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Sep 12-13 Weekend Overnight Poughkeepsie to Ferncliff Forest

Sep 12-13 Weekend Overnight Poughkeepsie to Ferncliff Forest

September 12
$65.00 USD
$65.00 USD
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2 days riding on the Empire State Trail with a night of camping at a forest preserve outside Rhinebeck, NY. 

 

Helmets required! This weekend adventure is for all fitness levels and all body types.

On Saturday we cycle 37 miles almost entirely on the bike trail, which means there are as few hills as possible. The final mile after the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge is our only non-Empire State Trail mileage. We will have one night camping in the forest where there are several lean-tos, plenty of space for tents and hammocks, and a portapotty for shared use. On Sunday we have a slow morning and enjoy several hours in camp before packing up and retracing our route back to the train station in Poughkeepsie. 

If you're new to camping or new to using your bike frame to carry camping equipment, this is an easy trial to see if you like it. Experienced riders will enjoy a trip with plenty of time off the bike, a relaxed cycling pace, and all the details taken care of. 

What To Expect: 

  • Pre-trip group info session by video call 
  • Your guide will ensure that nobody is left alone with a flat tire or carrying too heavy a load
  • Route starts and ends with scenic Walkway Over the Hudson and halfway through is another vista on the Rosendale Trestle
  • 1 night of camping with permits at a forest preserve with phone service, walking trails and a fire tower with a great view
  • Stops in New Paltz and Kingston for food, coffee, ice cream, and water refills
  • Flexible arrivals - riders have the option to drive to the campground in their personal vehicle instead of cycling to the train station on Saturday/Sunday.
  • CPR and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certified guide carrying first aid kit 

 

Details

Poughkeepsie, NY
75 miles
2500ft
1 night at forest preserve with phone service and a shared portapotty. There are several lean-tos for campers to use as well
Very hilly
Learn about our fitness ratings

Day by Day Breakout

-----DETAILS -----

What's the overall mileage/elevation?

This trip is 2 days and 1 night with a total of 75 miles of riding, 98%of which is on Empire State Trail bike path. The hills on the route are as minimal as possible with a total of 2500ft of climbs.

Who is this trip for? 

This trip is for anyone who wants to go cycling and camping in a group of around 15 people. All fitness levels and all body types can have a great time. You must be comfortable cycling on public roads that get vehicle traffic. At the pre-departure group meeting we will discuss expected behaviors for safe cycling on public roads. 

Where and when do we meet? 

  • Saturday, Sep 12th in the parking lot of the Poughkeepsie Train Station (Amtrak and MetroNorth)
  • 10am riders pre-departure group meeting and safety check
  • 10:15am wheels spinning and we are on our way
  • Sunday, Sep 13th around 4pm we will return to the same location

What's the campground like?

We will be primitive camping on private forest preserve, and the site is very flat and perfect for tent camping. Hammocks will work great too.

What do we do at the campground?

Once in camp, riders are free to do whatever they want - more riding, campfire cooking... A lot of time is passed just sitting around and talking. 

What do I pack? 

If you sign up, then you will receive a full gear packing checklist. Broadly speaking, each rider should bring their own bike, flat fix kit, and bags/racks/baskets that attach to the frame of the bike for carrying: a shelter, a sleeping system, food, toiletries, clothes for camp, clothes for riding the bike, a rain jacket, several water bottles, and a helmet. 

You can read more about what to expect at these FAQs for trips with Lichen Bike Tours.

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If this trip isn't for you, check out our other trips

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