New York Up State Rides

[blackvalk]

My plan is to ride straight from Chicago to up state NY. Once there, I was wondering if someone can help me find the most scenic rides. I've heard great things about that area and don't want to mis any "must see" sites.

After touring that area, I plan on going into Maine and then down the coast to do the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Any input will be appreciated. I will get some maps together after I hear from people.

Bill

[Fathertime]

  Bill,
  I live in upstate (just north of Albany).
  When are you coming up, and what part of NY are you thinking of riding in?

  FT

[Valkahuna]

Blackvalk,

I'm pretty familiar with New England, and New York as well. When are you comin'? You can PM me and I'll give you a phone number to talk.  Too darn much typing! 

[blackvalk]

I'm leaving Tuesday the 7th and should be in NY by Wednesday. At first glance I will be on I90 probably into Utica, unless that's a mistake. I have plenty of time but ultimately want to make my way up to Maine and then South on the coast.

I would rather not backtrack too much unless it's well worth it.

Bill

[Bill L]

as time gets closer check the new england board, the guys up here can steer you on a bunch of good senic rides. depending on my schedule I would be glad to share some of the NH wind with you.

[Valkahuna]

Hey Blackvalk,

I sent you a PM with my phone numbers. Read it and give me a call. I know some great roads for the trip you have planned.

[Fathertime]

I'm leaving Tuesday the 7th and should be in NY by Wednesday. At first glance I will be on I90 probably into Utica, unless that's a mistake. I have plenty of time but ultimately want to make my way up to Maine and then South on the coast.

I would rather not backtrack too much unless it's well worth it.

Bill

  Bill,
  I-90 (NYS Throughway) is superslab all the way.  Not my idea of a good ride personally, but if you want to get miles under your belt its the way to go.  When you hit Albany (and I assume you're going that far) it turns south and turns into I-87.  If you take I-87 north out of Albany you'll end up in the Saratoga, Glens Falls, Queensbury, Lake George area (Exits 15 and up).  Route 9 north up from Saragoa (Exit 15) can be a nice ride.  When you get to Lake George the road options really open up.  Rt 9N north through Bolton Landing to Ticonderoga is good.  There's a little ferry that can get you across Lake Champlain and into Vermont for a few bucks.
  Go north on rt 22 out of Ticonderoga and there is a second ferry available.  This one is free to replace a bridge that was demolished before it fell down.  Read the signs carefully.  The major turn is marked "Bridge out" BUT offers access to the ferry.  If you decide to go to Vermont look for Rt 17 to Mad River Glenn (a ski resort)  This road is a lovely, technical road with lots of tight turns and switch backs.  Its very popular in the area.  Also look for Smugglers Notch.  Again a very nice ride.
  Back in Lake George, bear left and head into the Adirondack Park area.  Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Whiteface Mtn are worth the trip.  Whiteface Mtn has a toll road to the top (about 5200 ft elevation) with outstanding views, but the road is a little rough.
  To the south and east of Lake George, find Rt 22 and follow it to Bennington Vt.  In Bennington you can take Rt 9 for a great ride through Vt and to the New Hampsire border.  Be on the look out for "Hog Back Mountan" as it offers one of the best views in the area.
  Back in Bennington, continue to Pownel Vt to Mass.  When you hit Williamstown, look for Rt 2 and follow that east to and past Adams.  This is known as the Mohawk Trail.  It does not look like much to start, but it offers a great technical ride once you get past the hair-pin turn at the bottom of the hills.

  Pretty much a good start, if you need any other hints, let me know.  Also let me know when you may be in the area and if you want a guide, hey, any reason to get on the scoot.

   FT