We pushed back the start time today due to the rain but Harryc and two friends were at my house at 830am.
I then called Dagwood and Dan and told them be at my house with the group at 10 and we would go to plan B riding to the motorcycle museum in Newburgh and then north, but in my heart I hoped for plan A to work out.
So about 1015 or so we left Ossining riding down the big hill to 9 north, Oss, Dan and Trish, Baldo, Newvalker, Dagwood, Skinhead, Harryc and friends up to the goat trail in light rain with views of the river and a few sailboats braving the waves and rain. Crossing the Bear Mountain bridge I said to Skinhead who was riding sweep as we were the 2 with CB, that I was going ahead with plan A and damn the torpedoes.
We headed up Bear Mountain (Perkins road was closed) then down to 6-Palisades Parkway to 7 lakes parkway. It was not raining hardly at all and the ride was outstanding. Right turn on 106 to 1st stop along one of the alpine lakes.
This is a few miles from where the Appalachian Trail crosses 106.
Regrouping we followed 106 to the end and north on 17 to 17M to 208 into the scenic town of Walden.
As we passed a bowling alley I said to Skinhead " f it lets go bowling" which is a private joke between gig and joe from the big lebowski.
That got a big laugh. You had to be there......
From there we rode 52 thru winding farm country and no rain and up the Shawangunk ridge to the overlook Pictures were taken lies told and we went northward to the gas bathroom stop. Then 209 north to 55 west and along the ginormous reservoir to Claryville Road. It was sprinkling and sometimes quite a bit heavier rain while the sun was out. Still an outstanding ride along one of the best roads you can ride then east on 28 to the Phoenicia Diner on 28 around 3pm for lunch. We got a table for 10 and chowed down.Looking out the window there was a rainbow setting down across the road. Pretty neat !
I let HarryC lead us over the Rhinebeck bridge (Baldo split off there to go to the BBQ place and then back to Boston) and down 9G to the Taconic and we blasted down that 65 miles exiting on 129 as the sun set to let Dan and Trish, Dagwood and Skinhead see the Croton Dam from the bottom lot. Dan and Trish came back to our house then we met G and Cheryl at the portugese restaurant which was, as expected really tasty. Then dessert back at our house and now they all are gone :'(
Trish took lots of great pictures, I took just a few and will try to post a few more tomorrow unless she or another rider beats me to it Craig hope you are feeling better for your ride home tomorrow. Dag safe ride to Toronto.
G-Man you missed another epic ride but at least we all got to share dinner and dessert tonite. Maybe next time it wont rain
Here are some pics of the dinner at our house Friday night 1st Baldo from Mass. and Dagwood from Michigan (but you never know where he will be)
Trish and Dan from Virginia and Gman and Cheryl
Cher, Craig and Bonnie after dinner listening to Dan tell a story.
Thanks for the brisket BBQ Craig, I will have it for dinner tonight after visiting my granddaughter today.
Thank you to all those who put in the miles to come to my little part of the country and ride. It meant a lot to me that you were here with me Friday night and today.
Safe winds home to all. Sure hope to see you down the road again
and thanks to Bonnie for making great Mexican food Friday night (I was just the grill master for the skirt steaks and chicken)
Oss
