day I would be on roads similar to Cardinal Road below.
On my bike trips I have seen many homes with a pond, but I have never seen anyone swimming in the pond. If I lived in such a home I would swim in the pond every day the weather allowed.
At mile 19.3 I stopped at Gary's Dairy & Deli.
At mile 24 I started to cross the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. Although there was a shoulder at the east side of the bridge, there was a sign saying NO SHOULDER, and I could see traffic cones further along the bridge. I thought that maybe the shoulder would not continue all the way across the bridge, so I took the sidewalk on the south side of the bridge, despite there being a sign saying NO BICYCLES.
The picture below shows the view from the bridge looking south down the Hudson River.
I discovered a Stewart's in Lake Katrine so I stopped to enjoy a scoop of their black raspberry ice cream.
At mile 28.7 I crossed Esopus Creek where I saw a waterfall.
Sawkill Road, from mile 29.4 to 35.7, had traffic in both directions and no shoulder. After riding that road for two miles I looked for a way to reroute and saw that there was none.
At mile 42.7 I saw an interesting rock formation on Band Camp Road.
At mile 44.2 I stopped at the Rushbrook General Store & Cafe where I had a scoop of Stewart's vanilla ice cream. The serving I was given cost me $5, whereas I could have bought a half gallon for $6. What sort of pricing is that?
Near the end of the ride I felt a twinge in my right knee. I wonder if that was the result of my pedaling being a little wobbly because I was tired.
Races like the Tour de France like to have a climb at the end, but I was glad to be mostly descending for the final 6.5 miles. I arrived at the Red Ranch Inn at 4:00. After checking in to my room and showering I enjoyed swimming several laps in the pool.
I had dinner next door at the Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company. It was noisy inside so I ate outside on a picnic table.
It had been sunny and hot (in the 80s) all day. I drank one bottle of water (with a half-teaspoon of electrolyte) every ten miles. I had no leg cramps while riding despite the heat and substantial amount of climbing. I drank more water with electrolyte before sleeping.
Next day: June 20, 2025 - Palenville, NY, to Cairo, NY, and return
If you post a comment, please identify yourself,
preferably by using your Google account.
Comments
Post a Comment