Even a rough ride on the Rail Trail was a nice break for cyclists

MILLERTON — Rain loomed ominously on the horizon, and (for the most part) held off Sunday, July 26, as Bike New York set up at Eddie Collins Field for the sixth annual Harlem Valley Rail Ride, which began and ended in the village of Millerton.

There were five routes covering from 22 to 100 miles, which gave riders of all abilities an opportunity to either challenge themselves with the tough hills and the longer rides or simply enjoy a nice tour of scenic Harlem Valley views.

The ride was scheduled to take place rain or shine. There was a light drizzle in the early afternoon but for the most part it was a humid but not rainy day.

Most of the riders started at the Harlem Valley Rail Trail head in Millerton and moved south to Amenia, where they then split up.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be such a beautiful ride,� said Ross Lee, who along with his brother, Andre, had come down from Canada and did the 30-mile loop. Andre had previously participated in Bike New York’s Five Borough Bike Tour in New York City.

The 75- and 100-mile rides caught a few people by surprise, as they were especially challenging and hilly in places. There were a few local celebrities going for the century ride for the first time.

“This is a tough thing to prepare for,� acknowledged Millerton Mayor John Scutieri before he started. Scutieri reported that he logs between 100 and 150 miles a week on his bike, but this was the first time he had tackled such a long distance in a single day.

Same for town of North East Supervisor Dave Sherman, who also signed up for the 100-mile route. [Millerton is a village in the town of North East.]

“I’m concerned about the weather,� he said before the early morning start, looking up into the sky. “But I haven’t done 100 miles before either.�

Sherman said he felt compelled to join in after hearing that Scutieri and Millerton Police Officer David Rudin would be going for the glory.

David Reagon of Wassaic brought along his son, Mike, for the century as well, but on only one bike, a tandem. (Does that mean each cyclist only has to pedal 50 miles?)

After the ride, cyclists were treated to a festival at Eddie Collins Field, complete with food, free swimming at the town pool, a bean-bag toss and entertainment provided by local bands. There were also educational seminars on handy things to know such as fixing a flat tire.

But rain or shine, whether you rode 22 miles or 100 miles, it was an opportunity for many to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

“Today was great,� said Charles Brewer, who came up from the city. “It’s nice and quiet around here, and it’s just what I needed.�