Event Info
Routes • Educational Ride • Schedule • Services • Festival • Rules
Start/Finish Location: All rides start and finish in Millerton, New York, in northeastern Dutchess County, and include a stretch along the scenic Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Riders choose from among five routes: 20, 30, 55, 75, or 100 miles. The ride takes place rain or shine.
Note About Young Riders: We welcome the participation of families and ask that those with younger cyclists choose either the 20- or 30-mile route. Cyclists 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and everyone under 18 years old must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
Schedule
The Harlem Valley Rail Ride is a self-paced cycling tour with start times based on distance--the longer the ride, the earlier the start. You must be on the road within the start window for your distance or you will have to choose a shorter ride! The last cyclists are expected to arrive back at Millerton by 5:30 p.m.
Check-In: At the start area in Eddie Collins Memorial Field in Millerton, go to the check-in tent to pick up your ride wristband and cue sheet. When you check in, we'll also ask you to sign an additional waiver that covers entry to Lime Rock Park, site of a rest area and race track. Please follow the schedule above. We will be giving out cue sheets according to these times only. A light breakfast will be available, and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions and help you with a Bike Safety Check and Helmet Check. Should you wish to do a different distance than you signed up for, that won't be a problem.
If you bring your swimsuit and a change of clothes in a small bag, we'll keep it for you while you ride. No valuables, please.
Top ^
Rider Services
Route Markings: All routes will be marked with painted pink arrows on the road, and signs will be posted at key intersections. Riders will receive cue sheets with ride directions.
Rest Areas: Rest areas with snacks, beverages, and toilets will be located every 12-20 miles along the route. Those riding 20 miles will have one stop, 30-milers will have two rest areas, 55-milers have four, 75-milers have five, and there are seven for the 100-milers.
Rider Support: Stationary marshals will be posted at key intersections along the route to assist and direct riders, including places where the rail trail crosses roads. "SAG" (support and gear) marshals will be traveling the routes in vehicles and on bikes. Look for them if you need assistance. You can also call the Rider Assistance Hotline listed on your cue sheet if you need help.
Bike Repair: Bike repair services staffed by local bike shops will be provided at the start in Millerton and at selected rest areas. SAG marshals will also assist with basic bike repair.
Festival
At the end of your ride you'll return to Eddie Collins Memorial Field in Millerton. There you'll find a country Festival celebrating the ride and summertime. Offerings are expected to include:
Top ^
Rules
The ride travels mostly on roads open to motor vehicles. Please be respectful of the communities welcoming our event and stay safe by following these few simple rules. Click here for a full explanation of why these are important.
Routes • Educational Ride • Schedule • Services • Festival • Rules
Start/Finish Location: All rides start and finish in Millerton, New York, in northeastern Dutchess County, and include a stretch along the scenic Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Riders choose from among five routes: 20, 30, 55, 75, or 100 miles. The ride takes place rain or shine.
Note About Young Riders: We welcome the participation of families and ask that those with younger cyclists choose either the 20- or 30-mile route. Cyclists 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and everyone under 18 years old must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
Schedule
The Harlem Valley Rail Ride is a self-paced cycling tour with start times based on distance--the longer the ride, the earlier the start. You must be on the road within the start window for your distance or you will have to choose a shorter ride! The last cyclists are expected to arrive back at Millerton by 5:30 p.m.
| Route Choice | Riders Start Between | Group Ride Option |
| 100 miles | 7:30-8:15 a.m. | N/A |
| 75 miles | 7:45-8:45 a.m. | N/A |
| 55 miles | 8:30-9:45 a.m. | 9:00 a.m. |
| 30 miles | 9:15-10:30 a.m. | Regular group: 9:45 a.m. Class: 8:30 a.m. |
20 miles | 9:15-10:30 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. |
Check-In: At the start area in Eddie Collins Memorial Field in Millerton, go to the check-in tent to pick up your ride wristband and cue sheet. When you check in, we'll also ask you to sign an additional waiver that covers entry to Lime Rock Park, site of a rest area and race track. Please follow the schedule above. We will be giving out cue sheets according to these times only. A light breakfast will be available, and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions and help you with a Bike Safety Check and Helmet Check. Should you wish to do a different distance than you signed up for, that won't be a problem.
If you bring your swimsuit and a change of clothes in a small bag, we'll keep it for you while you ride. No valuables, please.
Top ^
Rider Services
Route Markings: All routes will be marked with painted pink arrows on the road, and signs will be posted at key intersections. Riders will receive cue sheets with ride directions.
Rest Areas: Rest areas with snacks, beverages, and toilets will be located every 12-20 miles along the route. Those riding 20 miles will have one stop, 30-milers will have two rest areas, 55-milers have four, 75-milers have five, and there are seven for the 100-milers.
Rider Support: Stationary marshals will be posted at key intersections along the route to assist and direct riders, including places where the rail trail crosses roads. "SAG" (support and gear) marshals will be traveling the routes in vehicles and on bikes. Look for them if you need assistance. You can also call the Rider Assistance Hotline listed on your cue sheet if you need help.
Bike Repair: Bike repair services staffed by local bike shops will be provided at the start in Millerton and at selected rest areas. SAG marshals will also assist with basic bike repair.
Festival
At the end of your ride you'll return to Eddie Collins Memorial Field in Millerton. There you'll find a country Festival celebrating the ride and summertime. Offerings are expected to include:
- Food: Grilled burgers and chicken, pizza, salad, and local corn available for sale.
- Swimming: The town pool will be open to all riders.
- Art Fair: Artists and craftspeople from Eastern Provinces Photographic Society will be displaying and selling their creations and rider photographs to benefit art scholarship programs for local high schools.
- Entertainment: Local musicians play throughout the afternoon.
- Fix-a-Flat Lessons (2:00-3:00): Avoid the SAG wagon by learning how to fix your own flats the easy way. Participants will get a free safety item (while supplies last).
- Bike Maintenance Light (3:00-4:00): Learn how to keep your bike working like a Swiss watch. We will cover chain maintenance, brake adjustments, tire inflation, and other minor adjustments. Mechanical experience not necessary.
- Services: Free bike parking so that you can stroll, eat, or take a swim. Free water to keep you hydrated.
- Exhibitors: Pick up brochures on bike rides and other information on a variety of interests.
Top ^
Rules
The ride travels mostly on roads open to motor vehicles. Please be respectful of the communities welcoming our event and stay safe by following these few simple rules. Click here for a full explanation of why these are important.
- Stay right. Ride as far to the right side of the road as is safe.
- Stay alert.
- Separate. Maintain adequate distance between you and the cyclist ahead of you, especially on downhills. If you're passing someone, call out "on your left" so they know you're coming.
- Wear your helmet. Always, all day.
- Keep your ears and eyes clear. No headphones, picture taking, or cell phone use while riding.
- Obey traffic laws. Watch for and obey stop signs and stop lights.
- Be courteous. Place all trash in proper receptacles. Use polite language.
