Pedaling Around Orange County Taking the Fun and Adventure Route
The reasons why bicycling remains popular
among riders of all ages are many and varied.
Biking can be done alone or in groups. It
is relatively inexpensive compared to other
sports. It provides a good cardio workout
with very little impact to the body. And,
it allows riders to see and appreciate sites
they might ordinarily miss. Biking can even
be turned into a fund-raising activity to
help support worthy causes.
Lawyer Judy Pacitti wasn't really into bike
riding until some friends who planned to go
invited her along. She'd been athletic all
her life, and was able to appreciate the physical
benefits of the sport. Plus, she enjoyed the
fact that it allowed her to get up close to
the natural beauty of her neighborhood. She
is now a ride director of an annual three-day
charity bike event called "Get Your Guts
in Gear-The Ride for Crohn's and Colitis."
The title comes from the challenging 210-mile
trip which snakes through the Hudson Valley
from New York City to Saratoga Springs.
Brian Dunlevy owner of Joe Fix It's, a local
bike retailer with shops in Goshen and Monroe,
sponsors the annual Tour de Goshen charity
ride. Brian says, "It usually pulls in
600-700 riders, weather permitting. This year,
it's happening on August 19 and benefits the
Winslow Therapeutic Center. Because it offers
four different routes, it's great for all
levels." Riders have the option of riding
the 11, 25, 45 or 62-mile course, and because
of the staggered starting times, a good percentage
of riders return simultaneously to enjoy the
"after-ride" party with food and
a DJ.
It can be overwhelming for the new rider to
choose a bike, and it's worth a visit to a
bike shop to see what's available. "I
conduct a little interview with new customers,"
says Dunlevy, "and ask about their physical
level, how long it's been since they've ridden
a bike, and what they're looking to do."
When they aren't sure, Dunlevy will let them
test drive a few around the shop, or rent
them one for a day or weekend. Rental rates
are inexpensive and run around $25 for 24
hours. New, quality adult bikes start at around
$219. Dunlevy will do a tune-up on a bike
for around $30 to $40 which includes a brake
and tire check, testing of the gears, cleaning
and lubrication.
Orange County has ever-popular Heritage Trail
extending from Monroe to Goshen. It's an 11-mile
paved road with convenient parking at its
Monroe, Chester and Goshen access points.
Other biking routes exist in Goosepond State
Park, Route 17M in Monroe is unpaved. The
Stewart Airport Buffer Zone access points
is Route 207 and Weed Road in Rock Tavern
near I-84 and New Road in Coldenham has paved
roads but is not maintained. And, within a
few miles south of Warwick, there's Waywayanda
State Park in Hewitt, NJ which is unpaved.
The NYS Department of Transportation created
State Bike Route 17 which begins in Buffalo
and continues into Orange County. It passes
many historic and scenic sites, and after
crossing the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, the trail
ends in Duchess County where it intersects
with Bike Route 9.
Dan McNeilly, Ride Coordinator for the Orange
County Bicycle Club, says the group is "strictly
recreational" and is made up of all levels
of riders. On Saturday mornings, there's an
informal gathering of members who meet up
in Florida at the intersection of Routes 17A
and 94 for a morning ride. The club's biggest
event is held in September, the "Country
Roads Tour" that roams along the farmlands
in southwestern Orange County, and can have
upwards to 1,000 bike riders. Proceeds for
this event go towards the Orange County Land
Trust and the Sanctuary for Animals. The club
also offers a busy calendar of weekly rides,
road trips, and post-ride coffee get-togethers.
Bike clubs can get you into good biking habits
and allow the novice to learn how to make
routine repairs and adjustments to increase
the level of comfort and overall enjoyment.
Here Are Some Helpful Web
Sites:
Orange
County Government Center
(www.co.orange.ny.us).
Orange County bike trails
Orange
County Bike Club(www.ocbicycleclub.org).
Calendar of events, suggested
bike routes
The New
York Biking Coalition
(www.nybc.net).
Information for newcomers
NYSDOT
(www.dot.state.ny.us)
New York State bicycling maps
routes in New York State
Bike Events:
Get Your Guts in Gear
- The Ride for Crohn's and Colitis
- June 8 – 10. Contact Judy
Pacitti at (718) 875-2123, or
log on at www.ibdride.org.
Tour de Goshen August 19. Contact
Brian Dunlevy, Joe Fix It's at
294-7242.
Country Roads Tour
September 9. Log on to www.ocbicycleclub.org
for registration form and details.
Sponsored by the Orange County
Bicycle Club.
A Bicycling Packing List:
Get rolling on a bike trip, either
the easy, go-at-your-own pace touring
variety, or the more adrenaline-charged
mountain bike version — but first
gather up your equipment.
GENERAL BIKING GEAR
The Bike: Deciding on whether
to bring a road, mountain, or hybrid
bike depends completely on what kind
of terrain you expect to encounter on
your trip. If you're going to be sticking
to paved, smooth surfaces, go with the
road bike; you'll be able to travel
much faster than on a mountain or hybrid.
If you plan on going off-road for any
distance, consider the mountain or hybrid
depending on how rugged you expect the
terrain to be.
Helmet: All helmets
sold in the United States are required
to meet CPSC standards. The major difference
between helmets is comfort. As helmets
get lighter and better vented, they
become more expensive.
Jersey: A shirt or
jersey that wicks moisture away from
the skin is the best. If you're going
to wear cotton, don't wear anything
that you really care about—it
will probably get ruined.
Shorts: Cycling shorts
have a pad in the crotch that prevents
chafing and offers some extra padding.
If you're weary of skintight Lycra,
baggy versions are now widely available.
Glasses: Eye protection
is essential, as it will protect your
eyes from errant branches and debris
— not to mention bugs! Shoes What
kind of shoes to choose depends upon
what kind of pedals are on your bike.
Clipless pedals require specially made
shoes that pop into the pedal like ski
boots into a binding. If you have flat
pedals or pedals with a toe cage, almost
any sneaker will work.
Water and Food: Pack
more than you think you'll need, as
it's better to have too much than not
enough. Many bikers use backpack water
carriers because they hold more than
water bottles, and they're easier to
drink from while riding. Food is a matter
of personal choice, but you might want
to bring foods that are high in energy-replacing
carbohydrates. Fruit, peanut butter,
nuts, and energy bars are easily packed
and make for good pick-me-ups.
Flat Kit: A good flat
kit should include a spare inner tube
(make sure it's the right size!), a
hand pump, tire levers (for removing
the tire), and a patch kit. Learn how
to use it before you go…figuring
it out while you're stranded on the
side of the road will be no fun.
First-Aid Kit: It's
always a good idea to carry a few first-aid
items. Pack along a few Band-Aids and
alcohol swabs in case you wipe out.
MOUNTAIN BIKING EXTRAS Mountain-Biking Shoes:
Typically, mountain-biking shoes allow
you to walk or hike over rough surfaces.
Sneakers or low-rise hiking boots work,
too.
Multi-Tool: Off-road,
something always seems to work its way
loose or need a slight adjustment. There
are a number of multi-tools out there.
Before you buy one, take a look at your
bike and see what types of screws and
bolts it has.
Along The Way...
While you pedal your way through the
beautiful Orange County landscape, you
might want to break for a rest and refueling
at one of the area's many eateries.
From casual cafés, diners and
bistros to more formal dining establishments,
Orange County has something for every
taste – and then some.
What follows is just a sampling of places
in the vicinity of the county's various
bike routes. You're sure to come across
a host of other spots that will stir
you to further culinary exploration.
Maggie's in the Alley, 39 Main
Street, Chester,
845-469-8272 (TAPAS) Located in historic downtown
Chester, Maggie's specializes in tapas
–little hot and cold dishes made
of seafood, veggies, eggs, meat and
cheese – that offer diners a global
culinary tour. The restaurant also features
an extensive selection of wines by the
glass and over 40 different kinds of
martinis. Open Wednesdays through Saturdays
from 5 to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 4
to 8 p.m. Reservations suggested on
weekends.
The River Bank Restaurant &
Bar, 3 River Avenue,
Cornwall-On-Hudson, 845-534-3046 Set in a onetime bank building,
this establishment pays tribute to its
roots with copper-trimmed green walls,
a copper bar and an antique cash register
filled with chocolate coins for departing
patrons. The menu, laced with Asian,
French and Italian dishes, focuses on
contemporary American food – and
there's a martini and wine bar. Open
six days for lunch and dinner, plus
Sunday brunch. Closed Tuesdays.
The Copper Bottom, 162 North
Main Street, Florida,
845-651-5700 True its name, the ambience
of this warm and cozy restaurant includes
copper pots, pans and cooking utensils
– even a copper bar. The sizable
menu features creative Continental cuisine,
expertly prepared and presented. There
is also a full bar. Open Tuesdays through
Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays,
11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdays, 5
p.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays 3 p.m. to 8
p.m.
Limoncello Restaurant at the
Orange Inn, 159-167 Main Street, Goshen,
845-294-1880 Owners Luigi and Victor Kapiti
recently renovated the historic Orange
Inn with Italian flair. Limoncello has
two handsome dining rooms and a large
bar. The restaurant's classic Italian
dishes are prepared with high-quality
ingredients and technical expertise.
There is an extensive wine list and
a children's menu upon request. Open
Tuesdays through Sundays for lunch and
dinner.
The Captain's Table, 547 Route
17M, Monroe,
845-783-0209 Touting the atmosphere of a
"Beach Carnivale," this casual
landmark restaurant offers indoor and
outdoor (when the season allows) dining
7 days a week and live band music on
weekends. The menu, which is geared
to pleasing a variety of tastes, includes
steaks, burgers, seafood, salads and
Italian dishes. Three separate bars
offer over 30 different labels for beer
connoisseurs.
Caffe Gelati, Lake Street and
Millpond Parkway, Monroe The brainchild of brothers
David and Nick Barile, owners of next-door
Planet Pizza, and partner Corrine Palazollo,
this brand new bistro features 15 flavors
of gelato, Italian ices and an array
of other dessert items – including
coffees. Open 7 days a week, from 7
a.m. to 10 p.m.
Pamela's On the Hudson, Newburgh
Yacht Club,
1 Park Place, 845-562-4505 The warm, romantic restaurant
with beautiful panoramic views of the
Hudson River, is owned by talented chef
Pamela Resch of Pamela's Moving Feast
fame. The "modern American"
menu offers inventive dishes, as well
as more modest fare such as burgers
and salads. On weekends, there is live
entertainment. Open 7 days a week for
lunch and dinner.
The Tuscan Café, 5 South
Street, Warwick,
845-987-2050 This casual eatery caters to
vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters
alike. The menu features light fare
such as soups, salads and sandwiches
–and beer and wine are available.
On weekend evenings, the café
hosts live musical entertainment.
Ten Railroad Avenue, 10
Railroad Avenue, Warwick, 845-986-1509 This well-established and atmospheric
restaurant has two dining rooms –
one casual and cozy, and one that is
elegant and romantic. The excellent
menu offers an array of culinary tastes
from Italy to Spain, with side trips
to Asia. Lunch, Mondays and Wednesdays
through Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30
p.m.; dinner, Mondays and Wednesdays
through Saturdays from 4:30 to 10:30
p.m. and Sundays, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Closed Tuesdays.
