We just spent a week in Red Hook New York and had our first opportunity to break out our bicycles (newly retrieved from storage while passing through Maryland) and go for a ride.
Kathie taking in the sights from the Bridge.
Not too far from Red Hook is the Walkway Over The Hudson, a 212-foot high railroad bridge built in 1888 and converted to a pedestrian and cycling trail in 2009. The bridge connects to other rail trails on each side of the Hudson River, and was a great way to spend a morning on the bikes.
The southern view from the Walkway.
The weather was perfect, and our bikes worked well despite a year or so of being neglected. Most of our cycling up until now has been on the Washington & Old Dominion rail trail in Virginia. On the W&OD, most people we see seem pretty serious about their activities—cyclists in full gear ready for a 50-mile ride, recumbent bikes, many runners, and even roller bladers who often zoom past us when we’re on our bikes! The Hudson River trails we biked were much more relaxed and filled with sightseers and casual walkers and riders (no helmets, gear, etc.)
Mike taking a break along the Bridge.
We packed sandwiches for lunch and stopped to eat at a Rotary picnic pavilion that was right along the trail a few miles west of the Hudson crossing.
Crossing the Hudson River in style!
Since the Hudson River is the lowest point in the area, our ride was all uphill after crossing the bridge. On the bright side, that meant that our return trip was all downhill, for an easy and relaxing return to the crossing and to our car.
Biking the Hudson Valley Rail Trail on the west side of the river.
The trail continues on the eastern side of the river, but since this was our first ride in a long time, we decided to call it quits after 10 miles.
A fun route for our first cycling activity in over a year.
Mission accomplished!
Walkway Over The Hudson
