There ‘s no other way to describe Sunday’s weather, except stunning, simply stunning! A bright sunny day with flawless blue skies, moderate wind and 52 degrees. An absolute perfect day for a bike ride. Because it was so nice, I had to make sure to get some yard work in as these beautiful spring, weekend days are at a premium. That being said, I woke up extremely early and cleaned out the shed, put out the patio furniture and began my spring assault on the lawn.
Earlier in the week, I pre planned a Sunday ride with a couple of friends. So, I kissed my understanding and awesome wife goodbye and headed out to meet Eric H. and Debbie at Hupka’s Auto Body in Matamoras, PA, just outside Milford.
We rode out of the auto body shop and onto Mountain Avenue, right on Delaware drive and over the Port Jervis Bridge. A left on Water Street to River Road to Ferry Street and a left on West Main Street. We followed West Main out of the West End neighborhood, across Rt. 97 and onto Rt. 42, passing through Sparrowbush, NY. We followed Rt. 42 for about 11 miles up to Forestburgh Road. Rt. 42 , a well paved road with a five foot shoulder, climbs the whole way. By the time we made the left on Forestburgh Road, we amassed over 1,400 feet of elevation with little respite.
Forestburgh Road dropped us down to the scenic Mongaup Falls Reservoir, a contributory to the Delaware River, and back up a ridiculously steep hill. Compared to the Poconos, the Catskill Mountains are just that, mountainess. A few more miles and a bit more climbing and the road comes to a split. We veered right onto Leers Road and descended until the road ended. A right on Mohican Lake Road for some more climbing through the town of Highland Lake.
Mohican Lake Road becomes Highland Lake Road and descends down to the small, quiet town of Eldred, NY. Since, Eldred is our turn around point of sorts, we decided take a lunch break at Peck’s Market (they have a nice covered patio with a pic nic table). This seemed like a great time to tell Eric and Deb that although they said this was their first ride of the year, both of them were riding extremely well. Their winter workouts and diet certainly paid off.
Pedaling out of Eldred, we ascended a very steep Proctor Road (I should have had a lighter lunch before a climb like that). Once we reached the top, we rode the ups and downs for about 8 miles to the Upper Mongaup Road, which rolls for a few more miles where we hung a left on Knight Rd, dropped sharply down and made a left on Rio Dam Road. Rio Dam Road is a twisty ascent before dropping you right onto the Rio Dam, a massive structure that sends water to New York City and electricity to surrounding towns.
As soon as we rolled off the dam, we immediately climbed another monster incline. Pedal stroke by pedal stroke, we grinded up the hill, until we summited and turned right on Rt. 42. The climbing was finished for the day, but the thrill was about to begin as we plummeted back down Rt. 42 for about 7 miles. We turned left on Berme Road and rode back through the small, hauntingly desolate town of Sparrowbush.
Heading out of town, we made a left on Rt. 97 and slithered through the west end of Port Jervis. Just before the bridge, we stopped at the Riverside Creamery for an ice cream cone. The Creamery is located on Water St., right on the Delaware River. An absolute oasis, great food and fantastic ice cream. We crossed the bridge and pedaled along the river, back up Avenue C and onto Mountain Avenue for a short sprint to Hupka’s Auto Body.
I’m not sure what was better, the ride or the incredible weather, maybe both! If you want to challenge yourself, this ride is well worth it. 50+ miles and 4,790 feet of climbing make this ride one of the more rewarding adventures on 2 wheels.
What’s Playing: (What am I’m listening to while writing or what’s dancing around in my head while riding) Today – Prince – Purple Rain
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