Yesterday, we celebrated one of our medium group ride leaders, Kathy, with a scenic fall foliage ride in Dutchess County. What a gorgeous ride! Fall colors were popping everywhere. It was worth adding an extra layer or two, to stay warm in the chilly air, for a ride with this much scenic beauty! In the afternoon, dreary skies gave way to sunshine mixed with dramatic clouds. Views of the Hudson Valley and Catskills from Tower Hill Rd couldn’t have been better, given the backdrop of autumn leaves and those aforementioned clouds.
We celebrated over hot food, cold beers (or hot drinks!), and some amazing dark chocolate hazelnut brownies baked by Kathy.
Thanks everyone who came out to ride today and celebrate – despite the sharp drop in temperatures! Folks who made the journey were well rewarded for their efforts.
Steve’s activity on Strava (and more photos): https://www.strava.com/activities/20625429441
ROUTES FOR THIS WEEK:
Long (63 mi, >5000 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55841887
Medium+ (57 mi, >4600 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55841884
Medium (52 mi, >4100 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55841878
Short (41 mi, >3400 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55841875
Photo at the top of this post (above) = View of the Hudson Valley with the Catskills in the distance from the top of Tower Hill Rd.
More photos from the ride:
Part of the medium group (Kathy taking the photo from behind the camera).
Fall colors were at their peak in Dutchess County.
There were so many well-graded, dirt climbs followed by fun, zippy descents, like this one along Buttes Hollow Rd. The scenery was far more beautiful than the road name!
Many (but not all) of today’s riders at the Dover Plains Train Station where we gathered in the morning.